Larry Richie, a retired farmer and local historian is bringing bison bones and other local archeological discoveries to Nerstrand Big Woods State Park. He will share them with guests during a program designed to delve into the ancient past of bison in the vicinity of the state park from 2-3:30 p.m., September 18th. in the picnic shelter.
Richie has spent the last two summers digging in a sinkhole near his farm in Walcott Township (south of Faribault). He has recovered hundreds of bison bones, many bird bones, and other interesting geological findings.
With support from friends and other supporters, Richie and the Rice County Historical Society have had four of the bison bones carbon dated. The results say the bones range in age from 2,800 to 3,600-years-old.
Bring your friends and family for this fascinating up-close look at ancient bison bones on September 18th, where Richie will discuss how he found the bones, the process of recovering them, and how they were dated. He will also discuss the geology of the area and how it changed over the course of several thousand years.
Additional Information:
This program is sponsored by The Friends of Nerstrand Big Woods State Park and is free to state park permit holders or $6 for a daily pass. At 3:30, a brief Annual Meeting of the Friends of Nerstrand Big Woods State Park will be held followed by light snacks. All are invited to attend.
Photo: David Erpestad