July 2014 Volume 37, Conservation Issue

Permit 8 ® CIMARRON NM T h e M a g a z i n e o f t h e P h i l m o n t S ta f f A s s o c i at i o n® PAID U.S. POSTAGE

Non-Profit Organization high countrY check us out! www.philstaff.com ® Mission unites (PSA) Association Staff Philmont The and present— staff—past Philmont the adventure, purpose of serving the the for Ranch Scout Philmont of experience and heritage Boy Scouts of America. and the 17 DEER RUN ROAD CIMARRON NM 87714 Our Mission High Country®—Volume 37, Conservation Issue Philmont Staff Association® July 2014 Board Of Directors Ed Pease, Editor Mark Dierker, Layout Editor John Murphy, President Colleen Nutter, Vice President, Membership Randy Saunders, Associate Editor Tim Rosseisen, Vice President, Service in this issue Bill Cass, Copy Editor Warren Smith, Vice President, Development Dave Kenneke, Staff Contributor Adam Fromm, Secretary Kevin “Levi” Thomas, Cartoonist Matt Lindsey, Treasurer 4 from the editor

Contributing Editors National Directors 5 from the psa pub comm Robert Birkby David Caffey Amy Boyle Bill Cass Gregory Hobbs Ken Davis land management Warren Smith Mark Stinnett Bryan Delaney Mary Stuever Stephen Zimmer Catherine Hubbard 6 growing sustainability Lee Huckstep High Country® is the official publication of the Dr. Dan Miller 10 land and fire Philmont Staff Association® and is published six Steve Rick 13 history of gardening in nm times per year as a benefit to its members. Regional Directors 16 dark-sky camping © 2014, The Philmont Staff Association, Inc. Northeast 20 restoring demo forest All rights reserved. No copyright claimed for Kathleen Seitz previously copyrighted or public material. Rick Touchette natural history Permission granted for non-commercial reprinting or redistribution with proper attribution. Central Mitch Standard 22 forgotten fruits High Country®, Philmont Staff Association®, Phil Winegardner PSA® and the official PSA logo® 25 peeled trees are all registered trademarks of: Southern 28 tree improvement program Anne Marie Pinkenburg The Philmont Staff Association, Inc. Doug Wahl the conservation department 17 Deer Run Road Cimarron, New Mexico 87714 Western 575-376-1138 Nancy Stickelman 31 reimagining work crews Michael Waggoner 33 sustainability takes root For membership and subscription information, visit our website at: 35 new display map Jim lynch, Immediate Past President WWW.PHILSTAFF.COM Mark Anderson, Philmont Staff Advisor interpreting natural history

Ex Officio Members 40 cycling for conservation Emery Corley, Legal Advisor High Country® welcomes articles, photos and Douglas Fasching, Technology Manager 43 landscape-wide education letters for consideration for future issues. On the cover: Work Crews have been 46 philmont as science lab Submission does not guarantee publication. modified to work more efficiently. See The editors and publisher reserve the right to 49 rocs: 21people day transformation select and edit materials to be published. Randy Saunders, Executive Director story on page 33. Dollie O’Neill, Office Manager interpetive history Send submissions, letters or comments to 52 waite phillips “ High Country” at the above address or e-mail: PSA® FELLOWS 54 people who made it possible [email protected] Bob Harvey Fellow PAUL and MARY JANE HARVEY ® If you would like to receive High Country Glenn A. Fowler Fellow in electronic rather than paper format, please BRUCE BARNES contact the PSA office at [email protected] George A. Bullock Fellow WILLIAM D. BRYCE Opinions expressed in High Country®are those of 2014 Special Issue – Conservation Joe Davis Fellow the writers and, unless otherwise stated, BILL CASS do not necessarily reflect the views of the General Editor, Mary Stuever. Associate Editor, Mike Sudmeier. John A. Maxbauer, Jr. Fellow hilmont taff ssociation® hilmont Layout Editor, Mark Dierker. Editorial Coordinator, Ed Pease. P S A , P ANONYMOUS cout anch or the oy couts of merica S R , B S A . Contributing writers: Carrie Anderson, Robert Birkby, Sarah Burgess, William deBuys, Zack Harris, Robert Hey- duck, Justin Hougham, Chad Moore, Marc Nutter, Chris Sawyer, Zack Seeger, Leo Smith, Mary Stuever, Gordon Tooley, Robert Wagner

Volume 37, Conservation Issue— July 2014 Volume 37, Conservation Issue— July 2014 3 from the editor this subject area like a river, continu- third implies that someone is count- ally flowing, often changing, shifting as ing and expecting an end. We’re just Like a River needed, finding familiar old channels, expecting another reach of the wild and making its way toward an ocean, ever wonderful river of ideas and stories growing and expanding. that when told bring us closer to being After the birth of my oldest daughter, so forth – but our love of Philmont I never had a third pregnancy…we respectful stewards of this landscape. I clearly remember swearing “never and our love of the land continues to joked that it might mean triplets. Yet again.” I’m sure my subsequent twins triumph amid the chaos and roar of Mike and I are already talking about a Mary Stuever are grateful I did not stick to that oath. those other things that tug at our hearts third issue, or perhaps better called the Los Ojos, New Mexico After putting the first special Conserva- and our time. Regardless, we walk ‘next’ special Conservation issue, as tion issue of High Country to bed almost through our lives knowing that there is two years ago, I remember giving this place, this ranch in northern New myself a stern lecture about extra time Mexico, a paradise in so many ways. commitments while enrolled in a PhD Yet, like Twain’s riverboat captain from the psa publications committee program in Sustainability Education—a who reads the river and sees danger project ancillary to my full time job. Yet, rather than beauty in the rippling wa- I readily agreed to this second Conser- ters, those of us familiar with this land- “Scramble. Be flexible.” vation issue just months later when Ed scape see possibilities that scare us and Pease asked if we would do another inspire us to action. Together we can one. navigate the rapids - wildfire threat, This old Phil-phrase seemed especially So – before Mary could come to her If I thought my first pregnancy was insect outbreaks, drought, changing appropriate as final edits were being senses, we scrambled. Told Mark An- tough, the twin pregnancy provided climate - but we need a collective un- completed for this second special issue derson that we’d be using his thoughts a challenge that paled the first experi- derstanding of the possibilities. of High Country devoted to conserva- in the next special issue instead of this ence. Likewise, pulling together this A thread runs through this special is- tion. In this space there was supposed one. Made a few adjustments to copy second Conservation issue has similarly sue that explores our connections with to be a column by Mark Anderson, and layout. Wrapped it all up with a proven twice as challenging as the first. the land and how we live on it. We kick Philmont’s Director of Program, tying digital bow and sent the electrons to My co-editor, Mike Sudmeier and I off with stories on sustainable living, the two conservation special issues to- our printer. have faced many different deadlines, we plow through agricultural tales, we gether and giving the “30,000 foot look” And while we believe this issue is neither of us willing to compromise the peel back layers of history and people’s at what the future holds. even better than the first (and that is issue, and finding Ed and the Publica- relationships with the land, we dream, Then Mary Stuever’s column ar- saying a lot!), our readers can now look tions team always supportive of our we plan, we scheme, we take action. rived for layout, and we saw in the last forward to at least one more special need for more time. My apologies to When we published the first special paragraph that she and her conserva- issue dealing with conservation at the our authors who met that first deadline issue of High Country devoted to land tion team had been discussing the idea Ranch. We’re not sure on the timing so many months ago and have been management and conservation, I felt of a third conservation special issue yet, not wanting to ask a new mom waiting patiently for this issue to see like we had barely scraped the tip of because there was still so much to be when the next baby will arrive (to bor- the light of day. Congratulations to the iceberg representing all the knowl- covered. Those of us on the editorial row from Mary’s metaphor) before the Mike who managed to get married in edge, experience, and understanding of staff couldn’t believe our eyes – because first one has even met the family. the midst of this project, and even sent the Philmont landscape. I still feel this we had come to the same conclusion, But the anticipation will serve, we input while on his delayed honeymoon. way, but I have a new analogy. Unlike but were afraid that asking for yet hope, to enhance the satisfaction when The gist of this story is that life an iceberg of knowledge with hidden, another issue was “a bridge too far.” the next one arrives. In the meantime, continues on – births, marriages, and yet definite boundaries, I now think of These issues are a lot of work. enjoy this one. It’s really good.

Volume 37, Conservation Issue— July 2014 Volume 37, Conservation Issue— July 2014 4 from the editor from the pub comm 5 land management which will mark its seventy-sixth year in opera- Growing a Sustainable Program tion. During this time, Philmont By Chris Sawyer operation. Waite wrote in his journal has become more that “this ranch for fifteen years has self-reliant, but each Waite Phillips was an astute and been supported by the results of my day it continues to forward-thinking businessman. There well-managed oil operations instead strive to be more was almost always a return on his in- of on its own merits.” Because of this financially and en- vestments and one of his guiding prin- and for many other reasons, he decided vironmentally sus- ciples, self-reliance, was a focal point to donate the ranch so that it might be tainable. To build for his business activities. When he used for a “better purpose.” on the Sustainabil- generously gave the land that became Philmont has indeed been utilized ity Initiative that Philmont to the Boy Scouts of America, for that “better purpose” and will see Ranch Management his ranch was not a self-sufficient its one-millionth participant in 2014, and the Sustainable Resource Specialists have put together over the past several years, we developed a ranch- wide Sustainability Committee in 2013. The committee includes full-time employees from the Ranching, Motor Pool, Maintenance, Commissary, Din- Staff members collect computer paper to be recylced. ing Hall, Merchan- dise Warehouse, News and Photo, ing and new processes to improve our Health Lodge, Trading Post, and Pro- operations. gram Administration departments. The Each department is helping goal of this committee is to improve Philmont reduce its footprint. Efforts our sustainability efforts and to reduce across the Ranch include: the footprint of Philmont’s waste. We have identified each department’s • The Commissary asks that sup- existing contributions to sustainability, plier companies package and deliver developed innovative ways to measure foodDawn to Philmontpainting “en in plein 18 xair” 12 outsidex 12 inch of our cost savings from these efforts, and corrugated cardboard boxes so we can A semi truck hauls bales of carboard from Philmont to a recyling center. Gunnison, CO. Photo by Jonathan Houck. discussed ways that we can refine exist- reuse the boxes to deliver food into the

6 land management Volume 37, Conservation Issue— July 2014 Volume 37, Conservation Issue— July 2014 land management 7 backcountry during the summer. water catchments that aid in managing tainability cattle in areas of the Ranch where water Initiative. • The Maintenance Department has is scarce. This in- installed energy efficient thermostats cludes ex- that automatically adjust tempera- • The Dining Hall staff has improved ploring an tures during non-work hours. It has meal planning to save water used to improved installed insulation and energy efficient thaw frozen foods. The department also waste dis- windows in older buildings to reduce uses recyclable disposable paper prod- posal and heating costs, and closes twenty-eight ucts in place of Styrofoam. The Dining recycling buildings in Base Camp for the winter. Hall donates all leftover food to Food program. Depot of Santa Fe. We are • The Motor Pool recycles all used oil working to heat its • Camping closely 120 x 40 Headquarters with x 25 foot Philmont has become more self- coordinates representa- building reliant, but each day it continues recycling ef- tives from during forts and has the New Philmont staff member loads boxes from the dining hall into the cardboard baler. the winter to strive to be more financially and established Mexico months. environmentally sustainable. sustainable Recycling Coalition, Raton, and Albu- gestion you might have, please send it walking paths querque to streamline these efforts and to me (Associate Director of Program, • The to improve look forward to sharing the outcomes Chris Sawyer, via email at chris.saw- Health grass regen- with you in the future. Like Waite Phil- yer@scouting.org). Lodge staff manages and reroutes eration in Base Camp. lips before us, the current generation of With continued progress like we’ve backcountry drivers to save gas while Philmont staff strive to be good stew- seen in the recent past, we’ll soon meet picking up patients throughout the • The Trading Post ships orders in ards of the land. In doing so, the Ranch Mr. Phillips’s expectations of sustain- summer. recycled boxes and reuses packaging hopes to lead by example in northern ability, even if the term we use today from incoming orders. New Mexico. wasn’t in the vocabulary of his time. • The News and Photo Service re- Philmont’s Sustainability Initiative cycles silver from photo printing each The revenue generated from our is the natural consequence of decades summer and uses rechargeable batter- recycling program is not substantial, of a well-embedded conservation ethic. The richest values of wilder- ies in all camera equipment. but the cost savings associated with But the formalization of this conser- ness lie not in the days of reducing our waste tonnage sent to the vation tradition into an organized Daniel Boone, nor even in • The Merchandise Warehouse landfill speaks for itself. As Sarah Bur- program has rapidly accelerated both the present, but rather in the purchases supplies in bulk to save on gess mentions in her article, recycling the attention paid to this area of ranch future. packaging. in 2013 provided over $91,000 worth of operations and the pace of program- benefit/savings to Philmont. These sav- ming to improve even further. Many • The Ranch Department manages ings were then reallocated to projects of the components of today’s program ~ Aldo Leopold (American livestock based on weather and grass across the Ranch in need of funding. came from suggestions by Philmont ecologist, forester, and en- conditions and grows hay and alfalfa to We are currently evaluating new staff and friends – and we earnestly vironmentalist, considered support feeding livestock throughout ways to increase these savings and to solicit additional ideas from you. No to be the father of American the year. The department also creates provide improved support for our Sus- matter how large or how small a sug- wildlife management)

Volume 37, Conservation Issue— July 2014 Volume 37, Conservation Issue— July 2014 8 land management land management 9 Land and Fire firefighters, let’s review some American pastures of soil-stabilizing grasses. By history. Their story comes later, but in the mid-1940s, there was grass enough the late 1800s there was no Smokey to put fire back on the landscape. by Mary Stuever a point, creating a fire scar shaped like Bear and the Forest Service didn’t fight Now let’s rekindle that blame to an isosceles triangle. It is formed on the fires until 1905. The effective hordes fire suppression policies and resources. Fire and forests have always been en- back side of the tree by flames lick- of fire guards had four legs and either Following the big burn of 1910 in Idaho twined on the landscape, and yet over ing around the trunk in wind-driven mooed or and the last few hundred years this story movement across the landscape. Mostly bleated Montana, has been tainted with mostly uninten- thick-barked trees, such as ponderosa their way the Forest tional human influence. Told mostly by pine or Douglas-fir, are protected from over the Service ancient trees, this tale is translated by the low surface flames, but once they land- imple- scientists who study dendrochronology are wounded, the cat-face continues to scape mented (the study of tree rings) and backed up char with each passing flame front. consum- the 10 by others analyzing char in soil layers, Depending on the forest type, these ing the a.m. and early observations of trappers, rounds of fire-scarred wood tell dif- grasses strat- miners, land surveyors, and others. ferent stories. In the ponderosa pine that pre- egy – any It goes like this: prior to the late forests, the fires were more frequent— viously forester 1800’s, fires burned across the land on sometimes two or three fires would carried worth his a regular basis. They danced an age-old burn in three or four consecutive years the weight waltz of renewal and change. Mostly, and later there might be forty years flames. would fire kept to the surface, burning tree between two fires. The average return The have seedlings and saplings, consuming interval in these frequent fire forests trouble any fire dried grass, waist high shrubs, needles runs between 6 and 16 years. This with reported and limbs. Occasionally fire would race range is not much different for the dry these in his through tree canopies leaving large mixed conifer stands (12-26 years), but large area of meadows, or torch individual trees stretches to 30-70 years for wet mixed num- respon- resulting in small openings. This left a conifer types. In the high spruce-fir for- bers of sibility diverse patchwork forest where trees ests, fire-scarred trees are rare, as fires livestock out by 10 of various sizes grew various distances tended to burn quite hot once every (hun- o’clock from each other. few centuries, resetting the forest from dreds of the next How did this mosaic of diversity ancient to incipient. This story is con- thou- morning. develop into the carpet of dense forests sistent on thousands and thousands of sands of However, that have, in our short-lived memories, sample trees, until the rings reach 1878, animals as range cloaked the Philmont skyline? The or 1890, depending on the tree you are in sum- managers answer starts with a closer look at tree looking at. Throughout the Southwest, mer A fire scar cross-section of a tree showing the dates of various fires. were im- rings and our own history. Throughout these are the last years when fires were moun- proving the Southwest researchers have gath- consistently recorded. After that, these tains) was that the grass was removed, their technology and getting grass back ered and analyzed tens of thousands of resinous wounds record no flames. The and by the 1920’s gullies were com- out on the mountainside, foresters’ trees with fire scars. On a fire-scarred dance had ended. Fire was effectively mon. As a result, range management tool kits were also rapidly expanding. tree trunk, the tell-tale triangular cat banished for the next 100+ years. concepts evolved that translated into At the end of World War II, returning face is broad at the base and tapers to Before attributing this anomaly to fewer beasts that move often amid lush parachutists found jobs as smokejump-

Volume 37, Conservation Issue— July 2014 10 land management Volume 37, Conservation Issue— July 2014 land management 11 ers, and bombers were retrofitted to complex. With fuel conditions that A Brief History of Gardening in New drop slurry. For the next 50 years, developed over a hundred years, Mexico and the Cimarron Country the 10 a.m. strategy continued to be a quick fixes are fictitious daydreams. In mostly achievable goal. general, forest conditions are no longer by Robert Heyduck three kinds), persisting to this day Meanwhile, the forest was chang- conducive to low, surface fires, espe- as regional staples and cultural focal ing. Having evolved with fire, trees cially in forests that previously expe- It would be irresponsible, if not im- points. They were grown together to were programmed to reproduce many rienced more frequent fires yet have a possible, to discuss gardening in the take advantage of each plant’s relative more seedlings than the land could hundred years’ worth of accumulated Cimarron Country without appropriate merits: squash leaves shaded the soil support. Without flames thinning these fuels. Often, mechanical treatments that context of the cultures that brought their to slow evaporation and beans added cohorts, more trees germinated, grew, remove biomass are needed first, before crops and prac- nitrogen to the and filled in spaces in the woods. In fire can be restored to the ecosystem. tices to the area. soil through a slow transition not readily visible Without markets for this wood fiber, Before the Santa interaction with to one generation, wide open grassy the amount of wood which needs to Fe Trail, before soil bacteria. parks of large trees became dense, leave the forest quickly overwhelms the railroads and Some plants now impenetrable forests. Fuels shifted from existing facilities. highways, travel viewed as weeds knee-high grasses and forbs below Philmont, with a good chunk of and trade be- such as purs- towering trees to a ladder of flammable the North Country transformed by tween a myriad lane, goosefoot tree limbs from ground level seed- the Ponil Complex Fire in 2002, is of cultures from (quelites), and lings to mid-level saplings and young well aware of the need for active land the Valley of amaranth may trees, straight into the canopies of old stewardship to assist renegotiating a Mexico all the not have been growth. Without fire, the forest contin- role for fire and forest management way north into cultivated, per se, ued to get denser and denser. on the landscape. The challenges New Mexico but would have As hundreds of years of tree ring include finding or creating a market for and on to the been abundant record can attest, if you don’t like the massive amounts of woody biomass, Mississippi and around camps, Ohio valleys had trails and other climate in New Mexico, just wait a reintroducing fire in conservative man- been ongoing disturbed areas, few decades. In 1996 a region-wide ners that improve conditions without for centuries. coming back drought started that has challenged risking destruction, and making sure In northeastern year after year the drought of the 1950s – and rivals the hundreds of thousands of folks who New Mexico, the and offering a the bad droughts of the 1500s. As fuels love this landscape understand and Jicarilla Apache reserve of food dried, fire behavior in the dense forests support these restoration efforts. had a rich even in the driest intensified. In the last 20 years, fire heritage of trade years. season has expanded two to three times I’d rather wake up in and cultural The earliest longer, large fires have gone from 5,000 Chili was most likely brought into the region by the exchange with gardeners likely acres max to 500,000 acres max, fire the middle of nowhere Spaniards. the Puebloan used minimal numbers have escalated to thousands than in any city on peoples to their west and the Plains peo- earthworks to channel water to garden more fires reported each year which are earth. ples to their east. Some of these lifeways plots. Check dams or trincheras were now burning hundreds more homes included agricultural practices that had constructed across arroyos to hold up and even killing people. Clearly the already been in use in the region for the flow, allowing it to percolate more status quo of keeping fire out of forests ~ Steve McQueen at least several hundred years, which deeply into the sandy soil, and to ac- can no longer be justified or achieved. (actor) would include the familiar maize, beans cumulate rich silts, clays, and organic Negotiating a new role for fire is (at least three kinds), and squash (also matter that would add fertility and

12 land management Volume 37, Conservation Issue— July 2014 Volume 37, Conservation Issue— July 2014 land management 13 water-holding capacity to the soil. The person, up canyons and over moun- waffle or grid garden created numerous tains, sometimes by accident or in the much in what is now Colfax County. and dill all made their way to New small basins which could either target gut of a bird, and offered sustenance to Though ownership and solvency shifted Mexico with the Spanish, as did borage, precious rainfall to crops or be filled whomever would tend them. over the years, the grant was run as a lavender, lovage, mallow, and mustard. from ditches or from gourds or pots. Following on the indigenous tradi- business, not as a communal settlement, Again, many crops had multiple uses: These practices have survived to the tion of irrigation, but moving more and as such attracted a diverse range of either the leaf or seed of coriander could modern day as relatively low-tech ways earth, the Spanish constructed acequias settlers and squatters alike. During this be used for spice; mustard provided to make the most of water in a dry land. to channel water from streams into time, grain mills were built throughout leafy greens as well as pungent seeds. Despite being inhabited for centu- fields and gardens. These techniques the area, and large scale grain farming Mallows and hollyhocks added beauty ries, and just missed by Spanish expe- have continued to be applied on an ever began. Many large orchards were estab- to the garden, attracted beneficial ditions in the 1500 and 1600s, northeast- increasing scale into the engineered lished during the 1800s as well, but few insects, and could be used as medicine. ern New Mexico remained far from the age, with the construction of Eagle Nest survive to this day. In fact, many plants that the Spanish power centers of New Spain, the British Dam in the early 1900s. Root and tu- brought had Colonies, and French Louisiana. By that In the 1700s, fur trappers visited ber crops would local analogs. time, many from the ex- have been im- Our native European panding east- portant because globemallows, crops had ern empire, they pack a lot also known as come north one of whom, of calories per yerba de la ne- into central Frenchman land area and grita, with their New Mexico Pedro Vial, generally store brilliant orange with the lived among well through the flowers, are Spaniards, the Wichita winter. Winter useful as a hair among them and Co- squash—like tonic, and our apples, manche and pumpkins and native oregano Mustard was among the herbs brought into NM. grapes, cab- extensively butternuts— de la sierra bages, garlic, traversed also stored well, has the earthy onions, the southern and would help to provide nourishment pungency of the cultivated variety with Dried beans and peas provide protein and did well in the NM soil. carrots, and plains. Vial through the long winters. a strong minty snap and is soothing for beets, to name a few. Chili is likely to laid the groundwork for one indebted Beans and peas were important cough, upset stomach, or as a poultice have made its inroads into the region and opportunistic William Becknell, sources of protein with the added to wounds and burns. with the Spaniards as well; some who in 1821 hauled manufactured benefit that they could add nitrogen Many of these crops and tech- contend because it grew as a perennial goods from Missouri to the outer edges to the soil. Dried peas, another crop of niques survive with the inhabitants of further south, but was killed by freezing of newly independent Mexico. Mexico European origin, did not do well in the the region. Modern conventions such weather in the north. Early Spanish was more interested in trade with the tropical portions of Mexico or in the as greenhouses lengthen the season, records (1610) noted watermelons and United States than Spain had been, Caribbean, but did much better in the and drip irrigation can conserve our cantaloupes in Puebloan gardens. Both the Santa Fe Trail became a two-way cooler climates father north and could precious water supply, but it is a deep of these vines originated in Africa, came trading route, and population increased be eaten green or dried. Various types knowledge and love of the land that to Spain with the Moors, to the Ameri- as well as the availability of tools and of beans could be eaten young as green perhaps is most enduring in our New cas with the Spanish, then made their other manufactured goods. beans, or left on the vine to mature and Mexican gardening culture. way to New Mexico from points south In 1841, Carlos Beaubien and dry, when they could be stored long and east through indigenous trade Guadalupe Miranda petitioned for and term to be eaten or replanted the follow- networks. To the extent climate and soil were awarded a 1.7 million acre Land ing year. allowed, these plants spread person to Grant from the Mexican government Among the herbs, anise, cumin,

Volume 37, Conservation Issue— July 2014 Volume 37, Conservation Issue— July 2014 14 land management land management 15 Dark-Sky Camping: Best Practices in Illumination for the Boy Scouts by Robert Wagner, Heart of America courtesy of the PSA by contacting the PSA Council; Chad Moore, National Park office at 575-376-1138 or psadirector@ Service; and Leo Smith, International philstaff.org. Dark-Sky Association. Introduction to Light Pollution

Editor’s Note: Dark Sky-Camping: Best In 1879 the invention of the light bulb Practices in Illumination for the Boy ushered in a new era to our cities and Scouts is a 14-page booklet that will be a towns. Expensive and hazardous gas wake-up call for many. Whether you are lighting could now be replaced with one who is concerned about the amount of electrical lights to aid the nighttime fossil fuels being used to generate electric- traveler. Now, over 125 years later, we ity for lighting that is unneeded or wasted, find ourselves with an over-abundance or simply want to have a place where your of light shining into the night sky. children will be able to see the Milky Way Scientists for the National Park “in person”, this little pamphlet is a “must Service have estimated that as we ap- The Milky Way over a small country church south of Mt. Sterling, IL. The yellow glow behind it is read”. Parts are excerpted below to get you proach the light bulb’s 150th birthday, from a small town 20 miles away. started – but you can have a FREE copy we have left ourselves with almost no Photo by Mark Dierker dark skies remaining in the lower 48 intensity of light entering the eye. Like states. entering a dark movie theater on a Light pollution is the name coined sunny day, dark objects are difficult to for excess illumination. Light pollution see. is mainly identified through Sky Glow, Light Trespass, and Glare. Sky Glow … can easily be seen as a bright haze hanging over our cities. The National Since the first plants and animals Park Service has documented the sky appeared on our planet, we have had glow from Las Vegas affecting parks sunlit days followed by dark nights. some 200 miles away. Light Trespass Every living creature has adapted to is light shining off of a property and this cycle of light and dark. With the onto a neighbor’s property or street. proliferation of nighttime lighting, we Glare is probably the most recognizable are finding that many forms of life, and hazardous form of light pollution. including humans, are negatively af- Looking over on a cityscape, we may fected by the lack of darkness at night. see bright points of light. These bright Examples of these effects include our lights provide us with little useful light body’s reduced ability to produce and impair our night vision. When Melatonin, a cancer-fighting chemical, faced with bright lights our pupils and baby sea turtles crawling toward Models of light pollution in the US starting in the late 1950s and projected until 2025. automatically contract to regulate the streetlights instead of the open ocean.

Volume 37, Conservation Issue— July 2014 Volume 37, Conservation Issue— July 2014 16 land management land management 17 Bright, glaring lights while we are driv- Camping will teach us how to mini- … ing or walking lead to impaired vision Nearly 70% of our children live in mize our impact upon the night sky and accidents. Finally, we are all aware places where the Milky Way cannot be and our night vision. Best Practices in lighting of the problem of light shining into seen. A truly dark sky free from the Having explained some reasons our eyes while we are trying to sleep. effect of cities near and far is even rarer. why darkness is a necessary part of the In reviewing the previous sections, This leads to fatigue and stress. The Being able to sleep under the night sky, nighttime, it is important to identify it should be obvious that to provide a International Dark-Sky Association has unaffected by light pollution, is rapidly places where light may be beneficial. dark environment we need to minimize links to research papers detailing this becoming a once in a lifetime oppor- As Scouts, we understand the prin- the light our eyes have to adapt to. The and many other environmental issues tunity. It is important that we look at ciples of being prepared. A flashlight first step is to walk around your camp surrounding nighttime lights. the exterior lighting we are providing is an indispensable tool for finding at night and inventory the light and and ensure it does not conflict with this your way around a dark tent or making glare you see. Take into account all The Balance Between the Need for opportunity. Leave No Trace camp- your way back from a campfire. It is lights regardless if they are currently on Darkness and Light ing teaches us to minimize our impact included in every checklist for Council or off – like a cabin that might only see … upon the world around us. Dark-Sky and High Adventure Camps. During a occasional use. Next, rank these lights severe storm it might be the only light based on their perceived effect upon available should the electricity fail. your night vision. With a prioritized There are some places where perma- list, we can then proceed to identifying nent lighting can be deemed essential how to resolve each type of problem. to safety. … Even when lighting is necessary, we can employ “best prac- … tices” to ensure that we don’t affect the environment any more than necessary. [The authors next provide an extensive ex- … planation of lighting types, their uses, and ways that camp facilities can be made much Various Laws and Regulations from more “Night-Sky-Friendly”] Across the USA … …

The New Mexico Night Sky Protec- If everyone were to think carefully tion Act was introduced as a state law about the outdoor lighting they install in 1999. It requires lights to be shielded or switch on, we could restore the night so light is not directed into the sky. The to its natural splendor in many areas. restriction of directing light into the sky Billions of dollars would be saved is very common in city ordinances. The each year in electrical costs, streets Illumination Engineering Society of and towns would be safer, nocturnal North America has a rating for fixtures animals would have habitat unspoiled of this type and calls them Full Cutoff by stray lights, and we could look up or Fully Shielded. The [New Mexico] into the night and see the same sky that Act also sets a lighting curfew of 11pm our grandfathers did. It is about being for outdoor facilities such as ballparks courteous, thrifty, and fulfilling our The Milky Way as seen near Rushville, IL The light pollution is from a prison or amphitheaters and bans new mer- duty to our environment and fellow 12 miles away Photo by Mark Dierker cury vapor fixtures. citizens.

Volume 37, Conservation Issue— July 2014 Volume 37, Conservation Issue— July 2014 18 land management land management 19 New Restoration Treatment Planned for University initiated planning for a 35 er, once the project has been completed, Philmont’s Demonstration Forest acre area stretching from the pavilion the area can be maintained utilizing to Hunting Lodge. The treatment will prescribed fires. focus on helping the area return to con- Instead of a dense forest between by Mary Stuever Pavilion overlooks Cimarroncito Reser- ditions more like the late 1800s when the Tree Farm Pavilion and Hunting voir and Cathedral Rock. Each summer fire was a natural process in the forest. Lodge, the area will be quite open. On It’s on the map; it’s on area trail foresters from across the country spend One of the first focuses of the team a landscape scale, this treatment will tie signs; it’s in the itinerary handbook; a week at the forest interpreting for- is to adjust the composition of tree in with previous timber harvesting and and it even has an informal nickname. estry practices to Philmont participants. species. Currently the forest area is conservation work to create a valley Yet, even more exciting, Philmont’s Yet none of these practices specifically dominated by shade tolerant trees such more resistant to catastrophic fire—es- Demonstration Forest is heading into address improving forest resilience as Douglas-fir and white fir. Had fires pecially important above Cimarron’s the next phase of forest treatment. The to threats from wildfire, insects, and burned regularly over the last century, main water source. new treatment area will highlight forest disease. Hopefully over the next two there would be fewer of these trees, Almost 50 foresters have now spent restoration practices. years, that will be changing. and ponderosa pine would be more time delivering forestry programs to First established in 2002, Philmont’s This spring a team of foresters from dominant. Today, there are few small over 15,000 Philmont participants. Most Demonstration Forest has six treat- New Mexico State Forestry, the U.S. pine trees in the area so optimal condi- of these programs stress the danger of ment areas that are accessed on a one Forest Service, and the Forest and Wa- tions will be created to encourage pine fuel conditions that accompany a 100+ mile loop trail. In addition, a Tree Farm tershed Health Institute at Highlands regeneration. year legacy of fire exclusion. Soon, The pattern of remaining trees foresters and participants will have a after harvest will be a combination of visual example of how historic forest groups, clumps and scattered individ- conditions probably appeared. ual trees. In addition to live trees, the project will be sure to include standing dead trees, or snags, as well as large woody debris such as logs, to provide I went to the woods be- multiple wildlife habitats. To demon- cause I wished to live strate the variation of this spatial ar- rangement adequately, this demonstra- deliberately, to front only tion will be approximately five times the essential facts of life, larger than the other treatment areas. and see if I could not learn Cimarroncito Creek runs through what it had to teach, and the middle of this project. Plans are to not, when I came to die, remove conifers that have encroached in the flood plain and stimulate the discover that I had not growth of riparian woody species. lived. The goal of restoration treatments includes resuming characteristic ~ Henry David Thoreau ecosystem processes and functions. In (American writer and natu- this case we plan to use mechanical ralist), 1854, from Walden, A S.T.E.M. crew after activities in the Demonstration Forest. methods to achieve target composition, structure and spatial patterns. Howev- or Life in the Woods

20 land management Volume 37, Conservation Issue— July 2014 Volume 37, Conservation Issue— July 2014 land management 21 natural history trees to several acres, even around 85 cider, early harvested varieties for acres like at the Chase Ranch. Rayado fresh eating and saucing, mid and late was a larger orchard that supplied local ripening for fresh eating, shipping and Preservation of Forgotten Fruits economies and also shipped fruit. Jesus storage. Abreu was responsible for planting Apples, pears and apricots are the by Gordon Tooley on the landscape were plantings of this orchard. The Base Camp and PTC longest lived cultivated plants. Some fruit trees. Many of the trees planted orchards were very old Duchess of Oldenburg, Ben Davis, were grafted cultivars that were either planted by plums and Yellow Sheepnose, Baldwin, Bell- shipped out or were grafted by the in- Waite Phillips their seedlings fleur, Rambo, Double Red Delicious, dividual developing the land. Or trees around 1925 to can still be Red Winesap, Gano, Seckel, Bartlett, were grafted by itinerant grafters who 1940. The Heck found along Wealthy. What do these names mean to were known to travel areas that were house, where ditches and you? These are just a few of the names being settled. Making improvements Bob Rickleffs along river of apples and pears grown in settle- on a piece of land was a requirement to lives, has one corridors. ments eventually of the nicest Peaches and near the acquire crabapples on sweet cherries Santa Fe title. the ranch and don’t have Trail. Clearing was probably long life spans Base land for planted in the and are the Camp, cultiva- 1920s to early first to disap- PTC, tion and 1930s. Manly pear from the Rayado, planting M. Chase re- landscape. Zastrow, orchards ceived his first Over the Ponil, helped fruit trees in last twenty Chase fulfill 1872 via train years we have Ranch guide- from Ohio. been scouting and Daw- lines. They included orchards and son are many of the abandoned locations From the varieties listed The Rayado Heritage Orchard. sites around where Pear tree in the Rayado Heritage Orchard. 1850’s above. Apples the Southwest old apple, through from the Chase looking for pear, tart cherry, and apricot trees are the mid 1900’s fruit trees were be- orchard won the Gold Medal at the forgotten fruits, to try to identify and still surviving and are the remnants of ing planted in large numbers in the World’s Fair in Chicago in 1893. propagate these old varieties. In the settlers, homesteaders and immigrants southwest territories. This included At one time more than 14,000 variet- past two years we have made several moving to the southwest to either claim what is now western Kansas, the ies of apples developed in growing visits to the old fruit trees at Philmont. lands that were land grant, home- Oklahoma panhandle, parts of Texas, North America. Around 7000 varieties I have visited 120 different trees and steaded or bought outright. As people New Mexico, southern Colorado, are still around and these remaining taken scion wood from them to graft moved throughout the Southwest they northeastern Arizona and Utah. Trees types are disappearing at an alarming onto new rootstocks to reproduce, or brought with them the desires to farm were migrating along the Santa Fe Trail, rate. Apples for the homesteader can clone, these varieties. We, Margaret and ranch and have a place of their Mormon routes, and eventually by rail. be broken down into several groups and I, grew over 300 trees from these own. Often the first things to appear Orchards ranged in size from several according to uses. Most were for hard sites that are now planted in a new

Volume 37, Conservation Issue— July 2014 Volume 37, Conservation Issue— July 2014 22 natural history natural history 23 Peeled Trees, excerpt from by orchard site and/or are being planted Many details have to be worked out The Walk at various locations around Philmont. before the planting can happen. The in- William DeBuys The intention is to preserve the heritage frastructure of an orchard needs to have trees, propagate off of them, and plant adequate fencing for protection from a historic preservation orchard. deer, elk, and bear. Watering methods Editor’s Note: In our last Conservation email address is [email protected]. The old apple trees on the ranch can be both traditional flood and/or Issue, we included a picture of a peeled tree For more information on The Walk, please have always drip or micro with a caption asking who had peeled this visit www.tupress.org. been noticed sprays to sup- tree and From The and appre- port good es- why. In Walk by ciated by tablishment of William De- William permanent both the trees Buys’s book, DeBuys, residents, staff and cover The Walk, (pp.33 -37.) and campers. crops. Pocket ($12.95, Reprinted Many of the gophers and published courtesy trees are past rabbits will by Trin- of Trinity their prime and also make ity Univer- University are in various short work of sity Press), Press. San stages of de- young trees I found a Antonio, cline. Drought without prop- beautiful 2007. conditions and er protection. description wind events Good stew- of these By the late have taken ardship will trees which 1980s I had their toll on be required to is reprinted walked the many. make this or- below. We walk for With the chard a lasting have sev- a dozen interest in legacy. No eral of these years. preservation doubt, these peeled in I knew from Mark are the similar Philmont’s every twist Demonstra- of trail. I Anderson and Fruit trees in the Rayado Heritage Orchard. scenarios that Dave Kenneke, people several tion Forest, knew the and kind and generations and I have stumps and generous donations from Bonnie and ago had to contend with. With good seen many deadfalls more in as well as Dean Tooley, this project is moving work, stewardship and time, these trees Peeled ponderosa pine in the Demonstration Forest. forward and soon the results will be will outlive all of us. Keep in touch the valley I knew the seen. Hopefully the benefits from this over the next couple of seasons and feel between living trees. project will be multi-tiered by creating free to contact us about this project. Hunting Lodge (in fact there is one I knew where to cross the river when it and supporting habitat, keeping land in We hope to keep you posted and in the Hunting Lodge front yard) and swelled with snowmelt. I knew where agriculture, starting a holistic orchard- may even need your help and support. Cimarroncito. I suspect they are scattered to check for tracks of elk or turkey, ing program, maintaining a gene pool You can contact us at www.tooleystrees. throughout the ranch. Please let me know to see if they were present and how of old fruit varieties and lastly, growing com or [email protected]. if you find one. GPS coordinates would be they were behaving. I knew the old good food. great, or mark the location on a map. My trails the first settlers had used and the

Volume 37, Conservation Issue— July 2014 Volume 37, Conservation Issue— July 2014 24 natural history natural history 25 vanishing tracks of the wagon roads of himself as an ecologist and a leader effectively killed the area of the peel, area in the 1920s and who heard the horse-drawn days. I knew where the in the field of dendrochronology, the which had remained a bare patch of old-timers of his day explain how first spring flowers bloomed and which study of tree rings. “Tom is even using weathered yellow wood for at least a Apaches dried the pine cambium ravines the bears would rumble down tree rings to figure out the dates for century, possible two. The vigor of the they collected and then ground it in to forage for acorns in the fall. I felt that peeled trees. Do you know what they tree had not been affected...He pointed a metate, making a kind of pine bark the land was mine because I knew it are?” I had to confess I didn’t. “The to another tree with another peel...and flour that they mixed with other kinds and that I belonged to the land because Indians, probably Apaches, would peel another. We were in a patch of forest of flour before eating. I got to know it had told me so much of its story. off the outer bark of the ponderosas only a few score yards from a trail I Fred Swetnam’s son Tom, who for A retired forester called me up. Fred to get at the cambium. They always used frequently. An abandoned wagon many years has headed the Laboratory Swetnam peeled it road passed through the grove, and I of Tree-Ring Research at the University had been a more or had ridden along it at least a half dozen of Arizona in Tucson and whose analy- ranger on less the times, but I had never noticed the sis of successive fire scars on long-lived almost ev- same way, peels...ten in the immediate area. Fred ponderosas and other tree species has ery district and they explained the inner bark...furnished a done much to reconstruct the native fire in northern didn’t kind of food: the juices of the tree were frequency of southwestern forest. Us- New Mex- girdle rich in sugars. Trouble was, they were ing the techniques, Tom has also dated ico: Jemez, the tree, also rich in resins. Cutting the peel, so peeled trees, determining the exact year Canjilon, so it kept the story goes, was considered wom- when a given tree was peeled. In some El Rito, living-but en’s work; hence the old and unpleas- locations he has found dozens of trees Espa- with a vis- ant term squaw tree, which peeled tree peeled in the same year - a phenom- nola , and ible scar. has replaced. According to Fred, the enon suggesting that pine bark might Penasco, You can’t details of how the bark was prepared to have served as a starvation food when which is miss seeing make it edible remained unclear. “They nothing else was available. In other now called them” leached out the nasty stuff,” he said, places, however the dates of the peels Camino We “or they only used it at a time of year are scattered over decades, possibly Real and drove to when it wasn’t so nasty. Either that or indicating that the food was used regu- includes a stand of they had the digestive system of porcu- larly but not intensively when people the forests Peeled trees are common in the Demonstration Forest. Researchers in ponderosas pines.” returned to an area.” surround- other mountain ranges have attributed these scars to food gathering where Fred In time I learned more about peeled ing my practices by Apaches and Utes.. strode up trees. I read a tale collected by the farm. to a large anthropologist Morris Opler in which Years earlier I had interviewed Fred tree that bore the telltale scar. The peel Tanager teaches the Jicarilla Apache the for a book I was writing. He had since was about four feet long and less than a use of various tree barks, including cot- The fairest thing we can expe- retired to Espanola. We stayed in touch. foot wide, stretching from three feet off tonwood and pine. He tells them to use rience is the mysterious. It is He said he would like to visit, have a the ground to almost seven feet up the a hard pointed stub of oak or mountain the fundamental emotion at look at the woods, and discuss the con- trunk, a comfortable height for a person mahogany to scrape away the outer the cradle of true art and true dition of the forest. I said, come on. of average build to work on the tree. bark and get to the edible flesh. Tanager science. He who knows it not We spent a day walking old timber It was very much at eye level. Hard to tells them to do this in June when the is as good as dead, a snuffed- sales and bouncing down logging roads miss. But I had never noticed such a inner bark is best to eat. out candle… in Fred’s truck. He spoke proudly of his scar before. I also discovered the memoir of a sons, one of whom had distinguished Whoever removed the bark had forest ranger who served in the Pecos ~ Albert Einstein

26 natural history Volume 37, Conservation Issue— July 2014 Volume 37, Conservation Issue— July 2014 natural history 27 New Mexico’s Tree Improvement as resistance to pests, are highly valued. Loblolly Program: Forty Years of Research pine in the Southeast and and Reforestation Douglas-fir in the Pacific Northwest are species with breeding programs by Robert Heyduck preceding the establishment of the Demon- that proceed along similar stration Forest. These trees are part of New lines, with “select trees” Near Philmont’s Demonstration Forest Mexico’s Tree Improvement Program. Staff from disparate regions are several ponderosa pine trees with a from the John Harrington Research Station interbred, the offspring wide white band of paint around the tree in Mora regularly visit these trees in years evaluated, selections made about chest height. Long time visitors to of bumper cone crops to collect the cones. and progeny potentially the woods surrounding the Cimarroncito planted across a wide Reservoir will remember this marking In a nutshell, tree improvement aims range of ecological condi- to improve the genetic value of tions. a population while maintain- Of course, this sort of ing genetic diversity. In tree breeding, without precau- improvement, we often speak of tion, can lead to a genetic “superior trees”. The goal of tree bottleneck. This brings us improvement is not to find or to another key—and per- create a “super-tree” of any given haps more important—as- species that has all of the best pect of tree improvement: characteristics and will survive gene conservation. At and thrive at any location. Such first, this brings to mind an undertaking would be a fool’s the preservation of an en- errand. Rather, the term “supe- dangered species, and in Trees are marked with a white paint band chest high. The blue flag- rior” in this context is completely extreme cases, this is true. ging on these trees indicates these trees will not be harvested during subjective with regard to the spe- However, in most cases, the upcoming Restoration Treatment planned in the Demonstration cies in question, the region and gene conservation refers Forest. climate of interest, and the end- to the preservation of a di- use of the tree in question. For peaked in 1966 at 51 million cubic feet. verse range of genetic material that can some species, pecan for instance, During this peak, the state’s forests vanish in periods of rampant resource tree improvement more closely were disappearing faster than they extraction, in large natural disasters, or resembles the improvement of could naturally regrow. in the face of a shifting climate. crops such as corn, where very So when the Tree Improvement and New Mexico’s forests and wood- specific traits (growth rate, Forestation Plan was initiated in 1977, lands are and have been subject to all branch structure, insect and/or it was to address these degraded forest of these pressures. Logging in New disease resistance, nut produc- conditions. The New Mexico Forestry Mexico started small, and did not tion) are identified and attempts Division, in cooperation with the US begin in earnest until the arrival of are made by active breeding to Forest Service and New Mexico State railroads in the 1880s. Various cycles of create varieties or cultivars that University, designated three species on booms filled in between 1900 and the combine these traits. Likewise, which to focus. Incidentally these are Trees selected for the New Mexico State University Tree late 1960s. At one point, there were 72 in areas with an active timber in- the three most important timber species Improvement Program. sawmills in the state, and timber output dustry, growth and form, as well in the state: ponderosa pine, Douglas-

Volume 37, Conservation Issue— July 2014 Volume 37, Conservation Issue— July 2014 28 natural history natural history 29 fir, and Engelmann spruce. Fire reburned some of the same area the philmont conservation department It is important to note that this in 2011, the goal of replanting is soil program was initiated to assure future stabilization, restoration of habitat and forest growth for a timber industry, and watershed protection, not necessarily Reimagining Work Crews with an Eye so in the beginning, growth rate and timber production. Even in spite of the resistance to pests were driving factors. extremely harsh conditions following Toward Efficiency However, the dramatic reduction in the a severe fire, the trees most adapted to availability of standing timber led to a survive on that site are derived from by Zack Harris work crews would operate. Using this marked reduction in the capacity of the that area originally. outline we set up a hub in each region: forest products industry. The Tree Improvement Plan is now In 2013, the Philmont Conservation Head of Dean for the North Country, The initial plan divided the state looking to complex climate modeling Department implemented a completely Ute Gulch for the Central, and Phil- into rough quadrants containing the and remote sensing to locate especially new order of operations for the Work lips Junction for the South. These state’s major forested mountain ranges. hardy populations based on their spe- Crew program. This system—known hubs serve as the home base for each From each, between 50 and 200 individ- cific environment and estimated period as Regional Work Crews—did not of the regional crews. With logistical uals of each of the three species were of establishment. Also gaining traction alter the traditional role of work crews. help from the Commissary and the selected for monitoring. Out of all pos- in the world of ecosystem restoration is Instead, it enhanced their function by Backcountry Warehouse, these hub sible trees, this is a very small percent- the idea of “assisted migration”, that is, localizing three crews into three regions locations standardize food and mate- age. Seeds were collected and planted assisting the dispersal or trajectory of of Philmont. rial drops, which in the past consumed in provenance tests. In a provenance genetic material in advance of a chang- Working closely with the GIS massive amounts of time and resources. test, a variety of sources are grown ing climate. department, members of Conservation This arrangement also ensures that together in a “common garden” where leadership divided Philmont into three vehicles already traveling through the environmental influences are assumed Throughout the state, on both public regions according to trail mileage and backcountry can readily transport food to be fairly constant. By reducing the and private lands, Tree Improvement Pro- the backcountry areas of responsibility. and materials to crews in the field. environmental influence, the genetic gram tree stands have been providing seed These divisions provided us with an Developing a regionalized Work influence can be better estimated. for seedlings for this research. This stand outline of how and where the regional Crew system had been discussed in nu- As these field experiments have ma- at the Demonstration Forest is just one tured, the shape of New Mexico’s forest example of how Philmont participates in has changed considerably as well. The state-wide conservation projects. decimated forests of the 1970s have grown back, often at greater densities than before the timber rush of the 20th century. Such conditions, coupled with the lack of fire and harvesting of timber, have led to increased disease, more and more intense and massive wildfires, and resultant erosion, soil loss, and The clearest way into flooding. In light of these changes, the the Universe is through Tree Improvement program now exists to conserve a seed bank of each species a forest wilderness. that is adapted to a specific environ- ment. So when the Cerro Grande Fire ~ John Muir burned a large area in the Jemez Moun- tains in 2000, and the Las Conchas A Regional Work Crew in the backcountry.

Volume 37, Conservation Issue— July 2014 Volume 37, Conservation Issue— July 2014 30 natural history the philmont conservation department 31 Philmont Sustainability Takes Root

by Sarah Burgess served as a step forward, perhaps their greatest success was that they revealed Through its sustainability initiatives, a deep need for proper planning and Philmont aims to employ the best communication across the Ranch. In practices available for managing our the summer of 2010, I became Phil- resources—and much of this involves mont’s Sustainable Resource Specialist. recycling materials in our rural New I quickly saw that Ranch management, Mexico community. permanent and seasonal personnel, Prior to 2010, several well-inten- and visitors were hungering for a new tioned efforts were made at Philmont direction when it came to our use and to incorporate recycling into everyday reuse of materials. Everyone wanted to operations. Although these efforts know what to do with recyclable items

A section of trail built by a Regional Work Crew. merous coffee meetings for years—and better prioritize projects. This, in turn, it always garnered positive feedback. provides ample opportunities for each Implementing such an ambitious crew to identify and document compre- system, however, proved to be an ex- hensive trail and campsite maintenance ceptional challenge. In the summer of needs while addressing the most im- 2012, we began to take on the challenge portant issues in a timely manner. The by analyzing past experiences and new system also provides opportunities expanding on those ideas. Thanks to a for Conservation Leadership to collabo- database that was increasingly unreli- rate with the crews on special projects able, we often had work lists that were (such as the comprehensive restoration out of date. Consequently, we would of trail structures) that may otherwise send a crew with loaded packs out to a exceed their technical abilities. Thanks project only to find that it had already to this new approach, Work Crew been completed. We realized that with members gain a sense of ownership five crews moving over the entire ranch of their region and hone their skills it was difficult to consistently identify through continuing education provided and communicate which projects were by Conservation Leadership. Equally of the highest priority. important, the Regional Work Crew By working within the same area program provides a foundation for bet- for the entire summer, our Work ter meeting the needs of the Ranch and Crews develop relationships with the guiding the Conservation Department backcountry staff and bridge a gap in into the future. A crushed and compressed bale of aluminum cans.. communication that enables them to

Volume 37, Conservation Issue— July 2014 Volume 37, Conservation Issue— July 2014 32 the philmont conservation department the philmont conservation department 33 Hauling a load of aluminum cans. Vertical baler used to compact plastic bags. but we had nowhere to put them—let mitment to managing resources After Chronicle, which I wrote as a guest tion was an invaluable resource for alone the infrastructure to ultimately all, the Ranch had been working to columnist. us as we joined efforts to reach the recycle these items. reduce its footprint long before we put These articles focused on getting the state-wide goal of achieving a 33% Luckily, just prior to the summer out blue collection bins for recyclable word out about Philmont’s operations, waste diversion by the end of 2012. By of 2010, we received a collection trailer items. covering topics such as our efforts to attending the bi-annual conference in through the village of Cimarron, which Many advances were made in reuse commissary boxes (which have 2010 and 2012, Philmont’s Specialists had attained a state grant for pur- establishing a recycling program that an average lifespan of three years), were also able to establish relation- chasing and positioning such trailers first summer. Though recycling is the our involvement with the Sustainable ships that helped the Ranch acquire a throughout the community. With the last of the Three R’s—Reduce, Reuse, Forestry Initiative, and our continued vertical baler and further community help of countless Ranger workdays, Recycle—as the Sustainable Resource commitment to the Dark Sky Initiative, engagement by promoting the success we were able to advertise our recycling Specialist I also needed to educate through which we work to reduce light of Philmont’s sustainability efforts. efforts, collect and sort forty tons of people about the Ranch’s operations pollution. As they learned more about The summer of 2010 was also rooted corrugated cardboard, one-and-a-half pertaining to the first two R’s, which Philmont’s ongoing efforts to reduce its in finding our footing in the world of tons of aluminum cans, and four tons are processes that usually take place environmental impact, many members recycling. We learned that those who of plastic. The summer of 2010 also behind the scenes. As part of my ef- of the community were pleasantly called Cimarron and Philmont home included planning how to best store forts, I wrote eleven articles on how we surprised. As an example, few people enthusiastically embraced initiatives these materials, educating our staff and manage resources at Philmont for the were aware that Philmont’s Motor Pool new to the area, including recycling. visitors about recycling efforts, and PhilNews, a summary of the summer in heats its shop with used motor oil that And luckily, these initiatives—which continuing to spread the word about the October 2010 issue of High Country, it collects throughout the year. were created in the summer—were Philmont’s current and historic com- and a short piece in the Sangre de Cristo The New Mexico Recycling Coali- able to continue year round thanks to

Volume 37, Conservation Issue— July 2014 Volume 37, Conservation Issue— July 2014 34 the philmont conservation department the philmont conservation department 35 the support of our Second Season and ourselves. These trailers were stationed per ton of cardboard. producing an eight hundred-pound permanent staff members, who as- at the CHQ and PTC dining halls for Historically, cardboard waste had a bale of these bags every three weeks. sumed responsibility for the collection cardboard collection and enabled us substantial environmental and financial Following NMRC’s emerging plan and transport of recyclables outside the to easily transport these materials to a impact at the Ranch. It took up valuable for establishing hub and spoke recy- summer season. baler located next to the Commissary. space and added to the frequency by cling centers around the state, in 2012 The summer of 2011 began in a Thanks to a generous gift from the which a dumpster needed to be emp- Raton became the closest hub to which flurry of activity. As we became more Philmont Staff Association, this vertical tied—and then, it took up space in a we could transport our paper, alumi- successful in promoting our recycling compaction baler was another new landfill. We’ve made progress, howev- num cans, and plastics. Before this, we efforts, the quantity of materials we addition to our cache of resources for er, in reducing the impact of cardboard transported our materials through the had to store and process increased. In the sustainability program. Philmont at the Ranch. By the end of the summer canyon to Angel Fire’s waste facility. 2010, we developed a friendly partner- also established a collection agreement of 2013, the baler had already been Although developing Philmont’s ship with the village of Angel Fire, with an Albuquerque paper company responsible for saving the ranch $85,150 recycling initiatve has been the primary which generously allowed us to use its to pick up material each time the ranch by diverting cardboard from our waste focus of the sustainability program, it collection trailers to transport our mate- accumulated thirty-six bales of card- stream. And in fact, the baler had even is but one of many projects. Whether rials to its recycling facility. In 2011, we board—which weighed 1,000 pounds generated $6,000 in income. creating educational resources and purchased two enclosed, road-worthy each. The ranch received payment for In the summer of 2011, we also outreach efforts, collaborating with the trailers to transport the materials these bales based on the market price began collecting plastic bags from trail Food Service team to offer alternatives meals and recycling them. Rangers and to disposable dishware, or identifying Backcountry staff helped inform each new ways in which we can reduce our crew about the importance of saving use of resources throughout the Ranch, clean trail meal bags and depositing the sustainability program aims to help them at designated backcountry camps. Philmont minimize its footprint and This lightweight yet prevalent mate- rial was another resource we success- Men go back to the moun- fully began diverting from our waste tains, as they go back to sail- stream and, ultimately, the landfill. The ing ships at sea, because in popularity of bag collection became the mountains and on the sea an unofficial competition between they must face up, as did men backcountry staff in 2012, with many camps competing to build the largest of another age, to the chal- wreath made from these bags. lenge of nature. Modern man Because they easily expand, these lives in a highly synthetic bags were especially bulky. As a result, kind of existence. He special- they quickly created a storage chal- izes in this and that. Rarely lenge during the summer of 2011. The does he test all his powers or following summer, however, the team find himself whole. But in of Sustainable Resource Specialists de- the hills and on the water the veloped a method for compacting these character of a man comes out. bags into a single bale for storage. This method continues to be employed. Dur- ~Abram T. Collier A bale of compacted plastic bags that won’t be going to the landfill. ing the summers, the Ranch has been

Volume 37, Conservation Issue— July 2014 Volume 37, Conservation Issue— July 2014 36 the philmont conservation department the philmont conservation department 37 New Display Map Covers All PSR Hiking Options

by Zack Seeger

It has always been a challenge for crews and special treks that hike in the trackless Carson National Forest to portray where they have been. To chart their travels, these participants typically purchase a combination of the Philmont sectional maps and carefully estimate where they hiked by using Map detail. triangulation or a GPS. Luckily, this cumbersome process has now changed. The map style harkens back to vin- With assistance from John Celley, tage Philmont maps by reintroducing Bryan Hayek, Steve Weis, and Katie the bison head border. It shows vegeta- Heiss, Philmont’s 2013 GIS staff— tion layers that have been overlaid composed of Christopher Leininger, upon a terrain model, giving the map Stephanie Teeter, and Zach Seeger— a three-dimensional feel. By reducing developed a map that encompasses all other content within the map, camp of the land on which Philmont crews names and trails focus attention toward can hike. The ever increasing number Philmont’s program elements. This of requests by staff and participants map is scaled to 1 inch = 1 mile, a scale eager to commemorate their trek with commonly used by the federal govern- a single map, and the partnership with ment and other mapping agencies. the Chase Ranch which began program The comprehensive map is designed operation this summer, served as the for display and is not intended for navi- catalyst for its creation. The Ranch gating the backcountry. We are excited also expressed interest in a map of this for its release this summer at the Tooth scope and depth so that it could be of Time Traders. It’s never been easier used to assist in program and planning. for Philmont participants to track and This map is especially beneficial be- share their travels. cause of its ability to easily convey the scope of Philmont’s program, as well Editor’s Note: The new comprehensive map as the numerous partnerships that have is now available from Tooth of Time Traders developed between the Ranch and the for $5.00 plus postage and handling. Order diverse landowners and agencies that on line at www.toothoftimetraders.com. surround it.

Volume 37, Conservation Issue— July 2014 Volume 37, Conservation Issue— July 2014 38 the philmont conservation department the philmont conservation department 39 interpreting philmont’s natural history land is as important to the organisms their local park back home. that call Philmont home as it is to the Philmont has enabled John and me visitors who hike the ranch’s trails. to better understand the value of such Cycling for Conservation However, larger actions are needed to approaches. John developed success- expand the conservation movement. ful trail building and instructional How do we inspire the next generation techniques over the past two years as by Marc Nutter outdoors and to develop practices that of environmental stewards? a Conservationist, and I have honed reduce their impact on the earth. They Connection. Often, we need to love my Western flora and fauna identifica- Philmont helps connect people with prioritize a positive impact on others a place first in order to make more tion and natural history interpreta- places. And this is especially true for and the conservation of the paradise environmen- tion working in the Conservation Department. For John called Philmont. tally conscious Environmental Adams and me, our time at the ranch Ideas are fleshed out during conver- choices in our Education for the and in the department inspired us to sations on backcountry trails, around lifestyle, habits, past four years. develop a project that aims to connect dinners cooked over Whisperlite stoves, and how we get Philmont provid- people with place throughout the coun- or during long days of trail construc- around. The love ed us with both try. Through our tion. These ideas of place can be the tools and the project, Cycling include land cultivated in a inspiration to for Conservation, management variety of ways take the message we will embark topics such as showcased by of conservation on a twelve sustainable the backcountry to youth and month bicycle forestry, wild fire activities at adults across the journey that management and Philmont. Ef- United States. will take us over prevention, and fectively build- Guided by 12,000 miles, the best manage- ing a relation- a mutual love of enable us to con- ment practices ship between natural places nect people in for ranching. We people and place and bicycles, twelve communi- ask ourselves involves getting John and I devel- ties with their questions like: your hands dirty oped a way to own backyards, What is the driv- in projects like further involve and ultimately ing factor that trail building or people all over Cycling down a long road. inspire others to makes us com- natural history the country become active in mitted to con- interpretation. Trail building brings the with the outdoors. As a core compo- conservation. servation? How mountains of Philmont closer to each nent of this approach, we are travel- With more and more roads, houses, do we inspire more people to become a staff member and participant with ev- ing throughout America on touring and televisions replacing tree climb- force for positive change and to further ery swing of the mattock or pull of the bicycles to minimize our impact on the ing, getting lost, and understanding value the natural systems in which we McLeod. Similarly, environmental edu- environment. To be successful, Cycling natural beauty, truly finding one’s self all live and upon which we all rely? cation experiences with an emphasis on for Conservation (C4C) will take hard has taken a backseat. Nonetheless, The more I find myself discussing hands-on, inquiry-based learning equip work, determination, and support. members of the Philmont Conserva- this larger picture with my co-worker participants to appreciate the beauty Using our experiences from Philmont tion Department constantly search for and friend, John, the more I realize I of Mt. Baldy in the morning sunlight, as a springboard, we aim to involve solutions to reignite passion for the must take action. How we manage our as well as the stream trickling through the public in projects that directly

Volume 37, Conservation Issue— July 2014 Volume 37, Conservation Issue— July 2014 40 interpreting philmont’s natural history interpreting philmont’s natural history 41 Landscape-wide Education: Place- conscious learning at Philmont

by Justin Hougham for which he is known, and one that resonates deeply when I consider the To the young, oncoming naturalist, I would path I am on to explore place, and how say: inextricably that path is woven through Never forget the trail, look ever for the track the landscape at the Ranch. At some in the snow; time or another these quotations have it is the priceless, unimpeachable record of come to my mind when I was stumped the creature’s life and thought; the oldest with what to do in my teaching or with writing known on the earth. a group in the field. Never forget the trail! My mentors first shared some of -Ernest Thompson Seton these pieces of writing with me in the field, and through these quotations I’ve often prepared trainings, classes the memory of their teaching and the and courses over the years that include places I have come to know lives on. Cycling provides a great view of the roadside scenery. quotations, philosophy, activities, and Further, some of these pieces come writing to support outdoor educators from a deep connection to place that improve the land or increase access through our blog, libraries, and Boy in the seasons—or careers—ahead Philmont has made possible. For me, for the public. C4C bridges the gap Scout troops to encourage participation. of them. This particular quote from Conservation programs have enriched between people and natural places that All are invited to see our latest hap- Ernest Thompson Seton is one of many my connection to place-conscious learn- have often been forgotten. This project penings on our website and blog, www. will engage twelve communities near cycling4conservation.org. Please leave wildland preserves and conservation us comments. We’d love to connect areas throughout the lower forty-eight with you on a project near your home- states. We are currently in communi- town or share stories and s’mores while cation with The Nature Conservancy we set up camp in your backyard! regarding our project and how C4C can partner with the organization to coordi- Marc has served in the Environmental nate volunteer efforts on its preserves. Education branch of the Conservation C4C will spend one week in each com- Department for his entire five-year stint at munity that it visits, exciting the public Philmont. From EE to ADC, he has enjoyed by offering anecdotes of bicycle touring learning from others perhaps even more and by further connecting with these than he loves sharing what he knows. Marc communities through conservation currently lives in Taos where he works as work like trail building, invasive spe- a bicycle mechanic at Gearing Up and as a cies management, and habitat clean up. children’s ski instructor at Taos Ski Valley. The logistical details of each conserva- tion service project will be promoted The Cimarroncito Reservoir.

Volume 37, Conservation Issue— July 2014 Volume 37, Conservation Issue— July 2014 42 interpreting philmont’s natural history interpreting philmont’s natural history 43 important local issues. Few, however, the ways of knowing that are cultivated offer observation and inquiry experi- through the authority of direct expe- ences across an entire watershed or rience, such as the smell of rain, the landscape. Ultimately, this has enabled satisfaction of building trail, and the many educators at Philmont—and realities of working together as a team. during their time beyond—to develop Aldo Leopold wrote that “The land dimensions of place-based education ethic simply enlarges the boundaries of that, by comparison to conventional the community to include soils, waters, methods, remain unfulfilled in projects plants, and animals, or collectively: the across the country. land.” To many of us, a succinct refer- There is no shortage of people, cur- ence to “the Ranch” evokes the same ricula, and places. There are, however, ideas and passion that I think Mr. Leo- shortages and weaknesses in the con- pold intended to evoke in referencing nections between these concepts that “the land.” It is accomplished through affirm their relationships. The problem the intentional and continued growth is not a lack of these nodes, but the mis- in the work the Conservation Depart- understood or poorly understood ne- ment does and the education it fosters gotiations of the relationships between for staff and participants. them. In truth, traveling the land by Philmont is more than a point Sunrise on Baldy Mountain. foot and working with it by hand are of departure for me, and for those deep connections between the place, visiting before and since. It is both the ing through direct action on the land. to help manage the land that makes the the person, and the lessons we teach. beginning of and a continued point of Without a doubt, Philmont has Philmont experience possible. In the big picture, the solutions to reflection in my pursuits to find place. impacted all of us who have had the Working at Philmont challenges difficult environmental issues in the Being “placed” is not only a mastery opportunity to experience it. For me, no you to become the best version of the future will come down to a balance of the categories, things, actions, and other experience as a youth or in a job person you can be. We are also in the between local relevance and global traditions of your surroundings—it is as a leader has challenged me more or enviable position of instilling curios- consequence. It is important to ac- also an epistemology that transfers and given me as much. Perhaps just as im- ity and a desire for growth into youth knowledge the global perspectives on transcends the delineation between portant, it’s great to come home to the from around the country. For many of a matter while rooting practice in local the familiar and the unfamiliar spaces, Ranch and share time with a commu- them, Philmont is the first place they knowledge. Educational efforts of this people, and feelings that inhabit a nity that serves the next generation of have rich experiences with the land place-based nature start with reflec- place. In this respect, learning to know outdoors people, conservationists, and and are invited to join the hundreds, if tion on known systems. They are just a place more completely enables you wanderers of the mountains. I consider not thousands, who have marked their as much about addressing previous to move down the trail and explore the these people family. Most of my time time at Philmont as a waypoint on their knowledge as they are about convey- next place with as much passion and at Philmont was spent in the Conser- trail toward a land ethic. I contend that ing new and emerging possibilities insight as you’ve garnered through that vation Department. I still remember this type of education—place-based and exploring—through inquiry—the first seminal experience. And through the pride and sense of belonging I education in many ways—is for many dimensions of our practice that affirm this way of knowing, we’re support- had—and still have—when I received youth one of their first experiences im- many ways of knowing. Connections ing wilderness experiences that last a my first Conservation hat at the end mersed in ecology at a landscape-wide to knowing are often brokered through lifetime. of training. A small token, but to me it scale. Many field-based educational the authority of a text or teachers. At meant so much to join a group working opportunities enhance instruction of Philmont, however, we seek to expand

Volume 37, Conservation Issue— July 2014 Volume 37, Conservation Issue— July 2014 44 interpreting philmont’s natural history interpreting philmont’s natural history 45 Philmont: A Science Lab

by Sarah Burgess At the national level, formal S.T.E.M. initiatives date back to the During the summer of 2013, the 75th launch of Sputnik in 1957. The world anniversary of Waite Phillips’ initial gift was focused on gaining an edge to the Boy Scouts of America, Philmont through technology and science, and introduced a new, interdisciplinary the United States government felt our focus on Science, Technology, Engi- nation was losing the race. Consequent- neering, and Math (or S.T.E.M.). For ly, it began deliberately supporting some staff, this concept was brand new projects that aimed to strengthen sci- and murmurs of “What’s S.T.E.M.?” ence, technology, math, and engineer- circulated. For others, it was an exciting ing throughout the nation. The increas- time to talk shop with crews about the ing focus on S.T.E.M. initiatives has captivating world of science and math. served as an important rallying cry in

A bullet fired into a block of clay results in a ballistics model that can be discussed by S.T.E.M. participants. piquing students’ interest and guiding requirements for the award, young peo- them to careers in these fields of study. ple can make connections between the The Bureau of Labor Statistics pre- exciting, hands-on aspects of S.T.E.M. dicts that in the years spanning from and their everyday lives. Requirements 2008 to 2018, employment growth for for the awards range from attending an S.T.E.M. fields will reach 17.31%, while exhibit at a science museum to building non-S.T.E.M. fields will only be 9.67%. a model rocket. According to the National Center for Understandably, the S.T.E.M. frame Education Statistics, however, the total of mind can easily engulf participants number of S.T.E.M. degrees awarded at Philmont. Whether it’s the flight by U.S. colleges has declined between trajectory of a tomahawk, variations 2001 and 2011. in how quickly water boils at Base The Boy Scouts of America em- Camp compared to Baldy Town, or barked on S.T.E.M. initiatives a few how a climbing rope can support a years ago. Thanks to two awards, the fall, S.T.E.M. concepts shape countless Nova and the Supernova, participants aspects of a Philmont experience. in all divisions of Scouting can further In 2013, Philmont developed several As part of the S.T.E.M. Initiative, a Philmont staffer talks to a crew about shooting bullets into clay. explore these fields. By completing projects that integrate S.T.E.M. concepts

Volume 37, Conservation Issue— July 2014 Volume 37, Conservation Issue— July 2014 46 interpreting philmont’s natural history interpreting philmont’s natural history 47 into the Ranch’s programs. One such position helped you avoid being struck ROCS: Twenty-one Days of project aimed to complement programs by it. When learning about the proto- Transformation at our backcountry shooting camps. We col for going to the bathroom in the fired each type of ammunition found at backcountry, crews also learned about by Carrie Anderson engage in a series of lessons including these camps into blocks of clay. Upon the chemistry of backcountry toilets environmental ethics, land manage- drying, these blocks became ballistics and the ideal conditions for accelerat- A lot can happen to a human within the ment, wildlife resources, botany, for- models that the camps displayed and ing the decomposition of their contents. span of three weeks. Jobs can be gained estry, ecology, hydrology, geology, and used in their instruction. Consequently, Currently, the Ranch is finalizing and lost, families can grow and shrink, a variety of other “ologies”—and these participants had a hands-on model that plans for S.T.E.M. Treks in July 2014, as knowledge can expand, and memories are all done while zigzagging across they could discuss while reloading and well as inaugural S.T.E.M. frontcountry can be made. Within twenty-one days, the Ranch and hiking over 150 miles. waiting to shoot.* experiences that will be hosted through your life can change in ways you can’t These lessons, taught by Environmental We also hosted inaugural S.T.E.M. the Philmont Training Center. even imagine. For those who spend Educators from the Conservation De- treks at the Ranch last summer, with For many of us, we’ve come to three weeks participating in Philmont’s partment, are as hands-on as possible thirteen youth and five advisors partici- know Philmont for its ability to create Roving Outdoor Conservation School and encourage students to get their pating in crews 609-Z01 and Z02. Dur- “wilderness experiences that last a life- (ROCS), this is especially true. hands dirty and build a relationship ing a seven day trek, these participants time.” These experiences extend even What sets the ROCS program apart with the natural world. Participants are visited three backcountry camps and deeper into peoples’ lives once their from other Philmont experiences and challenged to think critically about how several trail camps. Throughout their boots and backpack are off the trail. individual programs is its focus on ex- they can apply what they have learned trek, they also participated in programs And thanks to its new S.T.E.M. initia- ploring our natural world. Participants to their favorite places back home and with extended S.T.E.M. lessons such as tives, the Ranch has further strength- the physics of shotgun shooting, astron- ened its ability to open eyes and shape omy atop Deer Lake Mesa, the physics lives. and materials science of rappelling, and dendrochronology at the Demonstra- *See High Country, October 2013 for a tion Forest. Numerous discussions took full-length article about the S.T.E.M. shoot- place between youth, advisors, and ing project. their team of Philmont Rangers. Spe- cially selected, these Rangers accompa- nied the crews for their entire trek and had diverse backgrounds related to the What we are doing S.T.E.M. fields. to the forests of the During the summer of 2013, the Philmont Ranger Department also world is but a mirror placed a greater emphasis on helping reflection of what we crews develop S.T.E.M. knowledge. are doing to ourselves Rangers were tasked with complement- ing the traditional training they offered and to one another. with relevant S.T.E.M. lessons. As an example, Rangers didn’t just teach the lightning position—they also taught the ~ Mahatma Gandhi Listening to a guest speaker, Ranch Superintendent Bob Ricklefs, discuss water rights in the West. science behind lightning and why the

Volume 37, Conservation Issue— July 2014 Volume 37, Conservation Issue— July 2014 48 interpreting philmont’s natural history interpreting philmont’s natural history 49 become better stewards of the land. The systems across the Ranch on a deeper ROCS classroom is none other than the level through independent exploration 235,000 acres made up of the Philmont inspired by their curiosity, and by con- backcountry and surrounding lands. tributing to ongoing research projects Each ROCS crew has the opportu- being conducted across the Ranch. Par- nity to interact with a variety of guest ticipants monitor meadow encroach- speakers including land managers from ment and forest health in the ROCS the United States Forest Service, Philm- research forest near Lower Bonito, con- ont’s Ranch Superintendent, and the tribute to long-term studies of changes invasive species, GIS, and sustainabil- in the timing of ecological events (such ity specialists from the Conservation as bird migrations and the blooming Department. ROCS crews take an active of wildflowers) in the demonstration role in giving back to Philmont by forest near Cimarroncito Reservoir, and completing twelve hours of trail build- fight in the never ending battle against ing and trail maintenance at designated invasive species in the Valle Vidal Unit conservation sites and an additional six of the Carson National Forest. Students hours of conservation work throughout think critically about issues in land their trek. conservation and ecosystem manage- In addition to planned and struc- ment that the Ranch is facing and will tured learning experiences and conser- continue to face in the years ahead. vation work, ROCS participants have In addition to gaining scientific and Examining a bear skull and spinal column after a guest lecture from Philmont’s Bear Researchers. the opportunity to investigate eco- ecological knowledge during a ROCS From L to R: Bonnie Warrick and Madeline Stager.

experience, participants embark on and use their individual strengths to three weeks of personal discovery. They contribute to the overall team effort. learn about their physical and emotion- During the twenty-one days that al limitations, and then challenge them- make up the ROCS program, both selves to rise above them. They learn instructors and participants grow as how much their bodies can handle as scientists, conservationists, educators, they drag all of their food, equipment, leaders, and human beings. They are supplies, research tools, and a library inspired to use their newfound ecologi- of flower and plant field guides up and cal knowledge, conservation mindset, over peaks, across meadows, and down and personal outlook to give back to canyons. They learn invaluable leader- Philmont, their favorite natural places, ship skills that will stay with them well their schools, their communities, and into the future after they return to “the their planet. Three short weeks can real world.” They learn the value of make a huge difference. creating a functioning, respectful, and caring trail family as they look out for “Meadow walking” across Elk Meadow in the Valle Vidal unit of the Carson National Forest. From L one another, communicate concerns to R: Alison King, Emily Megee, Lisa Watkins, and Christine Georgakakos. and praises, literally share heavy loads,

Volume 37, Conservation Issue— July 2014 Volume 37, Conservation Issue— July 2014 50 interpreting philmont’s natural history interpreting philmont’s natural history 51 people other than the understanding that the beneficial and a source of income.” BSA would continue to follow good Then there was Waite’s beaver plan practices so that Philmont would be that must have left Minor Huffman Waite Phillips Shares Some Thoughts sustainable well into the future. scratching his head. “An important on Conservation In his letter to Minor Huffman, Mr. feature of Ranch and Range manage- Phillips shared his detailed understand- ment is that of de-foresting the high by Robert Birkby ing of the Philmont backcountry and mountain valleys and of re-foresting his deeply-held belief in caring for the the lower ones and the cheapest way to In 1943, Waite Phillips returned to land. For example, he strongly disap- affect this is by the use of beaver,” Mr. northern New Mexico to tour the proved of a BSA trail reroute in Urraca Phillips explained. “Therefore, a con- 127,000-acre property he had donated Canyon. tinuous operation of moving these from to the Boy Scouts of America. Riding “I know every foot of the contours the low lands to the mountain valleys the backcountry on horseback, he filled of this old canyon trail,” he wrote, “so should be continued.” a notebook with observations about do not allow anyone to tell you that it is If Waite Phillips could tour the care of the land during the first five impossible or impractical to repair and Philmont today, he would certainly jot years of BSA management. He shared make serviceable the old trail up the in his notebook that he was delighted his thoughts in a long, typewritten entire length of that canyon floor and I to see the robust Conservation Depart- letter to Minor Huffman, Philmont’s heartily recommend that the old trail be ment, the hours of service to the land general manager. repaired and rebuilt.” provided by trekkers, and the imple- Waite had picked up the notebook He added that he himself had im- mentation of new-fangled ideas like habit on the Iowa farm where he and proved Philmont trails “in many, many Leave No Trace. his twin brother Wiate were raised and instances, by laying out an easier grade He would probably share concerns, had been expected to do long hours on longer switchbacks.” too. “Sirs,” he might write to current of chores and field work. Their child- The letter continued with Waite’s Philmont administrators, “I am disap- hoods were paced by the rhythms of ideas for better pasture conservation pointed to note your large staff includes the seasons, by planting and harvest- and advice on pruning the fruit trees not a single designated beaver wran- Waite Phillips fly fishing at Philmont. ing, and by the constant responsibilities behind the Villa Philmonte and the cot- gler.” of caring for livestock. Being observant, could have upon mountainsides, for- tonwoods in front. He suggested that But most of all, Waite Phillips writing down what needed attention, ests, and streams. Boy Scouts might enjoy seeing a band would surely be satisfied with the and then getting it done could spell the Waite’s phenomenal successes in the of sheep, “particularly the black faced BSA’s continued dedication to wise and difference between agricultural success oil business over the next two decades mutton type.” responsible stewardship in northern and disaster. allowed him to purchase an enormous Though he had allowed little New Mexico and throughout the As much as they loved the gentle ranch in northern New Mexico. He harvesting of timber when he owned nation. This commitment has served landscape of home, the twins headed considered naming it Hawkeye Ranch Philmont, Mr. Phillips was worried that Philmont well for more than seventy- west at the impressionable age of six- in honor of his native Iowa, but settled “a beetle is working on the conifers five years, benefiting the environment teen to find adventure. They saw great instead on Philmont. By all indications, above Abreu Lodge on the Rayado and and, as he had put it in his 1943 letter, mountain ranges, vast prairies, and he operated the ranch with a keen ap- some investigation and expert advice establishing Philmont “as an important wide open spaces that, in 1900, were preciation of unspoiled nature and an should be had on this as the timber is attraction to the millions of Scouts, still wild. In mining camps and logging eagerness to keep it that way. His gift of not only ornamental but commercially Scouters, and honored guests who will towns they found short-term jobs and the land to the Boy Scouts of America valuable as well. In fact, a logging unit visit this property in the future.” witnessed the effects those industries came with almost no strings attached could be put in here which would be

Volume 37, Conservation Issue— July 2014 Volume 37, Conservation Issue— July 2014 52 people people 53 The People Who Made it Possible Things Whole: the Essential John Wes- in Sustainability Education. Mary has ley Powell; Valles Caldera: A Vision for authored several books including The A solid conservation ethic and sound fortunate enough to spend 11 summers New Mexico’s National Preserve; and Forester’s Log and the first edition of conservation practices have characterized working at Philmont, split between the The Walk. He lives on the farm he has The Philmont Field Guide. Philmont since its earliest days. But until Ranger department and Conservation.” tended since 1976 in the remote village High Country published its first special She attended Texas A&M University at of El Valle in the Sangre de Cristos Gordon Tooley issue devoted to conservation at Philmont Galveston, receiving a B.S. in Ocean & between Santa Fe and Taos. Scout Ranch (December, 2012), there had Coastal Resources in 2006. She is pas- been no systematic effort to collect informa- sionate about the impacts of outdoor Mary Stuever tion about and tell the story of that ethic education on youth and adults and and those practices. Mary Stuever, ably wants to keep the outdoors as her office supported by Ryan King, Michael Sud- in future job pursuits. She’ll take the meier, and a host of writers, enthusiasti- ocean or mountains! cally took responsibility for doing so. She and her team did an outstanding job, but William deBuys in the process of doing it, quickly realized that the whole tale could not be told in one issue – even an issue that was 50% larger than standard High Country issues. So, driven by a determination to tell the story as well as Philmont protects the environ- ment, Mary agreed to lead the production of Gordon worked in the Ranger Depart- another special issue, building on the first ment from 1979 through 1981. He and filling in many of its gaps. These are always admired the orchards at the old the people who helped her make it possible. homesteads that are a part of Philmont. Now he has the chance to renew them. Sarah Burgess Mary Stuever lives in Chama, New Tree farming and establishing stable Mexico and is a District Forester for landforms through stewardship are Writer/conservationist William deBuys New Mexico State Forestry. Her time in Gordon’s vocation. He also conducts is the author of seven books, rang- the Ranger Department (’78, ’82 - ’83) many plant-related workshops and is a ing from memoir and biography to clearly influenced her links between certified Permaculture instructor. environmental history and studies her profession and Philmont, and in Gordon and his wife Margaret of place. A native of Maryland, he 2009 she helped establish a Visiting Yancey are the owners of Tooley’s graduated from the University of North Forester Program that now hosts 15-20 Trees. This wholesale and retail nursery Carolina, later earning an MA and foresters each summer who spend a in Truchas specializes in trees, shrubs, PhD in American Civilization from the week interacting with crews in the and uncommon apples, pears, plums, University of Texas. His books include Demonstration Forest near Hunting apricots and cherries that thrive in dif- Enchantment and Exploitation: The Lodge. She has a BS from Oklahoma ficult sites and conditions. Life and Hard Times of a New Mexico State University in Forest Management, In 2008, Gordon was named Educa- Mountain Range (UNM Press, 1985); an MS from the University of New tor of the Year by the New Mexico River of Traps; Salt Dreams: Land and Mexico in Fire Ecology, and is work- Organic Commodities Commission. Sarah Burgess, as she puts it, “ has been Water in Low-Down California; Seeing ing on a PhD from Prescott College In 2009, he participated in the

Volume 37, Conservation Issue— July 2014 Volume 37, Conservation Issue— July 2014 54 people people 55 Forgotten Fruits Summit organized Zach Harris tain in 2001 - 2002, was ROCS Instruc- boring landowners, the USFS, and by Slow Foods and RAFT: Renewing tor in 2004, ROCS coordinator in 2005 the local municipalities in northern America’s Food Traditions. This group and Associate Director for Conserva- New Mexico. Chris was a Ranger from compiled information for the “Forgot- tion- Environmental Education in 2006 2002-2005 & 2009, and has a B.S.B.A. ten Fruits Manual and Manifesto”, now and 2007. in Accounting from Appalachian State available through the Slow Foods web- He says working at Philmont in University. He formally worked as an site. He serves on the advisory board Conservation really strengthened his auditor before returning to graduate for the Holistic Orchard Network. personal land ethic and developed his school for a Masters Degree in Interna- professional focus in environmental tional Studies and a Masters of Natural Michael Sudmeier education. He has gone on to work Resources from NC State. professionally in environmental educa- tion as a result of this experience in Carrie Anderson Zach has served two summers as ADC Washington, Idaho, Alaska and now of Work Crews and designed the re- in Wisconsin as the Director of Upham gional Work Crew system upon which Woods Outdoor Learning Center and they currently operate. He is the 2014 Assistant Professor for Environmental Conservation Field Manager and, as Education at the University of Wiscon- part of his responsibilites, designs and sin-Extension. implements continued training for the Department including proper chainsaw Chris Sawyer operation, tool maintenance, and tim- ber structures for trailbuilding. In the fall, he is pursuing an MFA in scupture Michael Sudmeier served as a Program at the University of Georgia, Athens. Counselor (Clarks Fork ‘01, Crooked Zach is a maker of stuff. Creek ‘02), ROCS Instructor (‘03 to ‘05), and as the Associate Director Justin Hougham of Conservation for Environmental Education (‘07 to ‘11). He also served on fall conservation staff in 2010. In Carrie tells us she “had the privilege of addition to bringing Michael to New growing up in Cimarron, NM with the Mexico, Philmont helped him discover Philmont skyline as the backdrop of a passion for teaching and education. my childhood. Since then, I have lived, When not spending his summers at studied, and worked in Moscow, and the Ranch, he taught eleventh grade McCall, Idaho for the past six years.” English for three years on the Zuni Her Philmont staff experience Reservation in western New Mexico includes: PC at Cyphers Mine (’08); PC as a Teach For America corps member. Chris works as Associate Director of at Rich Cabins (’09); Conservation/ Michael currently lives in Wyoming, Program at Philmont Scout Ranch Environmental Educator (’10-14). where he works as a writer and editor. where he provides guidance to seasonal “My experiences as both a par- And despite living out West, he is an Justin is from Baraboo, WI. He worked staff and backcountry participants. He ticipant and staff member at Philmont Iowan at heart. at Crooked Creek in 2000, Black Moun- enjoys working with the staff, neigh- changed my life and inspired me in

Volume 37, Conservation Issue— July 2014 Volume 37, Conservation Issue— July 2014 56 people people 57 more ways than I could have ever Marc, the current ADC for Environ- Bob Birkby Hornaday Gold Medal for a lifeimte of dreamed of. I have met some incredible mental Education, has worked in the distinguished service to conservation, people, learned to be a steward of the Conservation Department for the past and in 2014 he was named the recipi- land, and witnessed countless sunrises, five years. From EE to ADC, he has ent of the Philmont Staff Association’s sunsets, and starry nights. Participat- enjoyed learning from others and loves Distinguished Staff Alumni Award. ing in the Roving Outdoor Conserva- sharing his sense of curiosity about the tion School (ROCS) program when I natural world with everyone he meets. Zach Seeger was 16 years old inspired me to study Marc spent last winter living in Taos Ecology and Conservation Biology at where he worked as a bicycle mechanic the University of Idaho, and being on at Gearing Up Bicycle Shop and as a staff as an environmental educator and children’s ski instructor at Taos Ski ROCS instructor inspired me to con- Valley. tinue my education at the University of Idaho and get a masters in Environ- Robert Heyduck mental Education. Thanks to my experiences at Philmont, this fall I will be moving to El Portal, CA to start my dream job as a field science educator in Yosemite National Park with NatureBridge, an organization dedicated to connecting people with nature. I will be lucky Bob is one of the premier outdoor enough to be teaching young people writers in the country today – and he Zach worked as a member of the about the cultural and natural history began his life of adventure as a Trail Conservation Department as a GIS Staff of the park in the most incredible out- Crew Foreman and then Director of member for 2 years. During this time he door classroom I can imagine. “ Conservation at Philmont Scout Ranch. worked on collecting, maintaining, and Among his credits are three editions improving the Ranch’s spatial data. He Marc Nutter (1990, 1998, 2010) of the Boy Scout currently works as a research Forester Robert lives in Dixon, NM. Handbook, two editions of the Field- for the Hardwood Tree Regeneration He worked at Cypher’s Mine in 1993 book (2004, 2014), Mountain Madness, and Improvement Center at Purdue and 1995 and Conservation in 1997. He and Lightly on the Land. Through his University, and he volunteers with his says, “My time at Philmont most defi- work with the Student Conservation local council and Council Camp. nitely fueled my desire to learn about Association, he has become the leading the land and history and culture. I now authority on trail design and construc- The Wilderness holds study sustainable agriculture with New tion and one of the most sought-after answers to more ques- Mexico State University, and enjoy gar- speakers and consultants on “all things dening at home in Dixon, hiking (with outdoors”. An Eagle Scout, he has tions than we have yet his dog Willie), skiing, playing music, hiked the entire length of the Appala- learned to ask. and generally enjoying the wonder that chian Trail and is an experienced moun- is Northern New Mexico.” taineer through Nepal, Alaska, Russia, East Africa and the Cascades. In 2010 ~Nancy Wynne he was awarded the BSA’s William T. Newhall

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