2024
11
Dec
Schwartz Appointed as City of Phoenix Archaeologist
Dear Friends,
As Bob Dylan sang in 1964, “The times they are a-changing.” It’s a truism, but one that rings truer in that there is more change in some moments than others.
Over the past week, the archaeological and cultural heritage spaces in which Archaeology Southwest operates have wit...
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2023
21
Mar
Designated! Avi Kwa Ame and Castner Range National Monuments
Dear Friends,
When Archaeology Southwest takes on a conservation easement, we commit to caring for it “in perpetuity.” That’s clearly a very long time. Regularly thinking about the distant future is part of why I keep coming back to my deep concern over the climate crisis.
I just finishe...
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2022
30
Nov
Breaking: Biden to Declare Avi Kwa Ame National Monument
Dear Friends,
I’ll get to a story about a gentle Buddhist woman and her “fly pistol” in a bit, but first I need to tell you about intervening in public lands court cases.
Last week, we highlighted that the Tribes of the Bears Ears Coalition filed to intervene in the two lawsuits brought ...
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2022
31
May
The Lands Between
Dear Friends,
Sometimes a blow is external—other times, internal.
I got one of each over the holiday weekend.
Apropos of our yearlong focus on “Avian Archaeology,” a Cooper’s Hawk that inhabits the Eucalyptus tree next to my house hit me on the back of the head at full speed, ...
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2022
23
Feb
Nevada Rep. Titus Introduces Bill to Establish Avi Kwa Ame National Monument
Dear Friends,
At Archaeology Southwest, the “Great Resignation” is fueling the “Big Hiring.”
Since January 1 of this year, we have added six new hires. Three are replacements, one is a move to a new position, and two are brand-new hires.
As we come out of the seemingly interminable ...
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2022
18
Jan
Continuing Coverage: Avi Kwa Ame
Dear Friends,
I had the opportunity to do another talk before a live audience of more than 50 people the other day. The group was fully vaccinated, and the theater setting allowed substantial distancing. Everyone wore a mask.
I find it very satisfying to interact with a live audience. And ...
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2021
28
Sep
Human Footprints at White Sands Support Much Earlier Peopling of the Americas
Dear Friends,
Happy (belated) autumnal equinox!
Bats are one of my favorite seasonal markers. They double the pleasure sugar water provides.
My bat friends are nectar feeders from Mexico—Mexican Long-Nosed and Mexican Long-Tongued bats.
In the morning, freshly stocked with sugar ...
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2021
03
Aug
Indigenous Leaders Call for Land Protections as Totem Pole Arrives in D.C.
Dear Friends,
Last week I glibly noted that I was journeying to the hot, dry landscape of the lower Colorado River to achieve balance—a temperature balance—in my life. (The week before I’d been enjoying cool ocean breezes in San Diego.)
This week I can earnestly report that the incinerat...
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2021
27
Jul
Continuing Coverage: Unauthorized Drilling at Petroglyph Site
Dear Friends,
I like to maintain a balance in my life.
Last week I endured six days of cool ocean breezes in San Diego. When you read this, I will be driving west from Tucson.
Balance will be achieved via two days in Las Vegas and one in Yuma…
Our current, unexpectedly generous...
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2020
01
Sep
Feds Urged to Extend Public Process for Greater Chaco Management Plans
Dear Friends,
Thanks to those of you who shared your own love of maps in reply to my note from last week. Maps, books, art—what’s not to love?
As I read through the stories for today’s edition, I again felt distressed by the continuing loss of water at Quitobaquito Springs. As climat...
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