Arizona Site Steward Program Foundation

Working Together to Preserve
Arizona’s Heritage
And Protecting Its Future

The Arizona Site Steward Program Foundation (“Foundation”), established in 2017, is integral to the ongoing success of Arizona’s Site Steward Program (“Program”) by educating the public, raising private funds, and collaborating with sponsors to help support volunteer development and the ongoing sustainability of the Program.

Become a Volunteer Become a Sponsor
Four interlocking puzzle pieces: Report — a volunteer recording observations; Monitor — stewards surveying a site; Mentor — an instructor teaching a younger volunteer; Respect — Arizona petroglyphs.
For the Arizona Site Steward Program, now is a crucial time.

Established in 1986 by Arizona Governor Bruce Babbitt, the Program has been a tremendous success for over 40 years, collaborating with local, state, federal, and non-profit land agencies with consistent and reliable site visits and reporting by trained volunteers. Your support helps ensure the next 40 years.

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280 Active Volunteers in 2025
2,555 Site Visits in 2025
15,781 Volunteer Hours Logged
110,000+ Miles Traveled
84 Damage Reports Filed

Observe. Report. Educate. Advocate. Preserve.

What We Do

Supporting the People Who Protect the Past

The Foundation raises funds and provides advocacy so the Site Steward Program and its partners can thrive regardless of shifting federal priorities.

The Foundation

Sustainability

The Foundation consists of a balanced board of archaeologists, site stewards, regional coordinators, land managers, and Tribal colleagues. Arizona cultural preservation organizations are warning that the delayed release of congressionally appropriated Historic Preservation Fund (HPF) funds, combined with proposed federal budget cuts, are creating a funding crisis and risk to the Program’s long-term viability.

By encouraging further education, discussion with lawmakers and the public, and sponsorships by like-minded organizations, it is the Foundation’s goal to protect the Program despite these risks.

About the Foundation  →
Arizona Project Archaeology

Bringing the Past Into the Classroom

Now in its eighth year, Arizona Project Archaeology is an award-winning statewide program recognized by the Arizona Department of Education as a trusted curriculum resource. Through educator workshops, teacher conferences, and hands-on materials — including the Olas Kii Pithouse Investigation — the program reaches K–12 classrooms across the state.

The Foundation is proud to partner with the national Project Archaeology program to deliver high-quality, place-based cultural education statewide.

Explore the Program  →
Get Involved

Three Ways to Make a Difference

Whether you give your time, your resources, or both — you are helping ensure Arizona's archaeological heritage survives for future generations.

Volunteer

Site Stewards are volunteers recruited through the state program who monitor and protect Arizona's archaeological sites year-round. The Foundation funds their training and support — start here to learn how to join.

Become a Volunteer

Sponsor

Corporate and organizational sponsors directly fund steward training, conferences, and education programs. Partnership recognition and benefits are available at every level.

Become a Sponsor

Donate

Individual gifts of any size sustain the Foundation's core work — from training stipends and database maintenance to tribal representative travel and site steward recognition.

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News & Updates

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Advocacy September 2026

ASSPF Joins Historic Coalition to Defend Section 106

The Foundation is among more than 600 Tribal Nations, preservation organizations, museums, and historical societies that delivered an open letter to every member of Congress: Section 106 works — and must be protected.

Read the Letter

More news coming soon

More news coming soon

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