Jon Hardes is an archaeology lead in the Petrified Forest National Park and a zooarchaeologist, which is someone who studies animal remains from archaeological sites, who collaborates frequently with biologists. Jon’s journey into archaeology began with a love for nature and biology. An introductory class in archaeology hooked him, leading to a bachelor’s degree in anthropology with a focus in archaeology. He furthered his studies with a master’s degree from the University of Montana and has worked with archaeology firms such as Ethnoscience, Kautz, AMEC, and Earth and Environmental.
Jon’s favorite aspect of his work is studying human interactions with the environment, shedding light on what items from the past bring people together and how cultures influence us today. Jon’s research aims to help us understand the significance of past items and cultural impacts. One of the exciting discoveries he is fascinated by though not personally involved in, is from White Sands, New Mexico, where ancient footprints of creatures intermixed with human footprints suggest that people were present on the North American continent earlier than previously thought.
Jon believes in the importance of making archaeological research accessible to a wider audience without compromising sensitive information. He emphasizes the need to overcome challenges such as the lack of scientific literacy, which he attributes partly to political influences. His goal is to better disseminate archaeological knowledge and engage more people in understanding our shared history.
For those interested in archaeology, Jon suggests exploring current scientific literature, volunteering at local museums, and reaching out to professionals in the field. He advocates for citizen science, encouraging people to get involved by volunteering with national parks, joining local archaeological societies, and staying updated with archaeological news. Jon refers to Lithodendron, a journal of the Petrified Forest National Park, which allows public members to upload and peer-review their papers, making archaeological knowledge more accessible and participatory.
As an archaeologist, Jon faces the challenge of focusing on singular research topics while juggling diverse tasks. His daily routine varies greatly, from attending events and writing papers to hiking remote areas and collaborating with indigenous tribes. Jon recalls a particularly successful outreach program in Flagstaff, where interactive demonstrations with owl pellets captivated diverse audiences. His work provides fascinating insights into the past, revealing how early human communities shaped our history.
Board member, Adam Marsh, and lead paleontologist at Petrified National Forest, works with a team of scientists to uncover an approximately 300 million-year-old fossil skeleton discovered at Canyonlands National Park in Utah (June 2024)