More than 10,000 years ago, Ohio presented a vastly different landscape, one dominated by colossal sheets of ice and gigantic mammals. This era, known as the Ice Age, was a time when much of the state, including Crawford County, was engulfed in a frozen tundra. The Ice Age, which started around 2.4 million years ago, saw massive glaciers, some of which covered approximately three-quarters of Ohio. This period significantly shaped the region’s geological and ecological character.

The Last Glacial Maximum, occurring around 26,000–24,000 years ago, marked the peak of glacial expansion in Ohio. The glaciers from this era carved out remarkable geographical features, such as glacial grooves, and played a crucial role in the formation of the Great Lakes. Additionally, Ohio’s landscape was molded by earlier glacial periods, such as the Illinoian Glaciation, leaving behind a rich tapestry of geological history.

Virtual Exploration of an Ancient World

To explore this captivating period, the Crawford Park District is hosting a virtual event titled “The Ice Age in Crawford County.” Scheduled for Tuesday, January 16, at 6:00 PM, this online presentation promises to be an intriguing journey into Ohio’s “cool” history. Josh Dyer, the Director of Crawford Park District, will lead the event, delving into the fascinating details of how the Ice Age not only shaped the land as we know it today but also left behind underground treasures in the form of ancient bones.

This virtual event provides an excellent opportunity for residents and history enthusiasts to learn about the Ice Age’s impact on their local environment. To participate in this enlightening session, interested individuals are encouraged to call the Crawford Park District office at 419-683-9000 during their business hours, which are from Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM, and on Saturday from 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM. The office remains closed on Sundays.