Students from UW-La Crosse are going back in time. They're digging up some interesting pieces of history, and trying to find clues about how ancient people in the area lived.

This group of archaeologists in training is trying to unearth hidden treasures at a site near Sand Lake in Onalaska.

"This is an extremely rich area for archaeology,” says UW-La Crosse archaeology professor Joe Tiffany. “We'll be out here for three years working this site and a couple of others because this area is slated for road work."

He says most of the artifacts come from an ancient tribe related to the modern day Ho-Chunk. Tiffany says everyone is very excited about the historic finds.

"We found material that's over 2,000 years old. They're an early Woodland culture, so different kinds of pottery, different kinds of projectile points. Not much is known about the Woodland so that makes this interesting."

Wendy Holtz-Leith has been searching for hidden history for twenty years, says the Mississippi Valley Archaeology Center member. She says she still finds her heart racing when she finds something, but she gets most excited for her students.

"I don't think the excitement, hopefully it will never wear off. Working with the students they're very excited about everything. They're doing it still makes me excited to."

Shane Deback is an aspiring archaeologist and says his biggest thrill comes from finding and being able to reassemble a piece of history.

"Usually I'm hoping there is more... a tool kit, things that can be pieced together and tell more of a story."

Tiffany says road construction will soon eliminate this dig site, so his mission is to save these pieces of history before they're gone forever.

"It's important to find out what's here because this is our last chance to know what people were doing out here and why."