"The importance of landscapes archaeologically is a frequently discussed, yet often overlooked line of evidence. The natural landscapes that surround us assist in the formation of individual worldviews and become integral to group cosmologies. Humans tend to attach strong social meanings to visually prominent landforms. The American Southwest is a region where landscape focused research can involve both natural and cultural aspects due to the vast ethnographic record and collaboration with modern Native American Puebloan populations. This is amplified in combination with the variable striking landscape containing mesas, canyons, deserts, and mountains. This presentation will present research completed on Ancestral Puebloan sites at Petrified Forest National Park in northeast Arizona, in addition to a discussion of the importance of the prominent landforms in southern New Mexico for settlement and mobility patterns prior to the completion of the railroad in A.D. 1881."

Cody Dalpra M.A., R.P.A. is a District Archaeologist for the Las Cruces District Office of the Bureau of Land Management. Experienced in academic, contract, and federal archaeology, Cody has worked across the West since 2005. Originally from northern Colorado, landscapes have greatly influenced his life contributing to this research. Other archaeological research interests include lithic stone tool analysis in addition to settlement and mobility. Outside of archaeology Cody enjoys hiking with his dog and generally enjoying the outdoors.

Please look for your email with your Zoom link to the GCAS meeting about a week before Cody's presentation. On the day of the meeting hop online about 6:45 PM to get settled; Cody will begin his presentation at 7PM sharp. Come join us to learn about different ways of seeing the landscapes around us!

/s/ webmaster