WORKSHOPS

• Pre-registration required for all workshops
  
  
  

  THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 2026 - MORNING WORKSHOPS              

  Workshop: Fundamentals of Archaeological Human Bone Identification 

   WARNING: CLASS WILL INCLUDE DEPICTIONS/DESCRIPTIONS OF HUMAN REMAINS
  9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

  Max Enrollment: 46; Cost $40

  Instructors: Michele Bleuze, Ph.D. and Mel Saldaña, M.A., RPA and Amanda Jokela
  
  

  In the field, distinguishing human from non-human bone, especially when remains are fragmented, commingled, or from juvenile individuals, can be challenging yet is imperative for guiding proper recovery protocols and ensuring ethical compliance. This workshop provides foundational knowledge and practical skills necessary for the identification and interpretation of human remains. Participants will learn to differentiate human from non-human bone, implement appropriate field protocols to document human remains, construct a biological profile, and identify signs of antemortem and perimortem trauma and postmortem modification. The analysis of complete and fragmented skeletal remains from adults and juveniles will be covered. This workshop is particularly relevant for practitioners who want to develop the practical skills necessary to analyze human skeletal remains. Images and models of human remains are used.

  
  Workshop: CEQA Essentials for Archaeologists

  9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

  Max Enrollment: 46; Cost $40

  Instructors: Hannah Haas, M.A., RPA and John Sisser, MESM
  
  

  In this workshop, we will provide a practical overview of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) for cultural resource management practitioners. Participants will learn key CEQA requirements, including project review processes, significance criteria for cultural resources, and case law. The session emphasizes the role of archaeologists in environmental planning, offering guidance on preparing defensible reports and navigating agency coordination. This workshop will equip attendees with the tools to effectively navigate the CEQA process as an archaeologist and ensure regulatory compliance.

  
  
  Workshop: Foraging Theory and Practice I

  8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

  Max Enrollment: 40; Cost $40

  Instructor: Robert L. Bettinger, Ph.D.
  
  

  This workshop will introduce the theoretical foundation of foraging theory, beginning with the concept of rational choice and definition of costs and benefits. It explores application of the foraging models most amenable to application to the archaeological and ethnographic record. Participants may sign up for morning and afternoon sessions, morning only, or afternoon only. Session costs cover flash drives programmed with spreadsheets to execute applications of all models covered. Participants must bring a laptop to obtain full benefit. Working knowledge of Microsoft Excel is highly useful. [MS1]

  Topics Include:

• ·      Rational choice theory
• ·      Foraging costs and benefits
• ·      Diet breadth
• ·      Front vs. back loaded resources

• Workshop: Obsidian Hydration Dating

  9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

  Max Enrollment: 40; Cost $40

  Instructor: Alexander “Sandy” Rogers, M.A., M.S., RPA
  
  

  The goal of this workshop is to provide insight into the theory and methods of obsidian hydration dating (OHD). It should help enable the archaeologist to perform OHD analyses and enable the manager to ask the right questions. The workshop will cover the basic principles of obsidian hydration, and the models employed in dating; how to develop an appropriate effective hydration temperature (EHT); various methods of computing a hydration rate; guidelines for data analysis; and numerous cautions. An Excel spreadsheet with numerical models for conducting an OHD analysis will be provided. Mathematics will be kept to a minimum but cannot be avoided entirely. Electronic copies of key references will be provided.
  
  
  

  Workshop: Practical Foundations in Archaeological Field Methods, Site Documentation and Artifact Identification

  9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

  Max Enrollment: 40; Cost $40

  Instructors: Michael (Mike) Lenzi, M.A., RPA and Peter Carey, M.A., RPA

  This workshop will introduce participants to foundational methods employed in Cultural Resource Management (CRM), including pedestrian survey, excavation, and construction monitoring, with an overview of appropriate field attire, recommended equipment, and helpful apps and resources. Instruction will emphasize systematic approaches to recording archaeological sites, including the differentiation of concentrations and loci, the effective use of GPS for spatial documentation, and best practices for field photography. In addition, the workshop will introduce participants to artifact identification and analysis, focusing on precontact flaked stone and groundstone tools, as well as historic-period cans, bottles, and ceramics.
  
  
  

  Workshop: Identification and Dating of Japanese Ceramics from 19th and 20th Century Sites

  9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

  Max Enrollment: 40; Cost $40

  Instructors: Douglas Ross, Renae Campbell and Yuumi Danner
  
  

  With the rapid increase in research on sites associated with Japanese immigrants in North America and the Pacific islands, there is an increasing need for researchers to be able to recognize, date, and properly analyze imported Japanese porcelain and other ceramics. Such knowledge is even more broadly applicable, because these wares commonly turn up on non-Japanese sites of the 19th and 20th centuries. Of particular concern is distinguishing them from Chinese ceramics, with which they are often confused, especially when found on Chinese sites. Here we offer a hands-on primer covering the identification of Japanese wares, common forms, decorative methods and motifs, and chronological indicators, and demonstrate how they can be distinguished from non-Japanese ceramics.
  
  
  
  
  

  THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 2026 - AFTERNOON WORKSHOPS

  
  Workshop: Fundamentals of Archaeological Human Bone Identification 

   WARNING: CLASS WILL INCLUDE DEPICTIONS/DESCRIPTIONS OF HUMAN REMAINS
  1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

  Max Enrollment: 46; Cost $40
  
  

  Instructors: Michele Bleuze, Ph.D. and Mel Saldaña, M.A., RPA and Amanda Jokela

  In the field, distinguishing human from non-human bone, especially when remains are fragmented, commingled, or from juvenile individuals, can be challenging yet is imperative for guiding proper recovery protocols and ensuring ethical compliance. This workshop provides foundational knowledge and practical skills necessary for the identification and interpretation of human remains. Participants will learn to differentiate human from non-human bone, implement appropriate field protocols to document human remains, construct a biological profile, and identify signs of antemortem and perimortem trauma and postmortem modification. The analysis of complete and fragmented skeletal remains from adults and juveniles will be covered. This workshop is particularly relevant for practitioners who want to develop the practical skills necessary to analyze human skeletal remains. Images and models of human remains are used.
  
  

   

  Workshop: Visual Impacts Analysis: Standards, Methods, and Practice

  1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

  Max Enrollment: 46; Cost $40

  Instructors: Ashley Long, M.A., RPA and Leanna Flaherty, M.A., RPA
  
  

  As agencies increasingly require visual impacts analysis under Section 106, CEQA, and NEPA, specialists must continually learn and adapt to evolving protocols. This workshop presents emerging standards for assessing visual effects on historic properties, cultural landscapes, and Tribal cultural resources across California and the West. We'll examine methodologies for defining Areas of Potential Effect, conducting viewshed analyses, and integrating Tribal consultation into visual assessment. The second half features a hands-on exercise: participants will conduct a mock visual impacts analysis using project data and photographic materials, working through key observation points, visual contrast and line analysis, and mitigation recommendations.
  
  
  

  Workshop: Historic Plastics in the Archaeological Record

  1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

  Max Enrollment: 20; Cost $40

  Instructors: Kimberly Wooten, RA and Julia Huddleson, M.A.
  
  

  As ubiquitous as plastic may seem in the archaeological record, plastic artifacts are quickly moving into the period of historic significance. A basic understanding of this material type will be increasingly important for recording and evaluating archaeological sites. This workshop will give an overview of the history and development of synthetic plastics, followed by hands-on training with a teaching collection, representing plastic domestic objects from the early 1900s through the modern era. In many ways, plastic can be seen as a hallmark of the Anthropocene, and the last 30 minutes will be a guided discussion of contemporary plastic archaeology, with time focused on individual solutions to the current plastic pollution crisis. An additional 30 minutes is provided to look at and handle the plastics type collection and discuss further issues. Access to curated references on plastics will be provided.
  
  
  

  Workshop: Foraging Theory and Practice II

  1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

  Max Enrollment: 40; Cost $40

  Instructor: Robert L. Bettinger, Ph.D.
  
  

  This workshop will introduce the theoretical foundation of foraging theory, beginning with the concept of rational choice and definition of costs and benefits. It explores application of the foraging models most amenable to application to the archaeological and ethnographic record. Participants may sign up for morning and afternoon sessions, morning only, or afternoon only. Session costs cover flash drives programmed with spreadsheets to execute applications of all models covered. Participants must bring a laptop to obtain full benefit. Working knowledge of Microsoft Excel is highly useful. 

  
  

  Topics Include:

• ·      Linear programming
• ·      Marginal value theorem
• ·      Field processing
• ·      Technological investment (including newest, unpublished models)

Workshop: Advice for Landing Your Next Job in CRM

1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Max Enrollment: 40; Cost $40

Instructor: Evelyn Chandler, M.A., RPA and Lily Arias, M.A.

This workshop will be led by CRM professionals who have reviewed thousands of candidate applications and who will share their perspectives on what to do and what not to do to get hired. The workshop will provide advice for resume preparation, cover letters, and interview skills for careers in CRM. The workshop will provide guidance on how to present your education, skills, and experience in a concise resume and will provide tips for effective cover letters. The workshop will cover how to prepare for a professional interview and what to do before, during, and after. This workshop is for budding archaeologists looking to start a new career in CRM and for experienced archaeologists looking for the next opportunity to advance their career.

Workshop: Project Management for CRM Practitioners

1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Max Enrollment: 40; Cost $40

Instructors: Breana Campbell-King, M.A., RPA and Mark Strother, M.A., RPA

Project management (PM) is vital to effective cultural resources management (CRM), influencing field strategies, compliance timelines, client communication, and project outcomes. This workshop introduces PM principles tailored to the realities of CRM, emphasizing practical, transferable skills. Participants will learn foundational approaches to planning, budgeting, scheduling, team coordination, risk management, and stakeholder communication. Examples from common CRM workflows will show how structured PM improves efficiency, reduces uncertainty, and supports high-quality deliverables. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of how strong PM practices can enhance daily work and long-term career growth.

SUNDAY, MARCH 8, 2026 - WORKSHOPS & FIELD TRIPS

Field Trip: Cultural Hike

9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Meet at Starlight Lounge Area

Max Enrollment: 50; Cost Free

Instructors: Christopher and Beth Payden

Workshop: Archaeology Site & Feature Mapping

9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Elizabeth Taylor Garden

Max Enrollment: 40; Cost $40

Instructor:  Jay King, Ph.D., RPA

Despite the advent of GPS, traditional map-making skills are still extremely important for the field archaeologist. This outdoor, hands-on workshop will cover the basics of how to make informative and accurate site maps and feature drawings using, yes, pencil and paper. We will map a simulated site with artifacts, features, and excavation units. The workshop will also present some methods for integrating hand-drawn maps with newer methods such as GPS and photogrammetry. Bring a Silva Ranger compass or similar, a 3-meter or longer metric tape measure, and a clipboard. The workshop is outdoors, so dress for the weather.

Workshop: Architectural History for the Field

9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Max Enrollment: 40; Cost $40

Instructors: Shannon Carmack

In this Sunday morning workshop, we will learn basic methods of architectural history’s methods of building recordation. We will focus on how to take photos of buildings to create DRPs and other reports, identifying features and character-defining elements needed for reporting, and other major components all field staff should record. Then, we will take a field trip to nearby historical buildings and practice our skills and talk about the features of the building we visit.

Workshop: Protecting the Ancestors: A Live Demonstration of Non-Invasive Canine Detection of Historic Human Remains

 WARNING: CLASS WILL INCLUDE DEPICTIONS/DESCRIPTIONS OF HUMAN REMAINS
9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Max Enrollment: 40; Cost $40

Instructors: Institute for Canine Forensics (ICF)

Historic and pre-contact burial sites—including indigenous burials, pioneer cemeteries, family plots on private land, and Chinese and enslaved individuals’ cemeteries—are often undocumented, neglected, or entirely unmarked. As land-use changes and development pressures increase, accurately identifying cemetery boundaries and unmarked graves is critical for cultural resource preservation and ethical stewardship. This workshop demonstrates trained and certified Historic Human Remains Detection (HHRD) dogs as a non-invasive tool for locating historic and pre-contact burials. Attendees will observe canine detection in real time and learn how this method can complement archaeological and geophysical approaches.