History

The Gravel Pit Years

The early 20th century saw drastic changes in a short period of time. In less than four decades, strip mining had reduced the gravel outcrop to a vast pit. In keeping with the customary practices of that time, the mine operators simply abandoned the site when it was no longer productive. No efforts—or even plans—were made to heal the ugly scar in the landscape.

As the years went by, the land remained unused, and nature took its course, slowly and subtly transforming the site.

Click on the thumbnail pictures below to see the full-sized pictures taken during while natural succession gradually restored the site.