Water has always drawn people in. It offered food, transportation, and a place to rest. As archaeologists, we tend to follow the same pull. Creeks, rivers, and lakes are some of the best places to uncover traces of the past–and some of the most rewarding places to work. After ten field seasons navigating swamps, hopping … Read More Working Around Water
Wasps – we know them, we dodge them, and after last summer’s waspageddon, we’ve got some serious trust issues. Whether you’re elbow-deep on a hike or just trying to enjoy a patio drink in peace, now’s the time to brush up on your survival tactics with these simple tips to stay sting-free (and maybe make … Read More Buzz Off! Everything You Need to Know About Wasps
Working away from home during field season has its opportunities: adapting to new routines, figuring out where to eat, and encountering a “local arts scene” that turns out to be a statue of a bear fighting a swan. It also brings a lot of unexpected joys—like post-work lake dips, scenic morning drives, and the slow … Read More Field Tech by Day, Microwavable Gourmet by Night
Females in the Field, Field Notes, Suggestions for Students
Hey there! I’m Emily Scott, an Assistant Archaeologist with Circle CRM Group. I earned my Bachelor of Science from the University of Calgary, double majoring in Archaeology and Biological Anthropology. Now in my third season of cultural resource management, I’ve learned one big lesson: what you pack can make or break your day. When you’re … Read More What’s In My Backpack? Field Season Essentials
As archaeologists, we spend a lot of time talking about shovel testing—it’s second nature to us. In fact, it’s such a routine part of our work that we sometimes forget it sounds a little strange to anyone outside the field. (No, we’re not just randomly digging holes for fun. Well, not only for fun.) For … Read More Circle Does: Shovel Testing
So, you’ve completed fieldwork for the Historical Resources Impact Assessment (HRIA). Whether it meant trekking through a snow-covered forest, monitoring construction, or conducting a full-scale excavation, you’ve gathered notes, artifacts, and valuable data. But now comes the real challenge: what to do with all of it? Here’s the thing—archaeology has no do-overs. Once we dig, … Read More Circle Does: Fieldwork to Final Report