Ancestral Lands Conservation Corps’ (ALCC) vision is to lead Indigenous Nations back to ecological and cultural well-being by engaging underrepresented Indigenous youth and young adults in conservation service that reconnects them to their land, their cultural heritage, and their traditions. They do this important work across the sacred landscapes of the Southwest, with programs based out of Acoma Pueblo, Navajo Nation, Zuni Pueblo, Hopi-Kykotsmovi, and Albuquerque. ALCC crews work on an array of projects, including historical preservation, traditional agriculture, chainsaw crews, hiking clubs, stream restoration, fencing, trail construction, and more.
Across the Zuni Mountains landscape, ALCC is cultivating the next generation of local land stewards. In what is now known as El Morro National Monument, ALCC crews have spearheaded the Headland Trail project which consists of removing the existing asphalt trail and replacing it with “Sta-Lok” material, which is a paving material made of decomposed granite and crushed stone. The project also includes masonry work, such as foundation setting for trail curbing and retaining walls. This project will increase accessibility for visitors while creating a natural look.
According to Arden Wyaco, ALCC’s Communications Coordinator, this project “preserves our ancestors’ legacy [while] allowing visitors to view the kiva rooms housed on top of El Morro where ceremonies took place, where [our ancestors] called home throughout their history.” In New Mexico and beyond, the conservation and stewardship of forests, rivers, and all of life depends on a continued connection between Indigenous youth and their ancestral lands.
El Morro National Monument is part of over 85 million acres of lands and waters managed by the National Park Service (NPS) that are the ancestral homelands of Indian and Alaska Native Tribes, and Native Hawaiians that predate the National Park System. The NPS is entrusted to conserve these resources for future generations, including wildlife, sites, and vistas that hold significance to Indigenous peoples who have lived on and cared for the land since time immemorial.
We hope you are able to visit El Morro National Monument and walk in the footsteps of the ancestors. The Headland Trail is a 2-mile loop open Thursday through Monday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. For more information, visit the National Park Service website.
Are you interested in a job opportunity with Ancestral Lands Conservation Corps? Check out their jobs and career resources page.