PAAC Field Projects

Get your boots dirty! 2025 PAAC Summer Field Projects

Dr. Sarah Allaun, Colorado Assistant State Archaeologist, will lead exciting archaeological fieldwork in Weld County, CO. No archaeological experience is required, but comfort with hiking and camping is recommended. Three late summer sessions are planned:

Session 1: State Land Board PAAC Survey, Aug 11-20 

Session 2: Pawnee National Grassland Survey & Testing, Sep 1-5

Session 3: Pawnee National Grassland Survey & Testing, Sep 8-12

Applications for all three sessions are closed. 

Important Application Details: We anticipate high interest for a limited number of spots. Selection is primarily first-come, first-served, but we aim to accommodate as many participants as possible across the sessions. Participation for a full session duration is not required and cannot be guaranteed for all applicants. A waitlist will be maintained once spots are filled. Notifications of participation status and confirmed dates will be sent out to applicants by June 18. Please do not reserve lodging until OAHP staff have confirmed your participation dates. Waitlisted individuals will be notified in sign-up order if spots become available. 

Session 1: State Land Board PAAC Survey

August 11-20, 2025  Weld County, Colorado

Session 1: a systematic pedestrian survey project on a State Land Board section next to the beautiful Pawnee National Grassland in Weld County, CO. 

PROJECT DETAILS
  • What: Archaeological Pedestrian Survey
  • Where: State Land Board section, Weld County, CO (Adjacent to the Pawnee National Grassland)
  • Fieldwork Dates: 10 days, August 11 - 20, 2025 (including weekend)
GET READY & SIGN-UP
  • Apply: Applications closed
  • Gear List: A detailed recommended gear list will be sent out to participants once registered. 
  • Mandatory Meeting: A virtual orientation and planning meeting will be held before the project begins. Attendance is required. 

Session 2: Pawnee National Grassland Survey & Testing

September 1-5, 2025  Weld County, Colorado

Session 2: Survey and testing, including augering and possibly test excavation, on the beautiful Pawnee National Grassland in Weld County, Colorado. 

PROJECT DETAILS
  • What: Archaeological Survey & Sub-Surface Testing
  • Where: Pawnee National Grassland, Weld County, CO
  • Fieldwork Dates: 5 days, September 1 - 5, 2025
GET READY & SIGN-UP
  • Apply: Applications closed
  • Gear List: A detailed recommended gear list will be sent out to participants once registered. 
  • Mandatory Meeting: A virtual orientation and planning meeting will be held before the project begins. Attendance is required. 

Session 3: Pawnee National Grassland Survey & Testing

September 8-12, 2025  Weld County, Colorado

Session 3: Survey and testing, including augering and possibly test excavation, on the beautiful Pawnee National Grassland in Weld County, Colorado. 

PROJECT DETAILS
  • What: Archaeological Survey & Sub-Surface Testing
  • Where: Pawnee National Grassland, Weld County, CO
  • Fieldwork Dates: 5 days, September 8 - 12, 2025
GET READY & SIGN-UP
  • Apply: Applications closed
  • Gear List: A detailed recommended gear list will be sent out to participants once registered. 
  • Mandatory Meeting: A virtual orientation and planning meeting will be held before the project begins. Attendance is required. 

LODGING AND LOGISTICS (same for all 3 sessions)

  • Accommodations (For Out-of-Town Participants):
    • You are responsible for booking your own lodging. 
    • Recommended Lodging: Fort Collins North/Wellington KOA (Offers tent sites, trailer/RV spots, and cabins - check their rates)
      • IMPORTANT: Book your spot early, but DO NOT book until OAHP confirms your participation dates!
    • Alternative Lodging: The Crow Valley Campground on the Pawnee National Grassland is located about 30 minutes east of Nunn near Briggsdale, CO, dispersed tent camping is permitted on the Pawnee National Grassland, or there are a number of hotels in Fort Collins & Wellington, CO. Please let us know in advance if you opt for one of these alternative lodging options. 
  • Daily Transportation:
    • Daily transport provided between the KOA in Wellington & the gas station in Nunn to and from the survey area. 
    • You only need to arrange your own travel to the KOA or meet us at the gas station in Nunn, CO. 
    • If you prefer to drive your own vehicle to the survey site, please let us know in advance and if you would be willing to transport other volunteers. 
  • Daily Schedule:
    • 8 AM:  Pick-up at the KOA and travel to gas station in Nunn, CO then carpool/caravan to site.
    • ~8:30 AM - 3:30 PM: Survey (includes 1-hour lunch break)
    • ~4 PM: Depart survey area for drop-off at KOA. 
  • Meals:
    • Participants are responsible for ALL their own food including: breakfast, dinner, and packing a daily lunch, snacks, and plenty of water. 

FIELDWORK CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

  • Be Prepared For:
    • Physical Activity: On survey, expect moderate hiking (3-10 miles daily) on mostly flat but potentially uneven terrain. Fieldwork will involve walking over uneven terrain to record sites and document archaeology in surface contexts, as well as include tasks like bending, kneeling, and lifting. These activities require a reasonable level of fitness and mobility.
    • Environment: Very sunny, hot, and exposed with little to no shade. Expect daytime highs in the upper 80s (potentially 90s) and evenings cooling to the mid-50s. 
    • Facilities: NO portable toilets on-site. Nearest facilities are a ~15-minute drive (plus the hike back to the car). Plan accordingly!  
  • Mandatory Attire:
    • Long Pants: Required for protection from sun, cacti, and other vegetation. 
    • Sturdy, Closed-Toe Hiking Shoes/Boots: Essential for uneven terrain and potential wildlife (like snakes). NO sandals, sneakers, or open-toed shoes allowed during fieldwork.