Introduction to the Field Trip

 

 

by Raymond R. Anderson

1

 

 

 

 

Bedrock Geology of Palisades-Kepler State Park

 

 

by Brian J. Witzke

3

 

 

Introduction

3

 

 

The Rocks

4

 

 

The Fossils

5

 

 

Upper Scotch Grove Formation

10

 

 

Main Mound Complex

10

 

 

   “Leeward Zone” of the Mound Complex

10

 

 

   Inter-Mound Strata

11

 

 

Gower Formation

12

 

 

   Brady Member

12

 

 

   Anamosa Member

13

 

 

Depositional Interpretations

14

 

 

Field Trip Examination

16

 

 

References

17

 

 

 

 

Quaternary Geology of Palisaces-Kepler State Park

 

 

by Stephanie A. Tasier-Surine

19

 

 

Introduction

19

 

 

Southern Iowa Drift Plain

20

 

 

Iowan Surface

20

 

 

Quaternary deposits

21

 

 

References

22

 

 

 

 

Vegetation of Palisades-Kepler State Park and Palisades-Dows State Preserve

 

 

by John Pearson

23

 

 

General Setting

23

 

 

Upland Forest

23

 

 

   Mature forest communities

23

 

 

   Old trees

28

 

 

   Understory plants

28

 

 

   Successional forest communities

29

 

 

Limestone Bluffs

29

 

 

   Cedar community

29

 

 

   Ravine bluffs

30

 

 

   Blufftop glades

30

 

 

Acknowledgements

31

 

 

References Cited

31

 

 

 

 

Wildlife of the Palisades-Kepler State Park and Palisades-Dows State Preserve

 

 

by Kim S. Bogenschutz

33

 

 

Wildlife Species

33

 

 

Wildlife Management

34

 

 

References

35

 

 

 

 

Archaeology of Palisades-Kepler State Park

 

 

by William Green

37

 

 

Introduction

37

 

 

Archaeology at Palisades-Kepler State Park

37

 

 

     Accompanying paper:  Paleoenvironments and Human Prehistory in Linn County

 

 

 

   by William Green

 

 

 

Introduction

41

 

 

Early Eastern Iowa Climate

41

 

 

Early Archaic (6,000-8,000BP)

42

 

 

Middle Archaic (4,500-6,000BP)

42

 

 

Late Archaic (2,500-4,500BP)

42

 

 

Woodland (1,000-2,500BP)

43

 

 

Woodland Mounds

43

 

 

Woodland Agriculture

44

 

 

Modern Indian Tribes in the Area

44

 

 

References

45

 

 

 

 

History of Palisades-Kepler State Park

 

 

by Jim Hansen

49

 

 

The Early Years

49

 

 

The CCC Era

52

 

 

References

56

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Field Trip Stops
 

 

Stop 1:  Palisades-Kepler Mbr at Central Mound Complex Exposures “F-D”

 

 

 

by Brian Witzke

57

 

Stop 2.  Ancient Cedars at Overlook of Cedar River near Gazebo

 

 

 

by John Pearson

58

 

Stop 3: Upland Forest Community at Palisades-Kepler State Park.

 

 

 

by John Pearson

58

 

Stop 4.  Nautiloid Pocket in Palisades-Kepler Mbr at Central Mound Complex Exposure  “C”

 

 

 

by Brian Witzke

58

 

Stop 5: Exposure of Brady Mbr

 

 

 

by Brian Witzke

59

 

Stop 6.  Small Prairie “Glade” and Old White Oak Trees

 

 

 

by John Pearson

59

 

Stop 7.  Flank Beds of the Palisades-Kepler Mbr at Central Mound Complex Exposure “B”

 

 

 

by Brian Witzke

60

 

Stop 8:  Quaternary Geology of the Palisades-Kepler State Park at the Sand Bar

 

 

 

by Stephanie Tassier-Surine

61

 

Stop 9:  Waubeek Creek Mbr Exposure Along Cedar River Near Dam

 

 

 

by Brian Witzke

62

 

Stop 10:  History of Palisades-Kepler State Park

 

 

 

by Jim Hansen

63

 

Stop 11.  Pre-History of Palisades-Kepler State Park

 

 

 

by Bill Green

63

 

Stop 12.  Examination of Gower Fm. Anamosa Mbr Exposures

 

 

 

by Brian Witzke

64