Aldos Silver City • Entered by Marcia Stout on October 6, 2022
Aldo’s Broadband 8th Annual Retreat
September 27, 2022 – September 29, 2022
Participants and Hours
| Pre Planning hours | 10 |
| Post Admin hours | 5 |
| Activity Hours | 33 |
| Participants | 15 |
| Total Hours | 510 |
Key Issue: Multiple apply
Activity Type: Social Events (gatherings, potlucks, plain ol’ fun)
Landscape/area: Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument (533 acres)
Measurable Outcomes
Outcome 1: Advocacy actions (34 letters/postcards)
Outcome 2: Invasives removed (200 plants)
Outcome 3: Event Attendees (15 people)[/if 1231]
Short Description of Activity
We held our 8th annual retreat once again along the Gila River not far from Gila Cliff Dwellings Natl. Monument. Participants enjoyed camping and gathering while engaging in informative discussions and sharing ideas on relevant issues, soaking in hot springs, advocacy, a service project, and of course comaraderie. Regional Grassroots Coordinator Sally Sharp was able to join us and give several informal talks ranging from GOBW news and initiatives, to border wall remediation and other relevant public lands issues. This initiated interesting discussions and provided a good opportunity for participants to ask questions over the course of the retreat. Our service project this year focused on removing invasive plants in front of the Gila Cliff Dwelling Natl. Monument visitor center and collecting nearby native grass seeds for subsequent planting in this area. For this service project we volunteered with the Natl. Park Service and were led by their staff and a volunteer. We also wrote postcards to public officials regarding public land advocacy issues. Some of the participants enjoyed a beautiful afternoon hike up the riparian canyon to learn more about the cliff dwelling.
Reflection/Evaluation
We had a number of new folks attending in addition to returning members, including having several new folks indicating an interest in helping with specific advocacy efforts. Having our broadband “founding” member up there this year was meaningful, and well worth the effort of arranging extra accomodations. Our service project with Gila Cliff Dwelling Natl. Monument staff was rewarding in that we were also able to gather native grass seeds for one of their projects this year. In addition, our service project organizer showed our group the results of our previous work projects nearby. It was advantageous having Sally Sharp join us as that gave a chance for two informal talks rather than just one Рwhich offered more of a learning and input opportunity for participants. Perhaps because of this, our “campfire” conversations seemed more in-depth this year which was good. We have participant interest lists to follow-up on, including border wall remediation advocacy. Gifts of appreciation were enjoyed by our broadband “founder” and our excellent retreat “repeat” organizers.
Photos/Uploads
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Photo Captions
1. Service project at Gila Cliff Dwelling Natl. Monument: Gathering native grass seeds to be planted nearby
2. Our retreat “campfire” conversation circle on GOBW and public lands issues
3. Enjoying our broadband founder’s interesting stores
4. Service project at Gila Cliff Dwelling Natl. Monument: Gathering native grass seeds to be planted nearby to replace invasive vegetation