New Reach center exhibit focuses on Columbian mammoths

A new exhibit at the Reach center in Richland focuses on Columbian mammoths that roamed Eastern Washington during the last Ice Age.

The exhibit is presented by the MCBONES Research Center Foundation. Through it, “visitors can visualize and understand the process of research, from the first hypothesis to the studying of the bones, soil composition and other natural materials. There are big bones to see, plus learning more about the digs in 2017,” a news release said.

Mammoth remains were discovered south of Kennewick in 1999. In 2008, the Mid-Columbia Basin Old Natural Education Sciences (MCBONES) foundation formed to oversee research and education at the site.

Nearly 500 samples, including more than 90 mammoth bones or bone fragments, have been collected at the site, the news release said.

The Reach museum is at 1943 Columbia Park Trail.

This story was originally published November 10, 2016 at 5:45 PM with the headline "New Reach center exhibit focuses on Columbian mammoths."