This past May, the Sheridan Community Land Trust partnered with Cultural Resource Analysts, Inc. (CRAI), which donated its time, and community volunteers to complete a professional archaeological survey of the 117 acres owned by SCLT at the Big Goose Natural Area (BGNA). The goal was to identify any cultural resources—prehistoric or historic—that should be protected as SCLT plans future recreation, education, and restoration work on the property.

“Whenever we work on land with deep history, we want to be sure we’re moving forward responsibly,” said Kevin Knapp, SCLT History Program Manager. “This survey helps us understand what stories the land holds and how to take care of them.”

Here’s what the survey found:

  • One small prehistoric site and two isolated artifacts were identified.
  • No previously recorded archaeological sites were known in the area, so all three finds were new discoveries.

The main site includes:

  • A historic stone circle feature—likely a former flagpole marker or early navigation aid—which may have prehistoric origins but was modified in more recent history.
  • A small scatter of stone flakes and one stone tool that shows brief prehistoric activity on the ridge above the creek.
  • “Finding even small traces of past activity reminds us that people have been moving across and interacting with this landscape for thousands of years,” Knapp said. The BGNA is part of a much bigger, older human story.”

The two isolated finds included:

  • A Late Archaic-style projectile point (Pelican Lake subtype), dating to several thousand years ago.
  • A quartzite core used to produce stone flakes.

Importantly, none of these resources were found to be significant enough for listing on the National Register of Historic Places, largely because:

  • Many have been disturbed by erosion, grazing, artifact collecting, or nearby modern development.
  • They do not contain enough intact material to reveal new information about prehistoric or historic lifeways.

Because of this, no further study, excavation, or special protections are required.

What this means for our community:

  • BGNA continues to be a place with a rich human story, from ancient hunter-gatherers to more recent ranching and institutional uses.
  • The survey gives SCLT confidence to expand public access, educational programming, and stewardship projects while ensuring we honor the land’s cultural history.
  • Community volunteers played an essential role, helping ensure this work was done carefully and responsibly.

“These results give us clarity,” Knapp added. “We can welcome more people onto the land, build new educational experiences, and still respect the cultural resources that remain.”

This survey strengthens SCLT’s commitment to managing BGNA in a way that respects its past while opening new doors for learning, exploration, and conservation.