CRM MA student collaborates with tribe on new interpretive signage at Nevada state park
As part of his thesis research, CRM MA student Patrick Lawler has created new interpretive trail signage for Indigenous petroglyphs at Valley of Fire State Park in Nevada. The park contains abundant petroglyph sites open to the public, making their deterioration by visitors a concern for stakeholders. Patrick collaborated with tribal representatives on the signs’ content, which emphasizes the petroglyphs’ archaeological and cultural significance, and their importance to the region’s past and present Indigenous communities. They also advise visitors how to interact respectfully and responsibly with the petroglyphs. The new signs were successfully installed in March 2024. Patrick presented a poster about his project at the 2024 Society for California Archaeology conference and at the 2024 CSU Research Competition.