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Mesa Verde Volunteers have frequent training in the Park and surrounding areas. Park employees give training on a variety of subjects including archeology, anthropology, geology, botany, biology and the inter-relatedness of the Park with the Four Corners region and its people.

Balcony House Training

There was much excitement when a sudden spring snow squall surrounded the cliff dwelling causing a white-out while we were in the dwelling! Suddenly there was snow, then as suddenly, skies were clear.

First Lady Visit

On May 20, 2006, First Lady Laura Bush came to Mesa Verde Park and visited Long House with the public in attendance. Volunteers were invited to attend the festivities. Native American blessings, flute music and dancing were provided with Long House in the background, quite possibly it was the first public ceremony in the alcove for centuries. Even "Teddy Roosevelt" made an appearance.

Volunteer Training with Sally Cole

Volunteers were delighted to spend a day with archeologist and petroglyph specialist Sally Cole. Ms. Cole took the group "behind the scenes" to see delicate rock art and architecture in several sites. Petroglyphs inside carved steps, walls built on top of petroglyphs, thin inscribed checkerboard lines and still vivid color on centuries-old pictographs were some of the favorites. In true volunteer spirit, even fixing a flat tire became a group exercise.

Mug House Training

One of the many benefits of being a Park volunteer is learning about various sites. Mug House, not usually open to the public, offers a variety of delicate and unusual architecture, particularly in the kivas. Mug House was named after mugs that were found in the alcove. A nearby reservoir held large quantities of water during Ancestral Puebloan times.

Prater Ridge and Spruce Tree House

A wonderful array of flora and fauna await volunteers and visitors who walk the Prater Ridge and Knife Edge Trails. Each season brings a variety of color and animals. Horny Toads, who are generally shy creatures, blend perfectly with the sandstone. At Spruce Tree House, volunteers who helped the interpretive Rangers were treated to spring showers that caused little waterfalls all around the alcove.

Volunteer Training

Special training gives volunteers the opportunity to spend time with individual rangers. Each ranger has in-depth knowledge about the sites and current archeological projects. At the end of the day, everyone appreciates the amount of work it takes to get into and out of the alcoves!