Dr. Tom Goodwin, a professor of paleobiology at Andrews University, will present a talk,“Ice Age Giants of Southwest Michigan,” on Wednesday.
This talk will briefly look at the mammoth and the mastodon, two large, elephant-like species which once populated Southwest Michigan. Goodwin, who has taught at Andrews University for 17 years, will show examples of fossils found locally.
The program is in keeping with the theme of The Heritage’s newest exhibit, “Ice Age Imperials,” focusing on the large mammals that roamed the Great Lakes region during the prehistoric era.
The Heritage has several fossils on loan from the Andrews University Natural History Museum, which is home to the Prillwitz Mammoth, the largest mammoth skeleton ever found in Michigan.
Goodwin has a doctorate in biology from the University of Kansas with a specialty in vertebrate paleontology. Most of his work has focused on Pleistocene (Ice Age) mammals from North America – especially fossil squirrels.
This program is part of The Heritage’s annual Public Program Series, which is free for students and members of The Heritage and $5 for others.
Attendees may view the “Ice Age Imperials” exhibit, which will be  open for one half hour before and after the program.
The Heritage is located at 601 Main St., St. Joseph.
Call (269) 983-1191 or visit www.theheritagemcc.org for more information.