Lindenmeier archeological site celebration set for May 17 & 18

Lindenmeier: Looking Forward by Looking Back is two days of festive activities that kick off the 2014 celebration of the world-renowned Lindenmeier archeological site. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the Smithsonian visit to what is now a National Historic Landmark at Soapstone Prairie Natural Area. It was here, at the Lindenmeier site, that scientists discovered a Folsom point wedged into an ancient bison bone, helping to prove the presence of humans at the location at least 10,000 years ago. The City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Department and the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery plan to celebrate the anniversary with special events now through November.

A highlight of Lindenmeier: Looking Forward by Looking Back will be the chance to see the Director’s Tent exhibit, carefully recreated with historic objects to replicate Frank Roberts’ tent (Director of the 1930’s excavation). Visitors can see a flint knapping demonstration with Butch Kasubick, and experience hands-on activities such as atlatl spear throwing, flag making and a replica artifact dig for children. Visitors are invited to the many fun and educational presentations listed below.

Details & Schedule
Saturday, May 17 and Sunday, May 18, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days, meet at Soapstone Prairie Natural Area’s North Parking Lot unless noted. Free, no registration required, but you can get a reminder and updates at NatureTracker.fcgov.com .

• Step into the 1930’s Director’s Tent and see what life would have been like 80 years ago at Soapstone Prairie.
• See a Folsom point being created by flint knapper Butch Kasubick who will be demonstrating his craft.
• Atlatl spear throwing, flag making, and a replica artifact dig for children.

Presentations:
10 a.m. What’s So Special About Soapstone
11 a.m. The Importance of the Lindenmeier Site
11 a.m. Homesteading at Soapstone (South Parking Lot)
Noon Coming Home: Ferrets and Bison
1 p.m. The Importance of the Lindenmeier Site
2 p.m. What’s So Special About Soapstone
2 p.m. Homesteading at Soapstone (South Parking Lot)
3 p.m. The Importance of the Lindenmeier Site

Special Activity
Sketching Lindenmeier Landscapes, Saturday May 17, 9 a.m. to noon. Hike the Towhee Trail and sketch or paint terrain originally viewed by Smithsonian artist Edwin G. Cassedy. REGISTRATION REQUIRED (for this activity only) at NatureTracker.fcgov.com.

A variety of events and activities focusing on Soapstone Prairie’s historical and natural importance will be offered throughout the year, culminating in a symposium, Lindenmeier: Ancient Lives, Ancient Dreams, October 19-22. The symposium will feature a “who is who” of expert archeologists from around the world connected to the original visit by the Smithsonian and the Colorado Museum of Natural History, together for the first time ever. The 1930’s excavations discovered one of the most extensive Folsom culture campsites ever found. Registration and details about Lindenmeier: Ancient Lives, Ancient Dreams will be available May 17 at Fort Collins Museum of Discovery, fcmod.org .

For a full listing of events and activities, visit NatureTracker.fcgov.com, call 970-416-2815, or email naturalareas@fcgov.com.