Tim Elam, McKittrick and Maricopa Tar Seeps

MCKITTRICK & MARICOPA TAR SEEPS

June 29, 2025

1:30 PM

California is known for many unusual and fascinating geologic features. Here in Kern County, fossils found at tar seeps on the west side of the San Joaquin Valley provide a glimpse of valley life thousands of years ago during the “Ice Age.” Paleo tar seeps are extremely rare in North America, but Kern County possesses two fossil-bearing seep locations…McKittrick and Maricopa.

These seeps are similar in age to the more famous Rancho La Brea tar pits in Los Angeles. Tar, combined with sediment, entombed and preserved the hard parts of thousands of plants and animals at McKittrick and Maricopa. These fossils were excavated from pits in the 20th Century. Fossils include seeds and insects, plus bones of birds and large mammals such as wolves.

Join local geologist Tim Elam for a photographic presentation that will include discussions of:

· The geology, formation, and age of the seeps

· Bones, bones, bones…animal remains found in the tar

· Tar seep fossils on display at Buena Vista Museum

· Paleontologic excavation history

· Comparison of Kern County’s fossils to those from the Rancho La Brea tar pits

· Tar extraction by indigenous peoples and early oil miners

The presentation will be informal, and questions and discussion are encouraged. No geological background is necessary to enjoy the event.

There will be no extra charge for attending this event…just the normal Museum entrance fee.