Hartman Prehistoric Garden

Hartman Prehistoric Garden in Austin, Texas, grew from a January 1992 discovery of dinosaur footprints in a cleared limestone quarry in Zilker Park. Researchers documented more than 100 preserved tracks made by six or seven prehistoric reptiles and also found ancient turtle bones. To prevent weather damage, the tracks were mapped, cast, and reburied. The surrounding two-acre garden was then created to evoke a Cretaceous habitat from about 70 million years ago, using plants associated with the period. Fundraising, design, construction, and planting by local supporters and specialists transformed the site into a landscape centered on the prehistoric finds and a life-size Ornithomimus sculpture.

Austin, Texas · United States