Rainier archaeologist receives national honor, workshop teaches women outdoor skills, learn fly fishing fundamentals

Park archaeologist honored

Greg Burtchard, retired archaeologist at Mount Rainier National Park, recently received the 2017 John L. Cotter Award for Professional Achievement. Burtchard, a 17-year veteran of the park service, was honored for his long-term service and outstanding career achievements in archaeology, according to Park Service news release.

Among his efforts, Burtchard developed partnerships with universities and federal agencies, and expanded interaction and collaboration between the park and federally-recognized tribal members.

He also developed models to predict where pre-contact hunters and gathers might have camped in the park’s high country. His work has shown some campsites high on the mountain were used more than 7,600 years ago.

The award is named for Dr. John L. Cotter (1911-1999), who was best known for his work at Jamestown, Virginia, and his contributions to the development of historical archaeology, the release said. It is presented to archaeologists who excel in scientific archaeological research, community involvement, and public education.

Women’s outdoor skill workshop

The Washington Outdoor Women program is hosting a workshop that will focus on archery and wilderness awareness.

The workshop will be June 3 at Beau Lodge in Bow. It is open to mothers and daughters ages 10-15, or an adult woman and a young family friend. Adults must be 18 and older to participate.

The workshop will run 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. The cost is $50 per person. Pre-registration is required. The class is limited to 40 people.

All the equipment will be provided. Participants should bring their own lunch, but the program will provide beverages and snacks. Attendees should plan to wear clothing suitable for field activities and sturdy shoes or boots. Bring rain gear as well.

To learn more and to register, see washingtonoutdoorwomen.org.

Learn fundamentals on local water

Sportsman’s Warehouse in Federal Way is offering a single-day class Saturday on angling equipment, leaders, knots and fly casting. The five-hour session combines instruction, demonstration and practice on private water.

Instructors include Darrel Martin, certified by the International Federation of Fly-Fishers (U.S.) and The Advanced Professional Game Angling Instructors (U.K.), and Michael Martin, an experienced guide and instructor.

The class will run 10 a.m-4 p.m..

If you have your own rod, reel and line, plan to bring them. If necessary, equipment is available for free day-loan for the class. Students should also bring rain gear, a brimmed hat, protective eyewear, lunch and drink.

The cost is $50 (cash only), which includes a $30 deposit to reserve a spot. The class size is limited.

For registration and information, call 253-835-4100.

This story was originally published May 14, 2017 at 7:48 AM with the headline "Rainier archaeologist receives national honor, workshop teaches women outdoor skills, learn fly fishing fundamentals."