Pod the Road Again: Ashfall Fossil Beds

Welcome to "Pod the Road Again" I'm your host, P.T.R.A., and today we're exploring the fascinating Ashfall Fossil Beds in northeastern Nebraska. This site is a treasure trove of prehistoric history, offering a glimpse into the lives of ancient animals that once roamed North America. The Ashfall Fossil Beds are situated in rolling farmland drained by Verdigre Creek. The site's significance dates back to around 12 to 5 million years ago, during the Miocene Epoch. A massive volcanic eruption in what is now southwestern Idaho sent huge amounts of volcanic ash across North America, including to the area around Ashfall. This catastrophic event created a unique graveyard for hundreds of prehistoric animals. The ash bed, which is part of the Ash Hollow Formation, contains the remains of over 20 species of animals, including rhinos, horses, camels, birds, turtles, and small saber-toothed deer. The fossils are remarkably well-preserved, with the smallest animals at the bottom of the ash layer and the larger ones higher up, reflecting the sequence of their deaths. The discovery of these fossils is a story in itself. In 1971, University of Nebraska paleontologist Michael Voorhies stumbled upon the skull of a baby rhinoceros eroding out of a layer of volcanic ash. This initial find led to further excavations, which uncovered dozens of articulated skeletons. The site was later purchased by the Nebraska Game and Parks Foundation, leading to the creation of Ashfall Fossil Beds State Historical Park in 1991. Today, visitors can see paleontologists at work in the Rhino Barn, where fossils are still embedded in the ash. The park also features a visitor center with interpretive displays and a fossil preparation laboratory. The Hubbard Rhino Barn, built between 2007 and 2009, shelters the dig and fossils from harsh weather conditions, providing an unobstructed view of the ongoing excavations. This place is not just a historical site but also an active research site, offering insights into the life and death of ancient creatures that occurred over a few weeks. It's a truly unique and invaluable contribution to science.