Ginkgo Fossil Plant Leaf                          
Fossilized sandstone

This fossil is from 50 to 60 million years ago, when the climate was largely subtropical, ocean temperatures were high and polar ice caps were absent. This was a time marked by the demise of non-avian dinosaurs, giant marine reptiles and much other fauna and flora. In light of its resiliency, gingko trees are being considered in assisted plant migration projects to help forest regeneration with climate change.