CASSP is the California Archaeological Site Stewardship Program, where trained volunteers work with professional archaeologists to protect archaeological and historical resources by regularly visiting sites and recording changes. CASSP is not a government program.

In order to become a CASSP volunteer, you must attend a two-day, training workshop (see how to join). Pre-registration must be made by e-mail, mail, or phone as soon as possible, but no later than the Monday before the workshop (see registration). The volunteer training workshop fee is $25 per person. Attendance usually is limited to 25.

Before they begin monitoring sites, volunteers for the California Archaeological Site Stewardship Program (CASSP) take a two-day training workshop over one weekend. The Saturday classroom session consists of lectures, small group discussions, and question-and-answer periods. Presenters usually include archaeologists, law-enforcement officials, and representatives of Native American communities, and may include other experts in natural sciences and history. Lunch is provided at the workshop on Saturday. The Sunday session consists of a field trip to archaeological and historical sites, lead by the archaeologist who will be coordinating the local team of volunteers.

Who can join. Everyone with a sincere interest in preserving California heritage is welcome to join CASSP. Site stewards must be over the age of 18.

A typical workshop agenda. The classroom session on Saturday includes:
~ 9:00 Welcoming remarks, introductions, and program overview,
~ 10:30 Presentations on local cultural resources,
~ 12:00 Lunch (provided at the classroom),
~ 1:00 Safety concerns, legal issues, how to be a witness,
~ 3:00 Small-group role-playing and discussion,
~ 4:30 Complete application form and confidentiality agreement; program concludes.

Advance registrations are required because space usually is limited to 25 participants. Sometimes workshops fill up several weeks before they are held, so please register as early as you can.

You can register by sending your name and contact information to:
Karen Lacy (karen.elizabeth.lacy@gmail.com or 979-235-9929)
Beth Padon (bpadon@discoveryworks.com or 562-595-3995 or PO Box 19049, Long Beach, CA 90807).
Please identify the workshop that you plan to attend.

Download a registration form (Adobe PDF file, 468K)