Expeditions

THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL CONSER V ANC Y

The ball court (lower right) is one of the attractions of the amazing central palace of Copán.

Palaces and Pyramids

BELIZE AND COPÁN When: March 16–25, 2001 Where: Belize and Honduras How Much: $2,295 ($295 single supplement) Our Maya adventure begins on the coast of Belize, where you’ll explore Belize City and take a boat ride up the New River to tour Lamanai, a Maya trading center established more than 2,000 years ago that was occupied until A.D. 1641. From the coast you’ll travel to the inner reaches of Belize and visit magnificent sites such as Cahal Pech, perched on a mountaintop, Xunantunich, the site of El Castillo, and El Caracol, possibly the largest Maya site.

You’ll spend several days exploring the magnificent city of Copán, considered by many to be the crown jewel of the southern Maya. Its famous Hieroglyphic Stairway, with its 63 steps, describes the city’s achievements. John Henderson, professor of anthropology at Cornell University and one of the foremost scholars on Mesoamerican cultures, will lead the tour.

Rafting Through Time

SAN JUAN RIVER T OUR When: June 2–9, 2001 Where: Southeastern Utah How much: $1,495 ($45 single supplement) If you love floating downriver, camping under the stars, or exploring remote archaeological sites, our San Juan River trip is sure to be an adventure you’ll enjoy. In Bluff, Utah, you’ll begin a six-day journey down the scenic San Juan River, including its famous “goosenecks” stretch. Among the highlights of the trip are visits to several archaeological sites, such as River House, the largest cliff dwelling on the San Juan. You’ll also visit Chinle Wash, the famous setting of author Tony Hillerman’s novel A Thief of Time.

At Lower Butler Wash you’ll view what is considered one of the Southwest’s most beautiful rock art sites. For those who wish to explore beyond the river, there are opportunities throughout the trip to hike river trails,

Covered with life-sized petroglyphs, this rock art panel in Butler Wash extends more than 200 yards.

including Honaker Trail, a famous trail once used by prospectors. David Grant Noble, photographer and author of such books as Ancient Ruins of the Southwest and New Light on Chaco, will accompany the tour and share his insights about the people who once lived in this isolated region.

Patrons of Preservation

Each year the Conservancy receives a substantial amount of its funding from individuals,foundations,and corporations. We would like to thank the following donors for their generous support for the period of August through October. Life Member Gifts of $1,000 or more

David Arthur, Illinois Robert Connick, California (in memory of Jean Pitzer) Chris A. Cummings, Texas Mrs. John Kee,Jr., Florida William and Priscilla

Robinson, Arizona T. L. Samuel,Jr.,

Alabama George M. and Nancy Shaffer,

New Mexico Jacqueline Woodruff,

California Foundation/Corporate Gifts of $1,000 or more

ARCO Foundation of

California, California R.& F. Coal Co., Ohio Hutchinson Family Fund of The Greater Cincinnati

Foundation, Ohio Santa Fe Community

Foundation, New Mexico Joan Irvine Smith & Athalie R.

Clarke Foundation, California Richard and Mary Solari

Charitable Trust, California Sidney Stern Memorial Trust,

California Arthur Vining Davis

Foundations, Florida

To make a donation or become a member,contact: The Archaeological Conservancy

5301 Central Avenue NE,Suite 402 Albuquerque,NM 87108 (505) 266-1540 • www.americanarchaeology.com

POINT Program Update

This September,the POINT Program (Protect Our Irreplaceable National Treasures) was launched in order to preserve important archaeological sites that face imminent destruction.Conservancy founder and board member Jay Last pledged a gift of $1 million to the Conservancy to buy sites.In order to receive this gift,the Conservancy must raise matching funds. To date,we have received more than $150,000 from dedicated members and foundations. To all who have contributed to this very special campaign,we extend our deep appreciation.In addition,we would like to express our thanks to the following donors for their extraordinary generosity:

POINT Program Gifts of $1,000 to $2,499 Anonymous (1) Betty Banks, Washington Laurel Cooper, Arizona Helen Darby, California Lindsay and Lucy Duff, Texas J. Scott Hamilton, Arizona Roger and Frances Kennedy, New Mexico Derwood Koenig, Indiana Paul McCament, Texas George Pardee,Jr., California Hervey and Sarah Stockman, New Mexico POINT Program Gifts of $2,500 to $4,999 Grace Hartzel, Ohio POINT Program Gifts of $5,000 to $9,999 Anonymous (1) Dorothy Beatty, California Elmina B. Sewall Foundation, Connecticut June Stack, Pennsylvania Richard Woodbury, Massachusetts POINT Program Gifts of $10,000 or more Nina Bonnie, Kentucky Donna Cosulich, New York Jerry and Janet EtsHokin, Illinois