I’ve never visited the La Brea Tar Pits in Los Angeles although I’ve known about their existence for as long as I can remember! I’m so glad that this amazing spot is being preserved and treasured — the artifacts continue to be discovered even now.

The historic presidio site in San Diego was excavated for only a short time before it was stabilized and reburied in 1999 (for more info, check out this PDF link, especially pages 8-12). It may be a very long time before we get another chance to see those wonderful old tile floors that Huell was walking on!

Both the tar pits and the original San Diego Mission are also great examples of how much can be achieved by volunteers who believe in the work they’re doing. Never underestimate the importance of dedicated volunteers!

Huell looks beneath the surface of our state. First he goes to the prehistoric La Brea Tar Pits in the heart of Los Angeles, where prehistoric species of mammals and plants of California have been preserved in tar for thousands of years. Next, he visits California’s version of Plymouth Rock–the Presidio of San Diego–and watches as an excavation uncovers all sorts of amazing relics from this location, the first European settlement in California.

(Click on the linked image below to see the video.)