Bloody Rock Valley Survey 2020 - Passport in Time
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Current Projects > 2020
California - Mendocino NF
Closed! Archaeological Inventory in the Bloody Rock Valley
East View from the top of Bloody Rock during the 2018 Ranch Fire
CA-4449
July 13-17, 2020
Volunteers must commit to a minimum of 3 days
We invite you to join us this summer in exploring the historic and prehistoric past within the Mendocino National Forest. The gruesome name attributed to the promontory is related to accounts of the massacre of Yuki Indians here in the latter part of the 19th century. There are varying accounts of what happened by second and third generation descendants; to include the idea that the Yuki tragically jumped off the rock to elude capture. While there is no archaeological evidence of the event at Bloody Rock itself, interaction between native Yuki and Euroamerican settlers is documented in the numerous archaeological sites in the vicinity. However, investigations into the Bloody Rock and associated sites were done in the 1970s, and few systematic surveys were completed; documentation was also minimal and not consistent with current standards.
During our PIT project, we intend to change that, and to delve into the area’s history using modern techniques and recording methods with the intent of getting a clearer picture of just how the articulations of the groups in question shaped the cultural landscape – and the region’s history. To accomplish this goal, volunteers will work with professional archaeologists to locate, map (using GPS), and document archaeological phenomena in the area. These include prehistoric villages and base camps dating from as early as 7,000 B.P., and historic period homesteads and other Euroamerican sites dating from as late as the 1870s A.D. If time and circumstances allow, we plan to have impromptu potlucks, flint-knapping demonstrations, and other presentations in the evenings, and we will have a tribal presence to help share traditional knowledge and perspective. We look forward to working with you this July!
Number of openings: 10
Special skills: Volunteers must be physically capable of hiking for extended periods each day, over often rugged and uneven ground, and in varying weather conditions (mostly hot!); previous archaeological survey, mapping/GPS, artifact identification, area knowledge, and/or photography/sketching experience helpful, but not required
Minimum age: 12 years old; applicants under the age of 18 must apply with a parent or guardian; guardian MUST submit a separate application and plan to attend
Facilities: Tent and RV camping at no charge at Pogie Point Campground, located at Lake Pillsbury (~30 minutes from our project area); water, vault toilets; no hook-ups; Upper Lake, Nice, and Lucern are all full-service communities with hotels/motels, restaurants, and a full range of other amenities, but all are much more than 1-hour drives from the project area; FS will not provide transportation to or from these towns; volunteers responsible for own camping equipment/lodging and meals; transportation to and from Pogie Point and project area provided by FS
Nearest towns: Upper Lake, Nice, Lucern, 60+ miles
Applications due: May 4, 2020
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