SECOND SATURDAY
The Archeological dig was a success. Over 20 folks gathered to watch their children/grandchildren search for artifacts in a special corner of McNary native plant area.


Deb Jennings was the learning station scientist that supervised the dig. She is a volunteer who leads a variety of learning experiences for visiting school classes and/or visitors to the McNary NWR. She is enthusiastic about the outdoors and practises creative ideas with her grandchildren so she understands what features to incorporate for a successful adventure. She arrived early with tools for the diggers.




Families arrived at the "dig site."



Children begin digging in the dirt as soon as they are old enough to find some in which to dig. The two shown here were curious about this special event. Not too curtain they would have a experience different from what they have at the lake shore when on vacation.
kids dig for artifacts





The protective cover is turned back to reveal the official digging area
Deb explains the procedure



 

More curious visitors gathered to watch the discoveries





The first artifact is found (a button indicating the most recent past) and attention becomes very intense.
All diggers get excited about what they will find as they continue to dig into the deeper past.
kids dig for artifacts




Not everyone was intrigued with the crowd. Two very young
found other interesting activities







At the "site" artifacts were set aside and discussed the way scientists would do.
What was this one from? An animal? How did the seashell come to be there?
What an odd piece of iron.
What is the next step in a real discovery?






Each piece must be carefully cleaned and removed to a safe place for storage and later study
This bone appeared to be a the upper bone from an animal about the size of the child doing the cleaning





That was hard work.
Time to go for a hike along the posted trail.
a family hikes on the posted trail


SEE WHAT FUN YOU MISSED!

EXPERIENCE AN ADVENTURE ON THE SECOND SATURDAY OF EVERY MONTH.


Naomi Sherer