The Spirit of Stewardship
While organized workdays are essential for major repairs, the true resilience of the Pajarito Plateau's trail network relies on the quiet, consistent devotion of everyday stewards. This deep community commitment is woven into the daily habits of locals, who treat these canyons and mesas as extensions of their homes. It is seen in the hiker who pauses to clear a fallen branch, the mountain biker who avoids riding on muddy "tacky" trails to prevent rutting, and the runner who packs out discarded litter that isn't their own.
Central to this culture is an adherence to the Leave No Trace (LNT) ethic—a shared understanding that the privilege of exploring such a sensitive landscape carries a permanent responsibility to minimize impact. By staying on marked paths, respecting archaeological sites, and practicing self-regulation, the community and visitors alike ensure that the spirit of the wilderness remains untarnished.
The Stewardship Track is another foundational pillar of the Pajarito Trails Series. It is dedicated to the principle that world-class trails do not happen by accident—they are built, maintained, and protected by a dedicated community of volunteers and professionals. This track is for the "givers," the environmental advocates, and anyone who wants to ensure that the canyons and mesas of the Pajarito Plateau remain resilient and accessible for generations to come.
Stewardship is about the long-term health of our trail ecosystem. This track emphasizes "dirt-under-the-fingernails" engagement, moving beyond the role of a trail user to become a trail protector. Whether you are interested in engineering a sustainable switchback, restoring native flora, or advocating to secure regional trail grants, the Stewardship Track provides the tools and community to make a tangible impact. It transforms "our trails" from a passive resource into a shared responsibility.
Example Events & Activities
Stewardship events are typically collaborative efforts between land managers (such as the USFS or the National Park Service) and local volunteer organizations.
- Trail Maintenance Workdays: Hands-on sessions led by groups like the Pajarito Trail Builders or Los Alamos County Open Space, focusing on clearing fallen trees, repairing erosion damage, and improving drainage.
- Native Plant Restoration: Collaborative projects to remove invasive species and re-seed trail corridors with native high-desert flora to support local biodiversity.
- LNT Awareness Clinics: Educational sessions focused on "Leave No Trace" principles specifically tailored to the unique high-altitude and volcanic terrain of the plateau.
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Trail Advocacy & Grant Workshops: Briefings on how to support regional trail connectivity projects, such as the Rio-Buckman Reach vision.
Current PTS Calendar "Stewardship" Events and Activities (check calendar for details and links)
Scanning the Pajarito Trails Series Calendar for upcoming Stewardship events...
