Archaeology Research Program
See our 2024 program sessions below.
Crow Canyon was founded on the idea that members of the public could play an important role in archaeology. Each year, we welcome people of all ages to our campus near Mesa Verde in Southwest Colorado. Participants serve as citizen scientists in support of our mission to pursue archaeological research and experiential education in collaboration with Native Americans.
Crow Canyon’s experiential education programs not only provide instruction in archaeological techniques but also involve citizen scientists in the actual research process. This firsthand approach increases awareness of, and appreciation for, our rich cultural heritage, while providing broad-based support for archaeological research, preservation, and cultural continuity.
2024 ARCHAEOLOGY RESEARCH PROGRAM: Human-Environment Relationships
What can we learn from past community responses to shifting environmental conditions in the American Southwest? How can ancient farming techniques inform agriculture and crop management today? Can we look at historical responses to changes in climate to find solutions for present day challenges? How can we apply concepts from ancient water management practices to our daily lives?
Travel to the Mesa Verde region, one of the most archaeological-rich locations in the U.S. and join researchers and cultural specialists on a journey to explore answers to these questions and more. The Archaeology Research Program offers a unique, small-group opportunity for citizen scientists and non-professionals to contribute a hands-on role to active research, analyses, and knowledge development at Crow Canyon.
The 2024 sessions are focused on advancing the understanding of human-environment relationships through the lens of archaeology and Indigenous cultural perspectives. Together we’ll employ a variety of scientific skills and techniques including soil sampling, tree-ring analysis, flora and fauna analyses, and new technology as we investigate. Indigenous scholars and educators will complement our learning with first-hand ancestral knowledge and open our eyes to new and different perspectives. Lively discussions will explore the themes of water management, agriculture, and migration. Throughout the week, ancestral landscapes envelop us and beckon for us to visit with open minds and respect.
Highlights
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- Your participation in this program directly contributes to furthering research of the Northern Chaco Outliers Project.
- Experience one of the most archaeological-rich locations in the U.S.
- Enjoy the rural comfort of campus life on 170-acres complete with nature trails, stunning views, rocking chairs, and a night sky full of constellations.
