Regional Research Program Information Guide (2026)

Program Overview

Research at the Lubbock Lake Landmark and regional locations primarily involves archaeology, paleontology, and geology. Participants are introduced to these disciplines through both field and lab work.

This is a field program, not a field school. Volunteers are required to participate for a minimum six-week period (one complete session), but are welcome to stay for the full season. Two arrival dates are available: May 31, 2026 and July 12, 2026. Joining the field crew is a commitment to remain for the full six-week session.

Target dates for completed applications are May 9 for the first session and June 20 for the second session.

Acceptance is into the regional research program as a whole, not into a specific location. Field crew assignments are made during orientation on the first day of each session and are based on balancing field needs, funding commitments, and volunteer interests.

Program Leadership and Supervision

Dr. Eileen Johnson directs the regional research work at the Landmark and other locations. She oversees research progress, provides guidance, and monitors camp logistics while also carrying responsibilities in the Heritage and Museum Sciences department, the Museum at Texas Tech University, and Landmark public programs.

Volunteers are supervised directly by Dr. Stance Hurst (LLL Field Manager), with support from Lila Jones (LLL Field Supervisor) and assigned Crew Chiefs or Lab Assistants who lead day-to-day field or lab operations.

Daily Schedule, Meals, and Camp Life

The work day runs from 6:45 AM to 4:30 PM. In addition to excavation and lab work, all crew members are assigned cooking duties, kitchen responsibilities, and other camp chores.

On days off, food supplies are provided and each crew member is responsible for preparing personal meals and cleanup. Meals include breakfast, midmorning snack, lunch, mid-afternoon snack, and dinner. A crew refrigerator is available for non-supplied items.

Field funds are limited. The team works to provide balanced meals and accommodate vegetarian diets, but some items (such as milk) are limited, and vegan diets cannot be accommodated at this time.

Housing and Facilities

The Landmark Camp

Prefab cabins are used for housing. Cots are provided, and each cabin includes electricity, air-conditioning, ceiling fans, and a small refrigerator. Cabins typically house 8 to 10 people.

The kitchen is a window-unit air-conditioned building with hot and cold running water, refrigerators, freezers, and stoves. Showers with hot and cold running water and indoor flushing toilets are available. Even with these amenities, camp conditions remain primitive and require strict sanitation and shared responsibility.

The Quaternary Research Center is air-conditioned, but Museum policy and security requirements do not allow after-hours personal use.

The Post Camp

The Post camp is a ranch outbuilding (two-room barn) with electricity and air-conditioning. Bunk beds are in the back room, and the front room serves as kitchen and dining space with a stove, refrigerator, freezer, and storage.

Water is trucked in and set up for sinks and showers; dishwashing water must be heated. Maintained portable toilets are available.

Rules and Policies

All Landmark and Texas Tech University health and food safety rules apply to camp kitchens and facilities. All Museum and University policies apply in field settings as well.

Alcohol and illegal drugs are prohibited on research properties. Smoking is not allowed in buildings or excavation areas.

Connectivity, Transportation, and Climate

The Landmark has wireless internet and normal cell service. Regional research locations are rural and remote; the Post camp does not have internet service and cell coverage is limited.

Lubbock is a metropolitan area of about 275,000 and serves a broad rural region. Public transportation is limited, and the Landmark is not served directly by public transit. Volunteers are responsible for after-hours and personal transportation.

Summer weather is typically hot, dry, and dusty (often 95 to 105 degrees Fahrenheit by day), with cooler overnight temperatures that can drop into the low 40s. Rain can produce flooding in excavation areas and cooler, damp conditions.

Required Field Equipment

These items are required before participation in fieldwork. If volunteering only in the field lab, the excavation kit is not required. Equipment can be purchased in Lubbock if not obtained beforehand.

1. Mason's pointed trowel (for example Marshalltown or W.H.S.), 3 to 5 inches maximum length. A square trowel of the same brand and size can also be useful. Gardening trowels are not acceptable.
2. K and E, Lufkin, or Stanley brand 3-meter retractable tape measure (metric system only).
3. 2 to 4 black permanent ink pens.
4. 4 to 6 black lead pencils (#2.5 or HB) with erasers.
5. Clipboard.
6. 30 cm ruler (a 12-inch ruler with centimeter markings is acceptable).
7. 3 to 5 paint brushes in varying sizes.
8. Assorted small wooden and/or bamboo tools and picks. Metal picks are not used because they can damage artifacts, especially bone.

Personal Items to Bring

1. Sleeping bag or blankets (overnight temperatures can reach 40 to 45 degrees Fahrenheit).
2. Field clothes including hat, jackets, jeans, work gloves, sturdy work shoes, and rain poncho.
3. Towels and toiletries.
4. Personal medications.
5. Flashlight and batteries.
6. Electronic devices or radio, headphones, and batteries.
7. Sunglasses, sun lotion, and insect repellent.
8. First aid kit (general kits are also available in excavation areas and camps).

Health Requirements for Final Acceptance

After provisional acceptance and before arrival, the following are required:

1. Proof of personal health and accident insurance for the duration of the field season.
2. Proof of a current tetanus shot.
3. A current physical medical exam using the Landmark form.

Proof of these requirements must be sent to Dr. Johnson before arrival in Lubbock. Without them, volunteers are not permitted to participate in the summer research program or enter camp at the Lubbock Lake Landmark.