At the State Meeting in Lansing on April 23, 2006 Ron Burk of the Saginaw Valley Chapter became the latest recipient of the Ira Butterfield Award given by the Conference on Michigan Archaeology (COMA). This award recognizes the significant contributions made by avocational archaeologists. Past recipients include Donald Simons (SVC), Harold Thompson (SVC) and Larry Dorothy (Kalamazoo Chapter).

Ron Burk has recorded sites in Gratiot and Saginaw counties covering approximately a 200 square mile area. Ron has recorded close to 140 sites. His most notable sites include Aldrich and Slavik. Ron has also been active in writing and publishing his finds as well as educating the public about archaeology. He has served as an MAS officer at both the state and chapter levels and served on various committees. He recently donated his entire collection to the State of Michigan for research and preservation. In accepting this honor, Ron also recognized the support of his friends Dr. Scott Beld and Mike Mauer, pictured above.

He received a plaque and award of $340, enough for a carbon date. A formal presentation was made at the October 2006 Saginaw Valley chapter meeting. Sean Dunham, COMA President, made the presentation. SVC President Don Simons offers his congratulations to Ron.

Ron and Mike presented their artifacts to the public at the Hartley Nature Center in October.