Archaeological survey and geoarchaeological investigations at 41BX1271, Walker Ranch Park, Bexar County, Texas

In January of 2003, a crew from the Center for Archaeological Research at The University of Texas at San Antonio conducted an archaeological survey and geoarchaeological investigations at site 41BX1271 in Walker Ranch Park for the San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department. This work was done in response to the planned installation ofsecurity lights around the existing park trail and a drinking fountain along the southwest portion of the trail system. The archaeological investigations were carried out under Texas Antiquities Permit No. 3023. Three separate field tasks were carried out in order to perform the required assessment: 1) pedestrian survey of the planned installation area; 2) excavation of 41 shovel tests; and 3) excavation of two geoarchaeological test units. This report details the recovery of prehistoric artifacts as well as recent materials within the geological deposits of the park. Discussion of the park soils and geology in relation to artifacts and human occupation is also provided. The archaeological investigations and artifacts recovered indicate a low density of cultural materials and low research potential for the area impacted by the planned modifications. While the lighting and fountain installations will impact the sparse cultural remains, these resources have low interpretive and scientific value and would not contribute significant new knowledge to existing information on Walker Ranch or the prehistory of the region.