Byron Forest Preserve to offer artifact ID program

The Byron Forest Preserve District will offer its eighth Archaeology Artifacts ID Day on Saturday, July 17, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Jarrett Prairie Nature Preserve’s North Shelter, 7993 North River Road, Byron.

Professional archaeologists from Illinois and Wisconsin will be at the event to answer questions about arrow heads, spear points, prehistoric tools, pottery sherds, fossils or other items.

“If you don’t have any items of your own to identify, be sure to stop in any way to see what other have brought,” said Mark Herman, superintendent of education. “The Rock River Valley supported a huge Native American population for nearly 13,000 years before European settlement and an abundance of stone tools and artifacts are still being uncovered. Learn more about prehistoric tools and weapons dating from thousands of years ago through hands-on demonstrations at this interactive event.”

The event is free and no advance registration is required.

For more information contact the Byron Forest Preserve District at 815 234-8535 extension 200. This event will be held rain or shine.