One of the many bedrock mortar holes used for grinding acorns by the Kawaiisu over the centuries. Photo by Larry LaCom

People gathering at the site of the Kawaiisu preserve before the dedication ceremony. Photo by Larry LaCom

Attendees reading one of the several informational signs at the site before the ceremony. Photo by Larry LaCom

Kawaiisu elder Luther Girado with some of his family members. Photo by Larry LaCom

Kawaiisu elder Luther Girado. Photo by Larry LaCom

Linda Turco speaks with Eddie Greenflag Gallegos before the ceremony. Linda and her husband Rich donated the land where the preserve is situated. Eddie is a Kawaiisu singer and musician. Photo by Larry LaCom

Linda Turco begins the event by addressing the gathered audience. Linda and her husband Rich donated the land for the Kawaiisu preserve. Photo by Larry LaCom

Eddie Greenflag Gallegos sings a Native American song and plays a drum during the dedication ceremony. Photo by Larry LaCom

Eddie Greenflag Gallegos, L., burns sage while Kawaiisu elder Luther Girado tells a story that underscores the significance of the site. Photo by Larry LaCom

Elder Luther Girado plays a wooden flute during the dedication ceremony. Photo by Larry LaCom

Some of the close to 200 attendees gathered for the opening ceremony for the Bear Valley Kawaiisu preserve. Photo by Larry LaCom

Some of the close to 200 attendees gathered for the opening ceremony for the Bear Valley Kawaiisu preserve. Photo by Larry LaCom

Eddie Greenflag Gallegos sings a Native American song and plays the drum. Photo by Larry LaCom

Eddie Greenflag Gallegos sings a Native American song and plays the drum. Photo by Larry LaCom

Linda Turco and Kawaiisu elder Luther Girado. Photo by Larry LaCom

Rich Turco addresses the audience from the podium at the Oaks Country Club. Photo by Larry LaCom

Todd Lander describes the value of the Kawaiisu preserve to Bear Valley Springs

Archaeologist Dave Whitley gives a presentation on the Kawaiisu, their history and means of prospering. Photo by Larry LaCom

Jon Hammond describes various plants and their uses by the Kawaiisu. Photo by Larry LaCom

Charles White, president of the Tehachapi Heritage League, explains the process whereby the property could be preserved for future generations. Photo by Larry LaCom