Fossil Reef Park
A 2nd, older deposit of fossils was found in the paleontological reserve known as
Fossil Reef Park. Fossil Reef Park is part of the 6 mile long, 300 foot deep reef of limestone dating back 17 million years when much of Orange County was submerged under a shallow, tropical bay. Imbedded within the reef are fossil remains of scallop shells the size of dinner plates, clams, tube worms and other sea creatures. These areas went on to provide a calving site for early whales millions of years later.
Community Center & Sports Complex
During the construction of the Laguna Hills Community Center and Sports Complex, a number of well-preserved fossils were unearthed believed to be from mammoths. Workers on the site found fossilized tusks, vertebrae, and femurs from Columbian Mammoths. Bones of a mastodont were also uncovered, although only a portion of the mastodont was unearthed.
Alicia Parkway & Moulton Parkway
At the nearby corner of Alicia Parkway and Moulton Parkway, a 12 to 15 million year old whale fossil was discovered during construction grading of the area. The 40-foot mammal was believed to have died and settled on its back in the underwater reef encompassing the area millions of years ago. Another find uncovered at a nearby site was the tooth of a young camel, believed to be from 100,000 to 1 million years old. As late as 100,000 years ago, camels roamed Orange County, but eventually died out.
Three Major Paleo-Environments
Laguna Hills has a rich history, having undergone 3 major paleo-environments in its past. This has led to numerous fossil discoveries throughout the City that tell amazing tales of times long past.