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Conservation & Culture: U.S. Southwest

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The stunning scenery of the Southwestern United States never fails to awe and inspire those who take the time to discover its riches. This expedition explores the Colorado Plateau, a 130,000 square mile geological formation that straddles Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, and Colorado. Dramatic canyons, colorful badlands, sand dunes, barren mesas, and unique arches and rock formations dot the landscape, a visual reminder of 500 million years of geologic forces at work. The remoteness of the area offers some of the darkest skies and quietest areas in the country, making it an ideal spot to contemplate our place in the universe while gazing at the Milky Way.

Although these jaw-dropping, sweeping landscapes offer plenty of solitude, the entire area boasts a rich human history as well. The U.S. Southwest sits at a crossroads of Native American, Spanish, and American cultures. As a testament to the unique combination of natural and cultural history of the region, the Colorado Plateau boasts the highest concentration of National Parks and Monuments in the United States.

On our Southwest Adventure, students will raft the San Juan River, explore spectacular National Parks and Monuments that characterize the area, and visit the Navajo Nation, the largest Native American reservation in the country. Through a partnership with the National Parks Service Natural Sounds Program, participants will also explore the complex natural and cultural sounds of the area and learn why these pristine acoustical environments demand restoration and preservation. Whether conducting hands-on science, helping an elder Navajo build a Hogan, or hiking through the iconic landscapes, the Conservation & Culture: U.S. Southwest program will be the learning adventure of a lifetime.

Learn more about the Natural Sounds Program:
Why is protecting Natural Sound important?
Sound and Picture Gallery
What is the Natural Sounds Program?

Sample Itinerary

Upon arrival in Mancos, settle into camp near Mesa Verde National Park.

Spend the morning with a park ranger on a visit to visit the spectacular cliff dwellings that made Mesa Verde the United States first UNESCO World Heritage site. In the afternoon, explore the impact of wildfires on the ecology of the park, and conduct research examining the impact of human sound on the environment. Overnight at base camp near Mesa Verde.

One of the most spectacular rivers in America, the San Juan meanders through narrow red rock canyons. As we float along the river, we join our partner nonprofit, Grand Canyon Youth in an exploration ecology, water management and conservation. Tonight, the desert sky comes alive.

After a sleepy wake up along the sandy shores of the river, we'll head out for day two of our San Juan River expedition. Today, we'll explore the impact of sound on the our appreciation of the place using scientific techniques designed by the National Park Service. Paddle, swim, float = fun!

After coming off the river, we head to Chinle, Arizona, gateway to the spectacular Canyon de Chelly National Monument. At night, we settle into the rustic and beautiful Spider Rock Campground. If time permits, we'll explore the rim of the canyon before night falls.

We spend the morning gazing into the heartland of Navajo Nation and Canyon de Chelly National Monument. A Park Ranger introduces us to the challenges of protecting the area before we hike down into the dramatic red rock canyon,inhabited by humans for over 5,000. Our Navajo guide regales us with stories ranging from geology to Native American culture. Our resting spot tonight is a campsite within the Canyon alongside the Antelope house ruins.

Today you will spend the day in a service project that will help Canyon de Chelly residents thrive. You may help clear the area of invasive species that threaten native plants. Or you could help out an elderly Canyon resident by bringing them water, mending a fence, or building a Hogan. At night, hike to your spectacular campground in the heart of the canyon. Be lulled to sleep with Navajo storytelling and music.

Before hiking out of the canyon, we'll visit a few hidden ruins tucked away in the canyon walls. We'll cool off with a swim and then walk up and out of the 1,000 foot canyon walls. We overnight at Spider Rock Campground and finish with a closing ceremony under the Navajo skies.