Members

Land Acknowledgment

The Kumeyaay, Cahuilla, Cupeño, and Payómkawichum/Luiseño are the Original peoples of the Anza-Borrego Desert, Palomar Mountain, and Cuyamaca Rancho State Parks. These traditional homelands in the Colorado Desert District are rich with their heritage and cultural tradition. The Colorado Desert Archaeological Society acknowledges these places as the Peoples’ homelands and offers gratitude for their stewardship of these lands from time immemorial through the present and into the future.

Tribal Collaboration Info

Cultural History

Cultural history is what we know about past ways of life by studying archaeological sites, features and artifacts, ethnography, oral histories and archival research.

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What is Archaeology?

Archaeology is the study of human activity, both prehistoric (before written records) and historic, based on materials and landscape impressions left behind.

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How to Visit an Archaeology Site

Take your time to enjoy the beauty of your surroundings. Imagine how people lived and used the landscape. Leave nothing behind except your footsteps and only take photos!

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About The Colorado Desert Archaeology Society

The mission of the all-volunteer CDAS is to assist Park staff with the documentation, preservations and protection of the district’s prehistoric and historic cultural resources.

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Monthly Member Meetings 2023 - 2026

CDAS COMMUNITY

Training for Site Stewards and Archaeology Technicians

Current Ranger Contact: Call SURCOM (951) 443-2964

Site Steward Forms

Site Stewards should always go into the field with a partner for safety.

Click on this list of Substitute site stewards 2025 for suggestions if you need a partner to accompany you.

Site Steward Reports

Mandatory Forms

Optional Forms

Resources for Site Stewards and Archaeology Technicians

CDAS Monthly Bulletins