A note from Friends of Cedar Mesa’s Field Director Britt Hornsby…
When I was asked to reflect on the work that brings us closer to the landscape, I can’t help but think of how our fieldwork has transformed over time, and specifically, in the past year.
Site Conservation in Bears Ears
Our projects are growing in scale and complexity, and our research is driving unique data that adds to the understanding of the region. But don’t worry, we’re still working with land managers on the projects that started it all like fencing, trails, campsite clean-up, and trash pick-up. However, now more than ever, our field program is taking a hard look at visitor impacts.
We’re increasingly grateful for the partnerships that advance our project-based field work, including World Monuments Fund, Ancestral Lands Conservation Corps, Woods Canyon Archaeological Consultants, Bureau of Land Management, US Forest Service, Utah School and Institutional Trust Lands Administration, and numerous Tribes and Pueblos. These Friends add such depth and dimension to our work. Friends of Cedar Mesa has led this incredible group to address the stress we’re seeing on highly visited cultural sites.
Ancestral Lands Conservation Corps Crew Members at Project Site in Bears EarsIn fact, as I reflect upon our projects this year, I can’t help but feel inspired. It doesn’t matter the hour – early before the sun bakes the sandstone, mid-day when the heat is nearly unbearable, or later as the sun pushes toward the horizon – laugher, singing, and learning are mainstays on FCM works sites, particularly as we work alongside members of the Ancestral Lands Conservation Corps and Woods Canyon Archaeological Consultants. FCM has contracted both partners on multiple projects this year, including detailed archaeological conservation of two highly visited sites.
At one site, work crews even witnessed a visitor inadvertently damage a structure. It can happen in an instant. It’s why the work we do to route trails away from sensitive areas, to strengthen walls, and prevent erosion is important.
Site Conservation in Greater Bears EarsIt’s hard work too! In fact, in 2021, FCM contracted Ancestral Lands Conservation Corps to help with 1850 hours of work over the course of 10 weeks! Engaging youth from Pueblos across the southwest is fundamental to our field program when undertaking meaningful work at cultural sites.
Beyond this, we also carried out volunteer projects on Public Lands Day and International Archaeology Day, including removing a worn fence along Butler Wash and constructing stanchions that the BLM can use to help guide visitors at sites. What’s more, we’ve made approximately 75 unobtrusive, hand-carved signs to assist the BLM.
Dendrochronology Project
This year, we also conducted unique research, such as our Cedar Mesa Dendrochronology Pilot Project with Woods Canyon Archaeological Consultants, in which we funded and led the sampling of sixty dendrochronology cores from strands of old-growth juniper in the vicinity of late Ancestral Pueblo, Navajo (Diné) and Ute sites. Our samples revealed a tree dating to A.D. 1420 and provided information that can give insight into the relationship of various groups with the old-growth forests of Cedar Mesa.
All of this work is unique to Friends of Cedar Mesa, and your support is critical! Working closely with land management agencies and Tribal partners, we are making a real difference to help preserve this spectacular landscape for the future. I’m proud of the field team and what we accomplish, and I ask that you contribute to our work with a generous gift to Friends of Cedar Mesa this holiday season. If you’ve already given, I sincerely thank you for your support.
We could not do this work without you.
Britt Hornsby, Field Director