AZ-3884
Ongoing from January 1 - December 31, 2010 Only (including weekends)
Must commit to 1 full session; may participate in more
The Coronado National Forest is seeking friendly and independent volunteer caretakers to staff several of its historic sites. Following orientation, caretakers at each site will greet the public and answer questions, perform maintenance (e.g., adobe patching, light carpentry, grounds-keeping, site and facilities cleanup, etc.), and work with F.S. archaeologists on site stabilization and interpretive projects. Site locations, session dates, and amenities available may vary; detailed information will be provided to those volunteers selected for the project. Each session will run for 30 days. Applicants must be able to commit to the full time period and, dependent upon staffing needs and availability, are welcome to participate in additional sessions. This project is ongoing; watch for subsequent listings at the end of each year.
Number of openings: One person, couple, or family per session
Special skills: Must be self-reliant and willing to work independently after orientation; preference given to those interested in history and willing to communicate with the public; general handyperson skills required
Minimum age: Under 18 with a responsible adult
Facilities: Facilities vary by site. Detailed information will be provided during the selection process
Nearest towns: Within 10 miles; varies by site
Applications due: Ongoing for 2010
AZ-3960
October 25-29, 2010
Must commit to full session
A projection of Forest land known as "The Thumb" is a long overlooked area of the Tonto National Forest. What little is known of the area suggests a prehistoric (ca. A.D. 800 - 1400) cultural frontier, with ties to the Hohokam, Anchan, Mogollon, Anasazi, and later Salado traditions. Historically, the area was home to the Apache Peaks band of the San Carlos Western Apache as well as later Euro-American mining and ranching. In the summer of 1882, "renegade" Apache jumped the San Carlos Reservation and began a raid that cut a swath of death and destruction through east-central Arizona. In the early morning of July 7, the small mining town of McMillenville was brutally assaulted. It was the first of many attacks in the region over a period of 11 days. The raiding ended on July 17 at the Battle of Big Dry Wash, wherein the Apache were defeated by the pursuing U.S. Cavalry.
This year, we will continue the documentation of historic McMillenville. As before, PIT volunteers and FS staff will survey the area looking for evidence of the Apache attack. Metal-detectors will be used extensively to locate and record artifacts and to document the structures and features of the town. If you own and can bring a metal-detector, please indicate it on your application. While this is certainly not a prerequisite for participation, we have fewer on hand than we'd like, so it would be extremely helpful during fieldwork! This has been a very successful and fulfilling project, so we hope you will join us in October for Part VI!
Number of openings: 8
Special skills: Must be physically fit and able to hike long distances daily over moderate to rough, steep terrain; previous experience with archaeological mapping and documentation skills and the use of metal detectors helpful, but not required
Minimum age: 18 years old
Facilities: Globe is a full service community with numerous motels, restaurants, and other amenities; FS Jones Water campground is located approximately 3 miles northeast of McMillenville; tents, pickup camper, and small camping trailers only in campsites; pit toilets; informal camping possible in and around project area; volunteers responsible for personal camping equipment, food, water (there is no potable water at any of the camping options), and transportation
Nearest towns: Globe, 16 miles
Applications due: August 23, 2010