There’s a lot of talk of “science” these days, but you may not know how important a role that the Tule Springs area has in modern-day scientific methods. It started with the first documented fossil discovery in 1903, the Fenley Hunter archaeological expedition in the 1930s and then the 1960s Big Dig, where carbon dating was used extensively for the first time on a project of this magnitude. Today, with the current U.S. Geological Survey and on-Monument research activities like bird monitoring, Tule Springs has and continues to make notable scientific contributions.
The Protectors help with that effort in myriad ways. Our volunteers work alongside National Park Service employees on a daily basis and funds we raise contribute to the Teacher-Ranger-Teacher and Geoscientist in the Park positions and other science-oriented programs. Every spring, Protectors participates in the Las Vegas Science and Technology Fair and other educational outreach efforts throughout the year.
Protectors Board President Jill DeStefano and Vice President Sandy Croteau were recently invited to tag along with scientist Vance Haynes to the Big Dig site. At 94, Vance can still recount incredibly detailed memories of his experience on that monumental effort!