The Crow Canyon Archaeological Center has been awarded a capital improvement grant from the Boettcher Foundation.
One of 20 nonprofits across the state selected, the Boettcher Foundation awarded more than $800,000 in grant funding for community enrichment projects. Crow Canyon received $50,000 to construct a new facility to house archaeological students and volunteers.
"From shared community spaces and historic preservation to game-changing youth development centers and concert venues, these projects represent some of the most innovative, thoughtful and ambitious campaigns being pursued by nonprofits in Colorado," said Tim Schultz, president and executive director of the Boettcher Foundation.
The projects selected for funding by the Boettcher Foundations represent efforts that contribute toward community enrichment in the areas of arts and culture, youth development or community recreation and senior centers.
"We are thrilled to have the support of the Boettcher Foundation," said Crow Canyon President and CEO Debra Gangloff.
The $1.3 million project calls for the construction of six new cabins to house visiting students and counselors. Currently, visitors are housed in a dormitory with a capacity of 84. The new cabins will be able to accommodate 144.
Gangloff said officials had raised nearly half the total funding required for the project from private donors and foundations. No government funding would be used, she added.
In related news, the Dillard ruin site at Indian Camp Ranch will be featured in the PBS series "Time Team America" on Aug. 26. Time Team's archeological experts were given 72 hours to excavate the site using light detection and ranging (LiDAR) technology, 3D imaging, geophysical surveys and aerial fly-overs. Their work uncovered a more elaborate village than thought.
Host Justine Shapiro interviews Crow Canyon researchers on camera in the locally filmed episode. The Dillard site is located in a one-of-a-kind Cortez subdivision that features ancient ruins on the lots.
tbaker@cortezjournal.com