SPORTS + OUTDOORS

Archeologists Peer back in time at Brazos Bend State Parks using 21st Century Technology.  It's The Archeology of Brazos Bend State Parks, Wednesday, August 4.

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and SWCA Environmental Consultants have partnered to answers questions about the state park’s recent and ancient past. Just under the surface, archeologists will find the answers and unveil the regions past. Detailed archeological survey research will begin in August 2010 and run for the next three years at Brazos Bend State Park to uncover the park’s rich and diverse history. The park has had a long history of human habitation possibly dating back 5000 years or more. Several hundred to several thousand years ago, different peoples and cultures occupied or passed through what is known as Brazos Bend State Park, leaving their mark in many ways.

The first major archeological work for this project will survey the area around Brazos Bend State Park’s Nature Center. This archeological site may be very significant regarding the interpretation of the history and prehistory at Brazos Bend State Park, Fort Bend County, and the state of Texas. As Brazos Bend State Park intends to expand the current nature center, ground penetrating radar (GPR) will be used to expose any buried cultural resources that may be impacted by the proposed project.
“GPR is a non-invasive but powerful technique that allows archeologists to locate buried cultural resources.

By sending radar signals through the ground and analyzing their patterns, archeologists can find house foundations, walls, pits, graves, or other objects without digging up the soil. As it is non-destructive, it’s a wonderful tool to allow for the creation of site exploration strategies, conservation, and preservation.” Kevin Miller, SWCA Principal Investigator.

The public is invited to observe this 21st Century technology at work and to peer back in time. Archeologists and Park Rangers will be on-hand August 4th from 10 am to 2 pm to answer questions and tell the “story” of Brazos Bend State Park’s rich history.

Brazos Bend State Park, only 45 miles from downtown Houston, is known for its viewable diverse wildlife populations including the American alligator and quality outdoor recreation. The park is open daily from 8 am to 10 pm Monday thru Thursdays and 7 am to 10 pm from Fridays thru Sundays. Park entrance fees are required: 13 to 64 - $5; Kids – 12 and under are Free; Texas Seniors 65 to 79 are $3; Seniors born before September 1st, 1930 are Free.