THE PLACE: Chaco Canyon was a major center of Puebloan culture between AD 850 and 1250. Most of what we know about them relies on inference and circumstantial evidence, because there is no written record of the Chacons. Almost everything about Chaco is shrouded in mystery: its structures are huge and its former importance is clear, but we know little about it. Archaeology and speculation rule here. Chaco is a park for the mind.
When it was in 1907, few could have predicted that one hundred years later, this magnificent park would be threatened by a myriad of development schemes. Other by consistent government under-funding and neglect. As we look at Chaco Canyon today, it remains a land that is both fantastic and a place of great promise, but it is a landscape in serious need of our help.
More than 20,000 acres of land inside the park qualifies as wilderness. The New Mexico Wilderness Alliance is working to see that these wild and culturally important lands are given full wilderness protection. We are also looking at lands on the periphery of the park to see if any could be included in a wilderness proposal. These periphery lands would create a buffer for the park and halt the development of any new roads that would open remote parts of the park to vandalism.
THE PROJECT: We will be working on education and activism.
Menu
- Friday night: Salad and sandwich bar open until 10:00
- Saturday breakfast: Coffee at 7:00 with cereal bar, granola, yogurt, dried fruit, fresh fruit, milk and soy milk
- Saturday dinner: A Dutch oven treat, the famous Otero Mesa Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas and Peach Cobbler
- Sunday breakfast: Coffee at 7:00 and cereal bar
Gear: Leather gloves, long sleeve shirts, long pants, good shoes, sunglasses and sunscreen are always recommended. NM weather is unpredictable and everyone needs to be prepared for all conditions.
Maximum participants: 30
Contact: Craig Chapman, 505-843-8696 ext. 1009, craig@nmwild.org
Driving distance: 3 hours NW of Albuquerque
