2025 Annual Volunteer Training
The Mesa Prieta Volunteer Training Weekend: A Success!

     We had a fantastic volunteer training session last weekend - our first in-person training in many years.  A huge thank you to Los Luceros Historic Site for hosting us and to everyone who contributed to making the event possible.
     We are incredibly grateful to all the volunteers who stepped up to help with logistics and preparation.   

   And HUGE THANKS to our new
Project Archaeologist, Jerod Roberts,
who came to MPPP in October, 2024.  Already making an impact on bringing our Recording Program into State-of-the-Art processes.

​     It was inspiring to see so many current recorders, docents, and Summer Youth Intern Program mentors join us, along with new recruits experiencing Mesa Prieta for the first time. After a day and a half of classroom training, we ventured out onto the Wells Petroglyph Preserve to put our training into practice.
     Despite covering a tremendous amount of information in a short period, everyone remained engaged, enthusiastic, and eager to learn. The discussions were excellent, and the dedication shown by everyone was truly impressive.
     We hope to make this type of event an annual tradition, as maintaining consistency across our dedicated recorders, docents, and mentors is essential to what Mesa Prieta is all about: Documentation, Research, Education, and Preservation.
Mesa Prieta is powered by volunteer effort and the generosity of supporters like you. Together, we can achieve so much.
     Thank you to everyone who helped make this weekend a success.

     Candie Borduin, our Mesa Prieta Petroglyph Project Recording Coordinator and Website Manager, provided an introduction to the project, sharing updates on new developments and improvements that have taken place since our last gathering. Her overview highlighted how these changes will continue to support our mission of documentation, research, education, and preservation.

     Glenn Fred, Hopi and a master Kachina doll carver, who is also a member of the Pueblo of San Ildefonso, honored us with his knowledge and emphasized the importance of the petroglyphs, landscape, and cultures that Mesa Prieta is working to preserve.

     Jerod Roberts, the new Project Archaeologist for the Mesa Prieta Petroglyph Project, provided an overview of general terminology and recording methods. He walked participants through the standardized procedures aimed at ensuring consistency and accuracy across all documentation efforts, emphasizing the importance of thoroughness and precision in the recording process.

     Candie took a moment to honor one of our longtime recording team leaders, Bill Cella, by presenting him with a framed image of one of the many petroglyphs he and his team have preserved through their dedicated documentation efforts. Although Bill is stepping down from a leadership role, his passion for the work remains strong, and he plans to continue joining other teams on the Mesa. We are incredibly grateful for his years of leadership and look forward to his continued contributions.

     Sandy Romero, our Education and Tours Coordinator, took the lead in emphasizing that safety is a top priority at Mesa Prieta. She ensured everyone understood the importance of following safety protocols, both in the classroom and out in the field, to protect all participants and maintain a safe and respectful environment.

Bill Cella, a seventeen year petroglyph recording volunteer, is recognized for his years of service to MPPP.

     Candie handing out new recorder window hangers to make sure landowners know they are with the project and who to call if problems arise. This is of course after many discussions with the landowners and notifications are given prior to us stepping foot in the field.

     Once we completed the indoor training, it was time for the teams to head out and experience the petroglyphs firsthand. The seasoned recorders guided the new recruits through the steps and methods of proper documentation, demonstrating techniques and sharing their knowledge along the way. It was a hands-on learning experience that reinforced everything covered during the classroom sessions.

These new petroglyph recording volunteers will help in our mission to record all the archaeological features on Mesa Prieta!
Please DONATE now to assist in upgrading to NEW state-of-the art equipment for field work including cameras, GPS units both with the capacity to produce "born digital data".  Thank you!