Friday, October 23, 2026

Indigenous Stone Serpent (Woodbridge CT)

 

"In discovering evidence of the past, we often find things in the oddest of places. This is the situation with what appears to be a stone serpent created by Native Americans...The serpent (large stone head about 6 feet in length with approximately a 125-foot tail) faces south, perpendicular to the river, which is typical of ceremonial stonework of the indigenous culture throughout New England. The tail, which looks like a normal but low stone wall, runs up the hill, ending with a yellowish-white stone sitting on top. The tail stone is a mystery, but the rest matches the description of many Connecticut serpent effigies in the State. The straight body/tail, the uphill run, and the facing towards water are all in line with other known Native American works in the region. Note that there are no other “stone walls” in the area; therefore, it is an unlikely field divider."

Friday, October 02, 2026

NEARA field trip to Peppercorn Hill - Oct 24

Peppercorn Hill was once marked as an "Indian Establishment" on a map from the 1800's. There are many stone groupings and other features to explore in the landscape. The walk will be led by Cathy Taylor, an Upton resident, who for over 25 years has been studying ceremonial earth and stone sites identified by Tribal Historic Preservation Officers. This will be a 2-hour, level walking hike. Please wear suitable clothing. The walk is free, but pre-registration is required. Details will be emailed to registrants a few days in advance. Limited to 15, all ages welcome with adult supervision. (Details for email: Peppercorn Hill, Taft St. open space parking lot.  (around 97 Taft St.)

Saturday, October 24, 10 AM – Noon, Upton, Massachusetts walk, in person only

Delisting the Bears Ear National Monument in Utah

An important story for lovers of the desert southwest: The REAL Reason Trump Is Gutting National Monuments in Utah

Notice the drill holes in this screengrab? [right click and open in separate tab to enlarge]

Now THAT is an arrowhead

Ground slate spearpoint from a melting Norwegian Glacier:

In an Exciting but ‘Brutal’ Find, a 5,000-Year-Old Arrow Emerges From Norway’s Rapidly Melting Mountain Ice