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Nature's Refuge Development Phase I Archaeological Survey and Architectural History Assessment Page 8 4.0 RESULTS 4.1 ARCHAEOLOGY 4.1.1 Work Summary Staff from The 106 Group conducted a Phase I archaeological survey of the Nature's Refuge Development project area from May 2 to May 3, 2006. K. Anne Ketz, M.A., RPA, served as Principal Investigator. Katherine A. Guidi, M.A. served a Field Supervisor and conducted the fieldwork with Christopher Moose, B.S., and Ayla Aymond, B.A. Field methods included an initial visual reconnaissance of the entire project area to assess areas of archaeological potential, followed by shovel testing in areas with low - visibility that were assessed as having a high probability to contain intact archaeological resources. Field conditions presented a less than 15 percent surface visibility over a low- lying, relatively flat, wooded area adjacent to a wetland. There were also various low -lying areas filled with standing water or deep mud. Approximately 239 acres (96.7 hectares) were determined to have low archaeological potential due to the high water table, standing water and/or lack of topographical prominence. Three areas within the project area were determined to have high potential for archaeological resources based on higher elevation in conjunction to their vicinity to standing water (Figure 2). For ease of reference, those portions of the project area that were considered to have high potential for containing intact archaeological resources, and were therefore subject to shovel testing, were designated Survey Areas A, B, and C (Figure 2). The three areas of high archaeological potential encompassed approximately one acre (0.4 hectares). All three areas are located in a cleared grassy area in the approximate center of the project area adjacent to a wetland. A total of 28 shovel tests were excavated in the three areas, the results of which are discussed individually below. 4.1.2 Results A total of 28 shovel tests were excavated in the three areas of high archaeological potential; however, no archaeological sites were identified within the project area. Area A was comprised of two transects placed at 15 m (50 ft.) intervals. Thirteen shovel tests were excavated in this 0.5 -acre (0.2 hectares) area. The shovel tests were excavated to an average depth of 65 centimeters below surface (cmbs), and showed uniformity in soil composition. The A horizon was a dark brown to dark yellowish brown (10YR 3/3 — 10YR 3/6) sandy loam, which overlaid the heavily mottled B horizon with a general matrix of dark yellowish brown to light yellowish brown (10YR 4/4 — 10YR 6/4) sand mottled with a brown (7.5YR 4/4) sand and a light gray (10YR 7/2) sand. The C horizon was not encountered in any of the shovel tests in Area A due to the high water table.