The Hedley Pueblo preserve contains a great kiva, many room blocks, and a Chacoan-style great house.
Photo credit: TAC
An additional 29-acre parcel was acquired by The Archaeological Conservancy. This acquisition expanded the Hedley Pueblo Preserve in southeastern Utah to a total of 200 acres. It encompasses previously unprotected archaeological deposits at risk from development, agriculture, and looting.
Preservation of this important Ancestral Puebloan village site began with the original 70-acre parcel which was donated to the Conservancy in 1993 by the Hedley family. Two additional parcels totaling 100 acres were donated by the MacGregor family. This new parcel unites the previously donated parcels.
The preserve now includes three architectural units dating between A.D. 1050 and 1300. Features include a great kiva, multiple room blocks, and a Chacoan-style great house. The largest unit has at least 250 rooms and is among the largest late Pueblo III villages in the Mesa Verde region. The layout of the site is similar to other Chaco communities subsequently occupied and modified by Mesa Verdean people.
The preserve is in a remote agricultural area that is susceptible to looting and trespassing. This acquisition will allow the Conservancy to better secure the site with fencing and access gates. The Southwest regional office will work closely with the Utah Historical Preservation Office to increase monitoring at the site and implement new security measures.
