Connecticut’s Ancient Natural History: Life and environments in the Mesozoic Era

This course surveys the changing environments and life forms in ancient eastern North America, emphasizing the place we now call Connecticut. We will look at the geological history of our area including the evolving tectonics, climate, and flora and fauna, with particular attention to our local Age of Dinosaurs. Study of the Triassic and Jurassic periods will include examination of fossils and rocks for what they reveal about this region’s geology, ancient environments, and its early plant and animal inhabitants. We will discuss features of these times preserved in Connecticut’s landscape. Field trips to Dinosaur State Park and the Peabody Museum will help us visualize how we learn about the ancient Mesozoic time in our region.

instructor: Peter Drzewiecki

3 classes, Wednesdays, Oct. 23, 30, Nov. 6, 4:00–6:00 pm; 2 Saturday field trips, Nov. 2: Peabody Museum; Nov. 9: Dinosaur State Park, times TBA