Image
Fossils Under our Feet is an engaging presentation on the process of fossilization and the diverse animals present in South Carolina’s fossil record. Paleontologist Ashby Gale will construct explanations for why fossil deposits are located where they are, interpret past data from the fossil record to analyze historical climate patterns, and explore the driving mechanisms of fossilization processes. Throughout the presentation, he will share different fossils collected in the Lowcountry for the audience to get an up-close look at Charleston's prehistoric past.
About the Speaker:
Ever since he was in the stroller, Ashby Gale has had a connection with South Carolina's shorelines and the fossils collected along our beaches. Ashby is a graduate of Appalachian State University where he earned a degree in Environmental Science. In 2014, he took a job with SCPRT as the Interpretive Ranger at Edisto Beach State Park where he curated their collection of Pleistocene vertebrate remains and became the Park's leading authority on paleontology. From 2014-2020, Ashby worked with his parents to publish A Beachcomber's Guide to Fossils, which sold out prior to its publication date. Ashby has presented at numerous conferences on his research, both regionally and internationally (Society of Vertebrate Paleontology, Brisbane, Australia, 2019). His current research focuses on marine vertebrates from the Rupelian Ashley Formation. He is also the owner and lead paleontologist of Charleston Fossil Adventures. Founded in 2016, CFA is Charleston's trusted source for legal commercial paleontology in the Lowcountry, providing unparalleled education about South Carolina's vast prehistory. All tours are paleontologist led, and head to secluded island sites only accessible by boat that are incredibly rich in fossil material. Tours are offered year-round, and guests get to keep everything they find on their Adventure!