Southwest Colorado Canyons Alliance is continuing its efforts to support Canyons of the Ancients National Monument despite the federal government shutdown.
The Alliance is hosting two events in February expected to take place at the monument’s visitor center and museum at 27501 Colorado Highway 184, west of Dolores.
However, because the Bureau of Land Management facility is closed until further notice due to the federal government shutdown, the event’s locations will be changed pending the shutdown status, said Canyons Alliance Executive Director Diane McBride.
On Feb. 2, artist Cynthia Sadler will host a printmaking workshop from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.Cost is $45 for Southwest Colorado Canyons Alliance members, and $55 for non-members. Sadler will teach students how to design and create block prints for holiday cards, T-shirts and more. Her technique using easily carved linoleum simplifies the process.
Space is limited, so registering in advance is encouraged.
On Feb. 16, Volunteer Orientation for Canyons Alliance will take place from 10 a.m. to noon. There are indoor and outdoor volunteer projects available. They range from office work and event planning, to archaeological site stewardship, guided hikes on the monument and monitoring of trails and local wilderness study areas.Also, Canyons Alliance will manage the education program to encourage local student involvement in the monument, its museum and visitor center. The group is seeking grant funding for the $16,000 needed to pay six educators to give archaeology instruction and tours of the monument and museum to local students. It recently received a $10,000 education grant from the Community Resource Center.
Schools in Montezuma County have been involved in the program, and Canyons Alliance is reaching out to Dolores County Schools as well.
For more information on volunteering, education programs, and to register for the printmaking class, contact Diane McBride at swcocanyons@gmail.com or call 970-560-1643.