2010 Lecture
Dr. Bill Rember
Dr. Bill Rember, Affiliate Assistant Professor of Geological Sciences at the University of Idaho and Director of the Tertiary Research Center, has been unearthing and studying the Clarkia fossil flora of northern Idaho for decades. These exquisitely preserved plant remains illustrate the diverse biota that thrived in this region when it was warmer about 15 million years ago. Many of the fossil leaves display their original autumn colors, while some still contain green chloroplasts and foster biochemical correlations with similar fossil species elsewhere in the world and with contemporary local plants.
This presentation included numerous photographs of the Clarkia fossils, as well as a history of their formation and preservation. First discovered in 1972, the fossils were initially deposited in the sediments of a dammed Miocene lake. The cold, anoxic conditions and rapid sedimentation at the 100- to 150-meter depths of this narrow lake, as well as ensuing tectonic stability, have left northern Idaho with a unique, world-class collection of Miocene plant fossils.
Dr. Rember is an active member of the White Pine Chapter of the Idaho Native Plant Society, who has generously offered his expertise through field trips and presentations for numerous organizations, effectively promoting ongoing interest and scientific knowledge of the significant but undervalued Clarkia fossil beds.
1:00 pm
Historical Overview of
Collecting Fossils at Republic
Karl Volkman, Collections Manager
Stonerose Interpretive Center
Republic, Washington
While many people are familiar with the Stonerose Interpretive Center in Republic, Washington and its public access fossil site, the history leading up to the Formation of Stonerose is not as well known. From the onset of gold fever in the 1890s to the modern day fossil bonanza, many changes in thinking and practices have occurred, all leading to the formation of an important and integral part of modern Eocene paleontology.
About Karl Volkman...
Since first digging at the Stonerose fossil site 19 years ago, Karl Volkman has been hooked on fossils in general and the Republic fossils in particular. Karl is now the Collections Manager for Stonerose during the busy summer digging season and working toward a degree in paleontology during the off season.
