Volunteering
Skills
Lab:
- Washing artifacts
- Labeling artifacts
- Database creation, maintenance
- Research (using the Chapter's library or other area libraries)
- Site form/paperwork organization
- Drawing (detailed drawings are made of artifacts to aid in site reporting)
- Lab tours
- Training new volunteers
Field:
- Digging
- Screening
- Site form maintenance (yes, paperwork is everywhere)
- Drawing (diagrams of features, artifacts, structures, etc.)
- Surveying (establishing grids)
- Site tours
- Training new volunteers
All of these activities in the lab and
in the field help to interpret the past. These interpretations, in turn, help us
to develop the future and understand where we're heading. None of these
activities require prior knowledge or experience. We except volunteer help,
regardless of skill level -- we do on-the-job training for all the above
skills.
What to wear
Lab:
- Something comfortable
- (It can get cold or hot in the lab, just like any other old building.)
Field:
- Something comfortable
- Long pants & long sleeved T-shirts are highly recommended
- (Layered dress is recommended, to deal with temperature changes)
- Volunteers must always be vigilant for thorns, sun burn, poison ivy and
the like
- Hats are also recommended
- Gloves - most choose leather over clothe, but this is purely volunteer's
preference
- Tough shoes with a non-invasive sole
- (Viabrim soles often leave unwanted divets in units)
What to bring
- Water - this cannot be stressed enough!
- Lunch - sometimes stores and restaurants are w/in easy access, but not
usually
- Bug repellant
- Sun screen lotion
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