Please join us in exploring the prehistory of the lovely Mendocino National Forest! The area we will be investigating would have been rich with fish, game, and plant resources. It is below 2,000 feet in elevation and, as such, is in an area rich with prehistoric habitation sites and seasonal camps. Several archaeological sites have been identified in the area. Unfortunately, it has received very little systematic survey, even though, during the historic contact period (ca. ±1550s A.D.) the region is known to have been occupied by the Patwin Tribe, who lived near the boundary with the Northeast (Salt) Pomo, who occupied the north. This past summer (2018), the "Mendocino Complex" wildfire became the largest in California history. It burned very hot through the area creating enhanced ground visibility, and making conditions perfect for archaeological inventory. We will perform intensive survey along Little Stony Creek. Impromptu potlucks, flintknapping demonstrations, and presentations will occur in the evenings. We also hope to have a Tribal presence to help share traditional knowledge and perspective. We look forward to working with you this summer!
