Cottonwood Gulch Expeditions 100 year Anniversary

April Gatherings at the Gulch

Between our last Regional Rendezvous of the year and our Basecamp opening, we look forward to seeing YOU! Whether you join us for snacks and community connection in Albuquerque or you come out to Basecamp to show it some love and share a campfire with us, we hope to see you this month. Click the buttons below to sign up for either event (or both!) and see you soon!

Cottonwood Gulch Expeditions celebration with trekkers at Basecamp

Albuquerque Regional Rendezvous: April 19

 

ALBUQUERQUE REGIONAL RENDEZVOUS
APRIL 19th 4pm-7pm
Harwood Art Center
1114 7th St NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102-2051

 

GENERAL AGENDA:

  • Arrival and Welcome
  • Kindred Interests (artifact sharing, storytelling, interactive activities)
  • Food and Refreshments
  • “State of the Gulch” presentation by Executive Director Jordan Stone and community discussion
  • Campfire songs, stories, and games
  • Informal gathering continues for those who wish to stay

Registration closes the day before each event. Please let us know if you plan to attend so that we can best prepare for a wonderful evening with our community. Questions about the event? Scroll down for some Regional Rendezvous FAQs and responses.

See you there!

RSVP FOR ALBUQUERQUE REGIONAL RENDEZVOUS


Regional Rendezvous Events FAQ

What exactly is a Regional Rendezvous?

Regional Rendezvous events are gatherings across the country celebrating Cottonwood Gulch’s 100th anniversary. These events help us reconnect with the values we learned on treks—environmental stewardship, self-reliance, inclusivity, community support, and more—and find ways to sustain these values in our daily lives. Also, there will be merriment and good food.

What will we do at the event?

Each Regional Rendezvous will follow a similar format, with opportunities for connection, reflection, and celebration: See above agenda.

Will there be Food & Drinks?

Yes, the Gulch will provide food and drinks for everyone. We’ll have options to accommodate common dietary restrictions.

Will I have to do KP or other details?

Most definitely! It wouldn’t be a Gulch event without everyone pitching in.

What should I bring to share?

We encourage you to bring Gulch memorabilia to share:

  • Trek logs, photos, etc: Include a brief note about when and where they’re from
  • Art: Art you made or purchased during your Trek. Include artist and tribal information if known (no funerary objects or archaeological artifacts please)
  • Musical instruments: For the campfire session
  • Friends and Family: Who want to Learn about the Gulch experience

Should I prepare anything in advance?

While not required, consider reflecting on your Gulch experience before attending. You might want to prepare a brief story or memory to share during our storytelling activities.

Is there a dress code?

Casual and comfortable clothing is perfect. Vintage Gulch clothing is encouraged.

Is this a fundraising event?

While there will be information available about supporting the Gulch’s future, including our planned giving campaign, fundraising is not the primary purpose of these gatherings. We rely on generous donors to keep our programs strong, and we will encourage everyone to donate what they can, but the focus is on community and celebration.

Cottonwood Gulch Expeditions color bar

Volunteer Work Weekend: April 24-26

SIGN UP FOR OUR VOLUNTEER WORK WEEKEND: 4/24-4/26

 


LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR WORK WEEKEND

 

Note: We normally do volunteer weekend in the fall, but this year we are moving it to the spring to prepare Basecamp for the 100th anniversary this summer!

 

Agenda

Friday April 24: Join us for Campfire & camaraderie, and at our Cha’oh Pavilion.

  • Campfire begins at 8:00; no meals provided this evening.
  • If you’re coming from Albuquerque, there is a delicious Indian restaurant in Grants called Spicy Bite. It’s next to a truck stop. Not fancy, but delicious.

Saturday April 25: A full day of Basecamp love

  • 7:30am: Breakfast (provided by the Gulch), Mess Hall
  • 9:00am: Meet at the Mess Hall, begin projects
  • Noon: Lunch (provided by the Gulch), Mess Hall
  • 1:00pm-3:30pm: continue project work
  • 4:00: hors d’oeuvres, happy hour (provided by the Gulch)
  • 6:00pm: Dinner (provided by the Gulch)
  • 7:30pm: Campfire

Sunday April 26: Wrap up

  • 7:30am: Breakfast (provided by the Gulch)
  • 11:00am: Finish projects, clean up
  • 12:00pm: Lunch (provided by the Gulch)
  • 1:00pm: conclude – you are welcome to hang around / hike around for the afternoon

What are the goals of this weekend? What will we be doing?

Basecamp is a special place for many of us, and several Gulch community members have asked how they can contribute to this land that they hold dear. This is a chance to show Basecamp land and buildings some love.

Also, a gorgeous fall weekend camping, working, eating, and singing alongside great people? Hard to beat that.

As for the work, we have a number of projects that need willing hands: wood hauling, painting, erosion control, fixing stairs, removing trash, etc. Exact projects will be determined based on the number of people and weather.

Where can I sleep?

You can stay in one of our cabins (unheated), or bring your own sleeping set up. Up to you.

Will there be food?

Yes! We will provide breakfast on Saturday through lunch on Sunday. We will also provide adult beverages and non-alcoholic options on Saturday.

Can I bring my family/pet?

Yes! We ask that dogs be on a leash. If you bring children under 18, you will be responsible for their supervision.

What should I bring?

Please bring your own sleeping bag and warm clothes (it could be cold at night). Also bring work clothes that can get dirty (long pants, long sleeve shirt, close-toed shoes), work gloves, and eye protection (sunglasses OK).

Cottonwood Gulch Expeditions color bar

Did you know?

Most planned gifts support our endowment, which was established in 2001 and currently stands at $2.6 million. We distribute 3-5% annually to support our programs, while the rest is invested in diversified funds that have grown at an average rate of 8% since inception. Your contributions go directly to helping our legacy live on.

Establish your planned gift here.

 

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