Global Center of Ancient Tracks and Trace Fossils: Bridging Time, Space,and Species
One continent, one people, separated through space and time re-united through the search for Ice Age footprints.
Mission
The Center for Tracks and Trace Fossils is dedicated to unlocking the secrets of our shared past, revealing the connections between different species, human migration, and the great megafauna of the Ice Age. Through the discovery, preservation, and study of ancient fossil tracks and trace fossils, we aim to foster a deeper understanding of the world as it once was, to inspire future generations of researchers and enthusiasts, to protect this record of Earth history.
Our Vision
At the core of our work is the view that during the last Ice Age the Earth was once a vast, interconnected “island” where continents were united by land bridges revealed by lower sea levels. This allowed humans and megafauna to migrate across the planet revealing our shared past where we are today separated by oceans. While much of this history has been lost in the depths of time, we are uncovering traces left behind in the form of fossil footprints, impressions of past life frozen in time. These tracks provide not only a glimpse into the lives of extinct species and humans, but also evidence the pathways of early human migration. The center will build a platform for scientific discovery, education, and public engagement. Our work focuses on finding animal trackways through remote sensing and selective ground truthing to explore animal interactions and migration. We hope to secure a modest parcel of land (a few hundred acres) with fossil footprints, and using this land provide training for researchers, educators, and the public on how to document and preserve these unique traces.
Our Goals
Trackways as Evidence of the Past: Over the past eight years, our team has developed cutting-edge techniques to locate, and study hidden fossil footprints over vast areas of land. Using advanced remote sensing technology, we can detect these fossilized footprints, study the ground surfaces they rest on, and confirm their historical significance. Our research continues to challenge and expand our understanding of prehistoric migration patterns and the ecological relationships between humans and megafauna during the Ice Age.
Secure Land for Fossil Preservation and Public Access: We are committed to securing and preserving land that contains important fossil footprints. This land will be set aside for scientific research and open to the public for educational purposes. By establishing public access to these sites, we aim to deepen the public’s appreciation of ancient life and the interconnections of species across time. We offer resources and tools to empower local communities to take an active role in protecting these irreplaceable natural heritage sites.
Training in Documenting Fossil Footprints: Our center will offer hands-on training in the techniques we have developed to locate and document fossil footprints. Through workshops, field schools, and collaborations with academic institutions, we will teach individuals how to identify, map, date, and preserve fossil tracks on the surface, subsurface, and imbedded in lake stratigraphy. These training opportunities will help cultivate the next generation of paleontologists, archaeologists, and preservationists. It will accelerate the footprint revolution.
Public Education and Outreach: The Center will serve as a hub for educational resources about Ice Age megafauna, human migration, and the significance of fossil prints in understanding our collective history. We will host public lectures, seminars, and exhibitions to share our findings with a broad audience. Our goal is to inspire curiosity and respect for the ancient world and its inhabitants, while fostering a deeper connection between people and the natural world.
Collaborate in Fossil Preservation and Protection: We will form partnerships with other organizations, governments, local and tribal communities to ensure the long-term preservation and protection of fossil records. By working together, we can establish legal protections, manage fossil sites responsibly, and prevent the illegal collection or destruction of these valuable records.
Why Fossil Prints Matter
Fossil footprints are a powerful tool for understanding the lives of ancient species. They provide a snapshot of behavior — where animals walked, what they ate, how they interacted with their environment and other animals. For humans, fossil tracks offer a glimpse into our ancient ancestors’ movements and migrations. They tell the story of how early humans and megafauna coexisted and interacted with the environment. Our work has revealed how ancient lake systems and wetlands have preserved an extraordinary archive of early human history, spanning thousands of years. This archive is not limited to North America but extends across the globe. Every fossil footprint we uncover provides us with a glimpse into a world that no longer exists, helping us to understand the complex and rich tapestry of life during the Ice Age.
Why We Need Your Support
The work we are doing requires dedication, resources, and expertise. As a non-profit organization, we rely on the support of individuals, foundations, and organizations who share our commitment to preserving and studying the past. Your contributions will help us:
Continue our innovative research and develop new techniques for detecting and analyzing fossil footprints.
Secure land for preservation and public access, ensuring that these fossil sites remain intact for future generations.
Provide training and educational opportunities to foster the next generation of scientists, educators, and fossil enthusiasts.
Partner with other organizations to protect and preserve fossil sites worldwide.