The Rio Alamosa drains the plains of San Agustin in west central New Mexico. Archaeological sites in the area reflect Archaic, Pithouse, Pueblo, Apache, and Historic occupations. The survey work will be pedestrian surveying, requiring full days of hiking and field recording in sometimes difficult terrain. Sections of the upper Alamosa have been surveyed, much of it as recently as 1991. The lower Alamosa, however, will be surveyed for the first time by participants in this year's field school.
Sites spanning two millennia of human occupation are likely to be found.
Field scholars will work as members of teams led by professional archaeologists. Laboratory methods will also be taught on site. Headquarters for the field school is the Monticello Box Ranch. Evening sessions and guest speakers will provide informed perspectives on current research issues. Field and lab work will be conducted five days a week.