From the February 2006 Conservationist

Remains to Be Seen

By Brian Swinn

That October day began much like any other at the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge in western New York. It would end, however, only after a discovery that would both shed light on the area's prehistory and provide added interest for visitors.

Iroquois NWR is part of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Wildlife Refuge System. Notable for its location on a major north-south migratory flyway and resultant sightings of thousands of waterfowl, particularly in the spring, Iroquois' 10,818 acres are located midway between Rochester and Buffalo.

A project to improve wetland habitat for wildlife at the refuge had been under way for some time, and this day, contractors would again report to the Mohawk Pool area to continue building a dike. While digging, a workman yanked out yet another bucket of muck. Hanging off the edge of the bucket was something a tad unusual...

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Photo: DEC