Flagstaff AZ (March 14, 2014) – Do you “dig” archeology? So do the Flagstaff Area National Monuments. Throughout the month of March, visit Walnut Canyon, Wupatki, and Sunset Crater Volcano to learn more about the amazing science of archaeology and how it is used in your National Parks and Monuments. There won’t be any digging, but it will be a lot of fun for the whole family.
In the Flagstaff Area National Monuments alone, over 3000 archeological sites have been recorded to date. Some of the artifacts found in the monuments are over ten thousand years old. Through a combination of archeological information and the oral traditions of present-day tribes, we are able to help visitors learn more about how the Ancestral Puebloan people lived and how their descendants continue many of the traditions and life-ways today.
To celebrate the incredible history and the unique environments of the Flagstaff National Monuments, we will be offering guided Discovery Hikes, evening Lantern Hikes, and kids’ Craft Days. All events are family friendly. Guided Discovery Hikes and Lantern Hikes require reservations.
For information and reservations to the events, contact Lisa Baldwin, 928-526-1157 x 233 or Lisa_Baldwin@nps.gov
Wupatki National Monument – Cultural Hands-on Demonstrations, Saturday, March 15th, 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Join NPS archeologists and learn about early technologies – create your own pinch pot, paintbrush, rock art symbols and split-twig figurine. Artifacts from the Monument will be on display. Meet at the Wupatki Visitor Center.
Wupatki National Monument – Lecture: “Behind Every Good Monument: An Introduction to Pioneering Women Archaeologists of Wupatki National Monument”, Saturday, March 29th, 3:30 pm – 4:30pm
Join NPS Rangers for a look at the amazing pioneering women archaeologists who spent time studying and learning about Wupatki National Monument. Meet at the Wupatki Visitor Center.
Walnut Canyon National Monument – Cultural Hands-on Demonstrations, Thursday, March 20th, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Join NPS archeologists and learn about early technologies – create your own pinch pot, paintbrush, rock art symbols and split-twig figurine. Artifacts from the Monument will be on display. Meet at the Wupatki Visitor Center.
Walnut Canyon National Monument – Hike: Prehistoric Resource Use at Walnut Canyon, Wednesday, March 26th, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Learn about the prehistoric use of plants at Walnut Canyon as you travel into the canyon down the Island Trail through a range of elevations and vegetation zones. The hike is rated strenuous. Bring water, hat, sunscreen, and comfortable walking shoes. Meet at the Walnut Canyon Visitor Center.
The staff at the Flagstaff Area National Monuments would like to encourage monument friends and neighbors to take advantage of the activities honoring Archeology Month.
Walnut Canyon National Monument is located 7.5 miles east of downtown Flagstaff via I-40 and can be reached at (928)526-3367 and on the web at www.nps.gov/waca.
Wupatki National Monument is 37 miles north of Flagstaff via Hwy 89, and can be reached at (928)679-2365 and www.nps.gov/wupa.
Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument is located 12 miles north of Flagstaff via Hwy 89 and can be reached at (928)526-0502 and www.nps.gov/sucr.
All three monuments are open daily, except December 25, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The entrance fee is $5.00/person for visitors 16 and over. America the Beautiful Passes are honored and sold.
For additional information on other Archeology and Heritage Awareness Month activities around the state, check the Arizona State Parks website at www.azstateparks.com/shpo/index.html