February 8 – 15, 2026

With Archaeologists in Residence Bill Doelle and Linda Mayro

Bill and Linda will return to Elkhorn for a second year to continue exploring the rich and complex human history of the Altar Valley and Baboquivari Mountain region. This history is visible both around the ranch buildings and as we ride and hike. Rock imagery (petroglyphs), pot sherds, and grinding stones (metate and mano) left here hundreds or even thousands of years ago are visible alongside more recent evidence of people here before us, like the Stone Corral west of the ranch headquarters. Many of the trails were pioneered by people from different regions, traveling through the area over the course of time. One can’t help but wonder and think about where people were from, where were they going and why? Human communities have evolved and changed throughout the southwestern region of the United States and northern Mexico. How does the field of archaeology approach these questions and why does this matter as we think about conservation and land management now and in the future?

Photo of Bill and Linda by Alex Binford-Walsh

As with all Elkhorn workshop and residency weeks, riding, hiking and enjoying the Elkhorn experience remain the focus. We will be able to enjoy added learning and intellectual exploration as Bill and Linda share their wisdom and experience with us while riding, walking or hiking and visiting around meals ~ plus there will be some focused learning and discussion times in the late afternoons between 4 – 5:30 on several days. A handful of special guests from the Tohono O’odham Nation and others with archaeology, history and anthropology information to share will join the conversations as well.

William Doelle and Linda Mayro are long-time Tucson residents with decades of experience and leadership in the field of archaeology. Bill is the President Emeritus of Archaeology Southwest, an organization committed to a holistic, collaborative, and conservation-based approach to exploring and protecting heritage places while honoring their diverse values. Linda recently retired from directing what is now the Pima County Sustainability and Conservation department and helped develop the nationally recognized Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan to guide this region’s path forward. Charley and Mary Miller have worked with Bill and Linda for many years via Altar Valley Conservation Alliance work and look forward to learning more with them during this special week at Elkhorn.

Note that everyone at the ranch is welcome to participate throughout the week and there is no extra charge.

MORE WORKSHOPS + EVENTS

OLD-TIME MUSIC
JANUARY 4 – 11, 2026

FOLK MUSIC
JANUARY 11 – 18, 2026

DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY
JANUARY 18 – 25, 2026

DESERT LANDSCAPE ART
JANUARY 25 – FEBRUARY 1, 2026

Coming Into Balance: Exploring Relationships Through Horsemanship
FEBRUARY 1 – 8, 2026

KATE AITCHISON – ARTIST IN RESIDENCE
APRIL 14 – 24, 2026 (TO BE CONFIRMED)

WORKSHOPS + EVENTS PAGE

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