Iowa Master Conservationists Program Interest in conservation and

environmental issues and concerns, Attend 32 hours of hands-on-training, Provide 32 hours of volunteer efforts, Willingness to learn and share ideas with

othersProgram for anyone interested in

becoming better stewards of the land.

Sponsored by Iowa State University Extension Office

Administered via Iowa’s 99 County Conservation Boards

Two “archaeological” messagesTwo “archaeological” messages

• Iowa’s past provides lessons for the future about environment, climate change, resource compatibility and sustainability. Illustrate how archaeology informs about these topics (ancient agriculture).

• Preservation options for landowners.

Lessons from the past inform us for Lessons from the past inform us for the future the future

What natural resources existed in Iowa at various times What natural resources existed in Iowa at various times in the past? Which are now extinct or extirpated?in the past? Which are now extinct or extirpated?

How did earlier peoples cope with short term drought, How did earlier peoples cope with short term drought, long-term climatic change?long-term climatic change?

Did local cultural practices ease or acerbate local Did local cultural practices ease or acerbate local environmental problems? environmental problems?

Fuller understanding of past environments and resource Fuller understanding of past environments and resource use expands our knowledge of future possibilities/limits, use expands our knowledge of future possibilities/limits, andand

Expand our knowledge of alternative use options to Expand our knowledge of alternative use options to consider: i.e. what types of plants/crops and cropping consider: i.e. what types of plants/crops and cropping systems are most compatible with the local environment?systems are most compatible with the local environment?

How do we know about past How do we know about past climates, environment, diet, climates, environment, diet,

economic practices?economic practices?

PaleoclimatologyPaleoclimatology: long-term study of the : long-term study of the

earth’s climate using evidence from tree rings, chemical earth’s climate using evidence from tree rings, chemical isotopes in deep sea and ice cores, soils, “occupants”isotopes in deep sea and ice cores, soils, “occupants”

ArchaeologyArchaeology: material evidence from past cultures: material evidence from past cultures

Faunal and floral analysisFaunal and floral analysis: identification of animal : identification of animal and plant remains recovered from archaeological sites and plant remains recovered from archaeological sites

Ethnohistoric accountsEthnohistoric accounts: indigenous oral descriptions: indigenous oral descriptions

EtymologyEtymology: meaning of words, e.g. Algonkian word for : meaning of words, e.g. Algonkian word for spoon/dipper=word for edible squashspoon/dipper=word for edible squash

Archaeological Site Archaeological Site ProtectionProtection

Private landowners as good stewards: record, tend, protect, develop compatible use options.

A simple, clickable image map is the

gateway to I-Sites’ public access Internet

Map Server.

http://www.uiowa.edu/~osa/gisatosahttp://www.uiowa.edu/~osa/gisatosafollow links to I-Sites

Filling out the site formFilling out the site form

Longer-term Longer-term Protective MeasuresProtective Measures

MOAs, covenants, deed restrictionsMOAs, covenants, deed restrictions Conservation easementsConservation easements Ordinances, Resolutions, PoliciesOrdinances, Resolutions, Policies Public acquisitionPublic acquisition Preserve dedicationPreserve dedication Stewardship programsStewardship programs State or federal legislationState or federal legislation