Southwest Colorado Canyons Alliance

Southwest Colorado Canyons Alliance SCCA promotes preservation and education for Canyons of the Ancients National Monument and its Visit

✨ Happening Today: Dark Sky Presentation with Aaron Watson ✨Join us today at Canyons of the Ancients Visitor Center & Mu...
04/15/2026

✨ Happening Today: Dark Sky Presentation with Aaron Watson ✨

Join us today at Canyons of the Ancients Visitor Center & Museum for an illuminating look at what it takes to become an International Dark Sky Park.

Aaron Watson will share how night sky quality is measured, how we can reduce light pollution, and why protecting our dark skies matters—for wildlife, cultural heritage, and our community. 🌌

📅 Today – April 15, 2026
⏰ 4:00 PM
📍 Canyons of the Ancients Visitor Center

Come be part of preserving our incredible night skies! 🌠

🌿 Guided Plant Walk in Sand Canyon 🌿Join us for a guided plant walk through the lower Sand Canyon area of Canyons of the...
03/17/2026

🌿 Guided Plant Walk in Sand Canyon 🌿

Join us for a guided plant walk through the lower Sand Canyon area of Canyons of the Ancients National Monument with Marian Rohman, author of Plants of Canyons of the Ancients National Monument and a long-time interpreter of the region’s remarkable flora.

During this immersive walk, Marian will help participants slow down and see the landscape through a new lens—sharing insights on native plant identification, seasonal changes, and the vital ecological roles these species play in the high desert environment.

Whether you’re a curious beginner or a seasoned naturalist, this is a wonderful opportunity to deepen your connection to the landscape and the plants that sustain it.

📅 April 14, 2026
⏰ 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 Sand Canyon Trailhead (Western Lot)
👥 Limit 12 participants

Register now: https://swcocanyons.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/swcocanyons/eventRegistration.jsp?event=151&

For more information:
📞 (970) 882-5600
📧 [email protected]

We’re proud to recognize Ancient Echoes at Kelly Place as a valued sponsor of the 2026 Artist-in-Residence Program at Ca...
03/01/2026

We’re proud to recognize Ancient Echoes at Kelly Place as a valued sponsor of the 2026 Artist-in-Residence Program at Canyons of the Ancients National Monument.

Located in the heart of McElmo Canyon, Ancient Echoes at Kelly Place offers a place where visitors can experience the beauty and deep history of this landscape in a meaningful way. Their support helps bring artists to Canyons of the Ancients — providing space for creativity, reflection, and connection to the land.

Through their sponsorship, Ancient Echoes at Kelly Place is helping foster artistic exploration rooted in place and ensuring that the stories and landscapes of this region continue to inspire.

Thank you for supporting art, culture, and conservation at Canyons of the Ancients.

Learn more about Ancient Echoes at their website: https://www.kellyplace.com/

🎨 Block Printing Inspired by Canyons of the AncientsJoin Winter Artist-in-Residence Vicki Conley for a hands-on block pr...
02/27/2026

🎨 Block Printing Inspired by Canyons of the Ancients

Join Winter Artist-in-Residence Vicki Conley for a hands-on block printing workshop inspired by the landscapes, plants, and wildlife of Canyons of the Ancients National Monument.

📅 March 14, 2026
⏰ 10 am – 12 pm OR 1 – 3 pm
📍 Canyons of the Ancients Visitor Center, 27501 CO-184, Dolores, CO 81323

In this beginner-friendly workshop, participants will design and create a relief printing block inspired by something they’ve experienced in the Monument. Using simple, no-carving techniques, you'll print your design on paper and fabric. One fabric print can even be turned into a stitched patch for clothing or a backpack!

Some prints may be combined into a collaborative quilt — a shared creative reflection of place.

✨ All supplies provided
👧 Ages 8+
👥 Each session limited to 12 participants

Come connect with the landscape in a creative and personal way.

➡️ Registration required — reserve your spot today!
https://swcocanyons.app.neoncrm.com/nx/portal/neonevents/events?path=%2Fportal%2Fevents%2F36708

Questions? Call (970) 882-5600 or email [email protected]

Huge thank you to Ancient Echoes at Kelly Place for hosting Vicki and helping to sponsor this year's Artist-in-Residence at Canyons of the Ancients National Monument!

We are pleased to welcome our 2026 Artist-in-Residence, Vicki Conley, to Canyons of the Ancients National Monument.A lif...
02/26/2026

We are pleased to welcome our 2026 Artist-in-Residence, Vicki Conley, to Canyons of the Ancients National Monument.

A lifelong creative originally from Albuquerque, New Mexico, Vicki recently retired after a remarkable 42-year career as a studio potter, during which she sold her work throughout the western United States and founded Piñon Pottery in Ruidoso Downs. Over the past two decades, her artistic focus has evolved toward fiber arts, where she now creates striking art quilts inspired by the natural world.

Blending her background in science with her deep love of public lands, Vicki’s work interprets landscapes through fabric and thread, highlighting both their beauty and the importance of conservation. Her nationally recognized pieces—often inspired by national parks—have been exhibited across the United States and internationally, including in Quilt National (2017 & 2025), and are held in public and private collections.

Learn more about Vicki and her work here: https://www.vicki-conley.com/

Vicki will be in residence March 1–15, during which she will explore the landscapes of Canyons of the Ancients through her textile practice and engage with the community. She will also lead two hands-on block printing workshops on March 14, offering the public an opportunity to connect creatively with the Monument.

Register here: https://swcocanyons.app.neoncrm.com/nx/portal/neonevents/events?path=%2Fportal%2Fevents%2F36708

Please join us in welcoming Vicki — we are honored to have her bring her unique perspective and artistry to Canyons of Ancients National Monument!

As 2025 comes to a close, we’re feeling incredibly grateful. 💛To everyone who volunteered, attended an event, shared our...
12/30/2025

As 2025 comes to a close, we’re feeling incredibly grateful. 💛
To everyone who volunteered, attended an event, shared our work, or made a gift, thank you for showing up for Canyons of the Ancients National Monument.

Because of you, cultural sites were protected, living traditions were celebrated, artists were supported, and our community came together to honor this remarkable place. We are so thankful to be part of a community that cares deeply about this landscape and its stories.

In our December newsletter, Executive Director, Markleigh Swanson, and Board Chair, Don Hoffheins, reflect on what made this year so meaningful and share their deep gratitude for everyone who believes in the work SCCA is doing.

📖 Read the December newsletter here:
https://api.neonemails.com/emails/content/YnAwsDXzL2Lc18TZIaPHynBMjjnYmQJqfgg2GjaBsPA=

We are so grateful to be doing this work alongside you.

🎉 Thank You, SCCA Community! 🎉Because of you, Southwest Colorado Canyons Alliance raised $3,181 from 29 generous donors ...
12/10/2025

🎉 Thank You, SCCA Community! 🎉

Because of you, Southwest Colorado Canyons Alliance raised $3,181 from 29 generous donors during Colorado Gives Day—including early giving and Giving Tuesday!

Your support helps protect the cultural and natural heritage of Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, uplift Indigenous artists and educators, engage volunteers, and inspire deeper stewardship of this extraordinary landscape.

We are so grateful for every donation, every share, every encouraging word, and every person who shows up for the Monument we all love.

Thank you for standing with us—and for all you do to protect, preserve, and celebrate this special place. 💛

Thank you to everyone that has supported SCCA for Colorado Gives Day so far! We’re still working toward our $5,000 goal,...
12/10/2025

Thank you to everyone that has supported SCCA for Colorado Gives Day so far! We’re still working toward our $5,000 goal, and your contribution tonight can make all the difference.

Your Colorado Gives Day donation supports:
• dark sky education and certification efforts
• volunteers who safeguard over 100 cultural sites
• cleanup and stewardship events
• Indigenous programs and art markets

Help protect the lands, stories, and skies we all love.

Donate before midnight: https://www.coloradogives.org/organization/Southwest-Colorado-Canyons-Alliance

As the sun sets over the Monument, there’s still time to support Southwest Colorado Canyons Alliance this Colorado Gives...
12/10/2025

As the sun sets over the Monument, there’s still time to support Southwest Colorado Canyons Alliance this Colorado Gives Day.

Your generosity keeps trails clean, preserves cultural heritage, expands education programs, supports tribal partnerships, and ensures that Canyons of the Ancients National Monument remains a place of awe and wonder.

We’re approaching our $5,000 goal—help us finish strong!
Set up a monthly donation and your first gift will be matched.

Support SCCA at: https://www.coloradogives.org/organization/Southwest-Colorado-Canyons-Alliance

Today is Colorado Gives Day—one of the most impactful days of giving in Colorado—and your support sustains programs that...
12/09/2025

Today is Colorado Gives Day—one of the most impactful days of giving in Colorado—and your support sustains programs that make the Monument a place of inspiration for all.

One of those programs is our Artist-in-Residence Program, which invites artists from across the country to immerse themselves in the landscape of Canyons of the Ancients National Monument. Their work brings new perspectives, deepens public appreciation, and helps people connect more meaningfully with the cultural and natural stories held within this sacred landscape.

So far, we’ve raised more than half of our $5,000 goal!
Your donation today helps:
🎨 Support resident artists with housing and supplies
🖼️ Bring free community programs and artist talks to local audiences
📸 Share the beauty and meaning of this landscape with thousands through art

You can amplify your impact by becoming a monthly donor—Colorado Gives Foundation will match your first monthly gift!

Give where you live and help foster art, reflection, and connection:
https://www.coloradogives.org/organization/Southwest-Colorado-Canyons-Alliance

Colorado Gives Day is in full swing, and we are humbled by the support that has already come in.Your donation today fuel...
12/09/2025

Colorado Gives Day is in full swing, and we are humbled by the support that has already come in.

Your donation today fuels transformative programs like:
• The Four Corners Indigenous Art Market, which uplifts Native artists and brings cultural knowledge to our community
• Indigenous artist demonstrations and cultural programming
• Stewardship of over 100 ancestral sites through our volunteer Site Stewardship Program
• Trail work, visitor outreach, and hands-on volunteer training
• Dark sky programs that bring the night to life and move CANM toward International Dark Sky Park certification
• Community events that deepen public understanding and respect for Canyons of the Ancients National

Every gift—big or small—helps ensure that the stories, landscapes, and living cultures of CANM thrive for generations.

And remember: Monthly gifts are matched!

Join us at https://www.coloradogives.org/organization/Southwest-Colorado-Canyons-Alliance

Address

PO Box 113
Cortez, CO
81321

Telephone

+19702391730

Website

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