Et cetera : AmeriCorps NCCC Maple 3 helps uncover Iowa's Native American history

Julianne, Jess and Eric screening soil as they look for Native American artifacts in Iowa.

Denise looking at an artifact

By Tristen Shevey

AmeriCorps NCCC team Maple 3 has been working with the Jones County Conservation Board (JCCB) since August 9. The team is conducting an archaeological study of a cave site in which they are uncovering Native American artifacts on a parcel of land recently acquired by the JCCB.

A major part of the study is screening soil and collecting artifacts to be washed and catalogued by the Office of the State Archaeologist staff. The team is also surveying the land for other caves that could potentially hold unfound artifacts before the land is open to the public and helping to maintain trails and native prairies within various Jones County Conservation Board areas.

Maple 3 has enjoyed getting involved with the community and learning about Native American culture by visiting the University of Iowa’s Natural History Museum. On August 17, they helped out with an event for “Take A Kid Outdoors”, in which they learned about Native American and Pioneer games for kids and adults. The team got to demonstrate these toys and work with children to help them understand and appreciate the culture. Maple 3 is thrilled to be a part of this project.