Inland Ice Ages: Now Without Glaciers
On Sunday, March 11 at 2:00 pm, join Curator of Paleontology Eric Scott for “Inland Ice Ages: Now Without Glaciers,” a lecture at San Bernardino County Museum. This program is free with museum admission.
“Saying ‘Ice Ages’ conjures images of glaciers, ice fields, and herds of woolly mammoths huddling against howling blizzards,” says Scott. “Those can be engaging scenarios, but they don’t accurately portray what our region was like during glacial times.”
During the Pleistocene Epoch—the ‘Ice Ages’— inland southern California summers were cooler and year-round temperatures were more moderate. Snow and ice were present for most of the year in the local mountains. “We had streams and lake in the valleys, fed by mountain ice, which would have provided sustenance for plants and animals. The evidence of these ancient organisms lies right beneath your feet!” says Scott.
In this lecture, Scott will talk about Pleistocene fossils from throughout southern California, with special emphasis on two famous sites: the Rancho La Brea “tar pits” and Diamond Valley Lake. Visitors will also get a glimpse at the exhibits of Pleistocene fossils planned for the museum’s upcoming Hall of Geological Wonders.
The San Bernardino County Museum is at the California Street exit from Interstate 10 in Redlands. The museum is open Tuesdays through Sundays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. General admission is $6 (adult), $5 (student or senior), and $4 (child aged 5 to 12). Children under five and Museum Association members are admitted free. Parking is free. For more information, visit www.sbcountymuseum.org or call (909) 307-2669.
The museum is accessible to persons with disabilities. If assistive listening devices or other auxiliary aids are needed in order to participate in museum exhibits or programs, requests should be made through Museum Visitor Services at least three business days prior to your visit. Visitor Services’ telephone number is (909) 307-2669 ext. 229.
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