History

The Paleozoic Trackways Foundation
Grassroots, Lawmakers and Scientists Unite

What began as a grassroots effort in 2005, the Paleozoic Trackways Foundation was formed and set as its goal to have the area of the Trackways preserved so that citizens and visitors to this country could see this remarkable site and scientists could study it. The Foundation’s efforts were initially centered on bringing to public attention the importance of these finds. The first step in that direction was to literally make the creation of a National Monument the object of an act of Congress. It took 2½ years to attain.

A bi-partisan effort by United States Senators Pete Domenici (R) and Jeff Bingaman (D) of New Mexico accomplished the unusual when Congress finally passed their bill and President Barack Obama signed into law the creation of the Prehistoric Trackways National Monument on March 30, 2009. This federal designation will help ensure protection of the site for future generations, while allowing for public education and continued scientific research opportunities.

The Foundation is dedicated to educating the public that, contrary to some beliefs, Trackways discoverer Jerry MacDonald’s first discovery was not just occasional tracks, but rather a “mother lode” of trackways. The national monument contains fossilized tracks extending more than 20 feet and evidence of a petrified forest rising from the desert floor. Recently discovered petrified wood is unique and rare as it contains preserved wood cells, which are exceptionally valuable for research scientists. Scientists who have been to the Robledo Mountains confirm MacDonald’s findings.

The area includes what are believed to be the best examples of Paleozoic tracks in North America. Its scientific merit may also help advance knowledge of natural history for primary, secondary, and post-secondary school students and educators, and research-based institutions throughout the state, the nation, and the world.

With the creation of the Prehistoric Trackways National Monument, the focus of the Foundation has now turned to obtaining the necessary funding to maintain the site and to exhibiting the remarkable discoveries uncovered there. The opportunity for children and adults to learn about these findings is unique and may help to enhance tourism to the City of Las Cruces and the County of Doña Ana.