Test Trench 3 was located next to the park's dog run and near the 1960s comfort station. Due to the likelihood of disturbance from previous construction activities, the area was not believed to be particularly sensitive. However, the opposite proved to be the case when hand excavation near and under water pipes revealed human bone material approximately 5.7 feet below the ground surface. Additional shoring was used, and hand excavation indicated that the bone cache extended into the west wall. Scattered human bone material was also noted. Isolated bone material was collected by the project's Bioarchaeologist for analysis, following the established protocol. Soil in the sensitive area was screened through 1/4 inch wire mesh and did not recover any associated artifacts associated with the burial.
Testing in Test Trench 3 continued north of the shoring as Test Trench 3 North Extension (TT3N EXT). The lower part of an intact burial was exposed in the south end of the extension at approximately 5.7 feet below ground surface. Further exploration revealed that this burial extended east into unexcavated soils. After documentation, the exposed burial was covered with clean sand and a protective box constructed to fit as outlined by the field protocol. Geocloth, a breathable material, was then used to cover and mark the burial to protect it from future disturbance. The shoring was removed and the trench was backfilled.
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Collection method
This context was excavated by monitoring with a small backhoe (CAT 430D with a 2-foot buck). Grab samples were collected of cultural material.
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Soil description
Upper Strata of Dark Soil
