POLLEN AND PHYTOLITH ANALYSIS AT TWO WEST STONEHAM SITES, 5WL38 AND 5WL1856, IN WELD COUNTY, COLORADO

The Hatch Site (5WL38) and Rattlesnake Shelter (5WL1856) were examined for evidence of extant prehistoric vegetation in the pollen and phytolith records. The Hatch Site (5WL38) is located in the Pawnee National Grasslands of Weld County. Deposits identified as Late Plains Woodland were noted. A single hearth yielded a radiocarbon date of 880 + 50 BP (1070 + 50 AD) . In addition, occupation zones were also noted and identified as Late Plains Woodland. Pollen samples were examined from the hearth fill, as well as each of two occupation zones. Rattlesnake Shelter (5WL1856) exhibits evidence of prehistoric occupation from the Late Archaic in the lowest level, through Middle Ceramic until the Late Ceramic period in the uppermost level. Pollen and phytolith analysis was conducted from cultural deposits, as well as modern samples that act as controls.