Archaeologist unearths Tahkenitch history April 9

Release Date: Apr 5, 2016

Contact(s): Lisa Romano, Paul Meznarich

It’s one of the oldest inhabited sites on the Central Oregon Coast. Tahkenitch Landing, seven miles north of Reedsport, has produced archaeological finds dating as far back as 8,000 years into the past.

Oregon State University graduate student and archaeological researcher Molly Kirkpatrick will share her findings during the final Winter Discovery Series installment 2 p.m. Saturday, April 9, at the Cape Perpetua Visitor Center, 2400 S. Highway 101, three miles south of Yachats.

Protected against the erosional nature of the rising Pacific Ocean, Tahkenitch Landing provides intriguing insights into an early period of coastal occupation. Kirkpatrick and her colleagues are using minimally invasive technologies, such as geochemical analysis of sediment cores to investigate the prehistoric occupation at the Tahkenitch Landing site and surrounding area.

The Cape Perpetua Winter Discovery Series is an opportunity to explore topics and resources relevant to the Oregon Coast during the off-season months between November and March. All presentations and events are free, but a Northwest Forest Pass, Oregon Coast Passport, federal recreation pass or $5 day-use fee is required within the Cape Perpetua Scenic Area.

For more information, contact the Cape Perpetua Visitor Center at 541-547-3289.