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Preserve and Protect

GCAS members volunteer to do the work that is necessary to protect archaeological sites from erosion, looting, and vandalism. We help maintain and improve the buildings and pathways at the Mattocks Ruin/Mimbres Culture Heritage Site, and go further afield to protect the archaeological heritage that belongs to us all.

GCAS member Josh Reeves removes extensive spray-paint graffiti covering petroglyph panel, using methods approved and overseen by archaeologist. (photo, Marilyn Markel)
Maintenance of interpretive trails at the Mattocks Ruin. Four GCAS volunteers: L to R: unknown; unknown; Greg Conlin, Kyle Meredith.
GCAS members remove extensive spray-paint graffiti covering petroglyph panel, using methods approved and overseen by archaeologist.
(photo, Marilyn Markel)
GCAS member Josh Reeves prepares for paint removal.
(photo, William Hudson)
Close-up of removal work
GCAS members look on as paint-removal substance is applied. (photo, William Hudson)
GCAS members Josh Reeves and Kyle Meredith apply the removal product, “Elephant Snot.”
(photo, Marilyn Markel)
Final neutralizing coat.
(photo, William Hudson)
It takes 2 people to apply the paint-removal product.
(photo, Marilyn Markel)
he GCAS’s own Marilyn Markel spoke at the dedication of the Pollinators Mural in downtown Silver City.
The Pollinators Mural in downtown Sliver City included designs from Mimbres pottery – one of a bat and another of a pollinator’s-eye-view of an unfurling datura flower. Sponsored in part by a donation of the GCAS.