Arizona culture and heritage will be on display at Pipe Spring National Monument in March as the park celebrates Arizona Archaeology and Heritage Awareness Month.

Helping the park staff out with some of the events will be the Kaibab Band of Paiute Indians.  This annual celebration provides a special opportunity for locals and visitors to learn about the prehistory and history of the Arizona Strip, the importance of preserving archaeological sites and historic places, and experience craft demonstrations and hands-on activities.  

Program subjects will range from weaving traditions (traditional and modern) to stone cutting and blacksmithing, and the legend of Pipe Spring to the Civilian Conservation Corp.  Special features will include guided hikes on the Kaibab Indian Reservation (reservations required), a star party, a hands-on yucca sandal making workshop, and tours of the new museum storage facility (which also require reservations). Information for making reservations is below.

Here's a glance at the programs to be offered March 1-10:

* Stone Cutting: demonstration.  March 3 & 7, 10 a.m. – noon AZ.   Join ranger Evan Cram for a demonstration on stone cutting techniques used to shape the rocks of Winsor Castle at Pipe Spring.  

* The Legend of Pipe Spring: talk.  March 3 , 2-3 p.m. AZ.  Meet James Orn, portrayed by his descendent, Pipe Spring volunteer Steve Craig, as he weaves the tale of how Pipe Spring got its name.

* Mu’uputs Canyon: guided hike. March 4 & 6, 10-11:30 a.m. AZ. Offered in cooperation with the Kaibab Band of Paiute Indians.  Mu’uputs Canyon is on the Kaibab Indian Reservation.  Learn about Paiute lifeways and skills and see ancient petroglyphs. Call 928-643-7105 for reservations.

* Rags to Rugs: demonstration.  March 4, 2–3 p.m.  March 9, 10–11:30 a.m. AZ.  To live comfortably on the Arizona Strip in the 1870s, you needed to be practical and creative.  Join volunteer Vicki Craig in turning old rags into beautiful rugs in this ultimate recycling venture.   

* They Lived Where?:  guided walk.  March 5, 9–10 and 10-11 a.m.AZ.  Ranger Stephen Rudolph will lead these guided walks comparing the shelters of the ancient Puebloans, Paiute, and pioneer settlers.

* Rag Dolls: demonstration.  March 8, 10-11:30 a.m. AZ.   Join ranger Brittanni Wero in this fun, hands on activity.  Learn to make a variety of dolls “the pioneer way.”

* Blacksmithing: demonstration.   March 10, 10 am–noon.  Join ranger Evan Cram as he molds the blacksmith’s legend.

* The Making of Moccasins: demonstration.  March 10, 10-11:30 a.m. AZ.  Ranger and tribal member Brittanni Wero will demonstrate the art of making and decorating moccasins.

* Historic Preservation at Pipe Spring: guided walk.  March 10, 1-3 p.m. AZ.  Join resource management technician and archeologist Amber Van Alfen on a guided walk around Pipe Spring National Monument. Learn about the variety of preservation techniques used to care for historic and prehistoric structures. 

For the complete listing of programs, visit www.nps.gov/pisp   To make reservations for guided hikes on the reservation or tours of the museum facility call 928-643-7105.  Pipe Spring National Monument is located 15 miles west of Fredonia, AZ on AZ 389 or 45 miles east of Hurricane, UT on UT 59 and AZ 389. 

Regular entrance fees will apply ($5.00/adult).  Interagency Annual, Senior, and Access passes are accepted and sold.