Summer Newsletter 2014

Summer 2014
Volume 1, Issue 3
EcoServants, established
in 2004 to support cave
preservation, has been
involved in many pro-
jects serving the Lincoln
County community.
These projects include
mentoring Ruidoso’s
youth, providing sum-
mer work, building and
maintaining trails with
Lincoln County, support-
ing community cleanups,
aiding disaster relief ef-
forts, recycling educa-
tion, community gardens
and helping other local
nonprofits.
EcoServants Newsletter
Youth Conservation
Corps
1
Search and Rescue 2
New Addition to Angus 2
Mayors Day 2
Grindstone Trail System 3
Trainings and Certs 3
My EcoServants
Experience 2014
4
EcoServants Experience 5
What EcoServants
Offers
5
ESCAPE 6
Capitan Wilderness 7
In This Edition:
filling sandbags, and clearing trail in the
Capitans. This program is a great way
for young people to serve the commu-
nity, while earning money and scholar-
ships, and getting to know some awe-
some individuals. YCC member, Jessie
Hansell, stated, “Working with
Ecoservants in 2014 was just as reward-
ing as when I was with the program six
years ago. ...we were a big help with
Lincoln County- from working with
Fort Stanton and Lincoln to eradicating
musk thistle population in Ruidoso and
surrounding areas.”
Rio O’Neal also commented on his
rewarding experience with the YCC.
“Out of all the benefits reaped from
(YCC), perhaps the most important is
the self-satisfaction gained from serving
your community. Instead of spending
the summer working indoors at a fast-
food joint... I chose to be a part of
something larger than myself. 30+
strong, our EcoServants family, under
direction of the mystifying Stephen
Carter, is beautifying our wonderful
surroundings, benefitting tourism, pro-
moting healthy lifestyles through recre-
ational trails, and creating a generation
of strong competent, and reliable work-
ers. So what did you do last summer?”
YCC by, Joshua Terrell
In recent months, EcoServants’
Summer program (Youth Conserva-
tion Corps) has, once again, made
differences in the community.
Around June, EcoServants hired 33
young people for 9 weeks to build
trail, kill thistle, and participate in oth-
er tasks in service to the county of
Lincoln County. These young whip-
persnappers have accomplished much
this summer: finishing some great
additions to the Grindstone trail sys-
tem, building new trail at Fort Stan-
ton, and killing tons of thistle.
The newly carved Grindstone trails,
dubbed Sawmill and Widowmaker,
are mountain bike flow trails. The
crew spent much of the summer with
their mcleods, picks, and loppers
making the trail sustainable and free
of duff, rocks, and roots. Thanks to
these youngsters, the trails are now
available for rocking and rolling.
(More on these swell trails on page 3.)
In Fort Stanton, the new trail is on an
old, overgrown golf course. The trail
visits a cemetery and old tee boxes. A
favorite point of interest is a tee box
at the top of a large stone staircase.
The tee on the hilltop overlooks the
entire area and is furnished with a
charming bench. The trail is now fin-
ished and ready to be enjoyed.
The YCC participated in many oth-
er service projects this summer, such
as volunteering at Historic Lincoln,
“I chose to be a part of
something larger than
myself,” stated O’Neal.
The setting can vary greatly: a
wilderness environment, an urban
area, areas subject to weather ex-
tremes, to name a few.
Advice given often, though not
often heeded; be prepared. Take
what you may need, and it cer-
tainly doesn’t hurt to take a bit
too much. Better to have it and
not need it, than to need it and
not have it. There are essential
items you should not depart with-
out, even if you don’t plan on
being out long. Items such as ad-
equate water/food, a map &
compass (as well as basic map &
compass know-how), proper
clothing, etc.
3 searches in, and I think it is
safe to say I will continue my in-
volvement with SAR, wherever I
go. If interested, please contact us
here or WMSAR for details on
becoming a member. They could
always use the help, “they” being
those particularly… lost people.
They need you, and they are plen-
ty in number. It is a wondrous
experience, the thrill of helping.
There is an altruistic nature to us
all, noticed upon closer examina-
tion, if not initially. It feels good,
and not without reason, to look
after someone. Care to know the
feeling yourself? I’m sure some-
one else would appreciate if you
tried. Perhaps they’re lost now,
waiting for you to search, await-
ing rescue.
Search and Rescue by, Ezekiel Flores
White Mountain Search and
Rescue (WMSAR) team of
Ruidoso has partaken in 3 recent
searches. Being members of said
non-profit organization,
WMSAR, so have we. People
“get lost,” simply stated. Fortu-
nately, there are teams of people
eager to offer their skills, gladly
offering aid their talents and time
to rescue efforts. Quite a selfless
phenomenon, I venture to call it.
WMSAR is one such volunteer
-based, non-profit organization.
We have, as I mentioned earlier,
participated in 3 searches recent-
ly. The circumstances of each
search can, and nearly every time
do, differ enormously in nature.
Page 2 EcoServant s Vol ume 1, I ssue 3
Before starting my AmeriCorps year, I never
knew that there was a day dedicated to service. Mayors
Day of Recognition for National Service is a nation-wide
movement where mayors recognize and appreciate the
work of volunteers in his/her town or city. As part of this
movement, EcoServants helped to clean up and beautify
some of the parks around Ruidoso. This effort encom-
passed raking around the paths at Two Rivers Park and
planting some trees, flowers, and plants at Walterines
Park. It was nice to work with the Parks and Recreation
since we do not often have the opportunity to work on
projects for them.
Mayors Day of Recognition
by, Anne Skold
In May, we completed a project with Billy the Kid Scenic Byways on an empty gravel parking area on
Angus Hill (Hwy 48). It now has a wooden fence around it and has four informative, interpretive signs
- thanks to some muscle and our PhD’s (post-hole diggers). The spot has a great view and is worthy of
a visit!
New Addition to Angus by, Joshua Terrell
Page 3 EcoServant s Vol ume 1, I ssue 3
This summer, our NMYCC crew was hard at work on the new downhill section of the Grindstone
Trail system. Classified by the International Mountain Bike Association (IMBA), as a “black diamond” trail,
the additions consist of 5.7 miles. The trails are multi-use, two-way trails 4 feet wide: One might expect to
meet hikers, equestrians, bikers, and outdoors men and women of all interests.

The additions are without names, as of now. The trail is a “flow trail,” and it is justifiably so. Reached
by way of the Mesa Loop, a trail of roughly 3 miles touring the Grindstone Mesa, the addition intersects the
Loop at its southeastern section, and henceforth proceeds to “go down.” I have been an admirer myself of
the Mesa Loop since having moved to the Ruidoso area. Night or day, the Grindstone Trail system is where
to be to enjoy a remarkable ride. These recent additions are no exception; they are amazing. Numerous
points throughout the ride, it was all I could do to suppress a glee-filled yelp, at moments when my tires left
the soft. recently-worked earth entirely without my urging, or when I glanced ahead or sidelong, affording
me an ever brief glance of the wondrous geology I so swiftly covered. I reached the bottom, not more than
20 minutes later, where the trail reaches the FS admin road, heavily breathing, overtaken by an irrepressible
excitement. FUN, is all I could say.
Grindstone Trail System: Recent Additions by, Ezekiel Flores
Trainings and Certifications by, Anne Skold
As part of the perks of
being an EcoRanger, we receive
numerous trainings and certifica-
tions. Our latest endeavor, to re-
ceive our Amateur Radio Techni-
cian License, ended successfully
when all three EcoRangers passed
the exam last month. Thank you
to the Sierra Blanca Amateur Ra-
dio Club (SBARC) for making this
exam possible for us! A couple of
weeks later, we had each received
our call signs and I was able to use
mine for the first time for the
Ruidoso Grindstone Trail Runs.
Having a HAM License will defi-
nitely come in useful for volun-
teering at community events.
Earlier in June, Zeke and Josh
partook in a Leave No Trace train-
ing and received their certifica-
tions as instructors. Zeke will be
helping to teach the Leave No
Trace seven principles at the High
Mesa Healing Center’s weeklong
Peace Village camp for children
ages 7-13.
Our last certification will, hope-
fully, come together for the month
of August or September. We are
trying to organize with Las Cruces
to put together a Field Certifica-
tion test for any Search and Res-
cue teams or individuals that
would be interested in participat-
ing. If you are interested in taking
this test, please let the
EcoServants or White Mountain
Search and Rescue (WMSAR)
know.
Page 4 EcoServant s Vol ume 1, I ssue 3
My EcoServants Experience 2014 by, Lindsey Chavez
I have had a wide variety of job experiences. Many of which have given me skills that I can use in my
career and everyday life. However, working for EcoServants has given me the opportunity to not only make
a difference in the community, but also work in the great outdoors and build friendships that will last a life-
time.
This is my second year as an EcoServants member and I have found it just as rewarding, enjoyable
and fun as last year. I love working for this organization because we get to improve our community. It is a
wonderful feeling to be recognized by people in the community and for them to say how much they have
enjoyed the trail we have built. It is a great feeling to know that the work we do is greatly appreciated and
needed by Lincoln County. We have helped put on major events such as Ft. Stanton Days. We have also
built numerous trails that will bring more revenue in to the area. We have even helped control invasive spe-
cies by killing the purple thistle, which dramatically improves the overall ecology and habitat of the ecosys-
tem. These are just some of the many projects we have taken part in this summer.
One of the best parts of my EcoServants experience has been the people I have had the pleasure of
getting to know and work with. we come from all walks of life. We have different lifestyles., backgrounds,
and beliefs, but surprisingly we all mesh really well and have become very close friends. I believe the diversi-
ty of people working for EcoServants is what makes our crews work so well together. Teamwork and learn-
ing to work with people that come from dramatically different backgrounds is an excellent skill to have. My
crew in particular is very diverse. However, we have all developed very close friendships that will last even
after EcoServants is over.
Everything we do has a positive impact. I can honestly say that I am proud to be a member of
EcoServants. It is so important for the community to see younger generations giving back to the community.
I think we have influenced others to become active positive members in the community as well. EcoServants
started as a ripple and has turned into a wave of positivity that will leave a footprint for many years to come.
Page 5 EcoServant s Vol ume 1, I ssue 3
At the end of each summer, employees at EcoServants take a brief survey provided by Americorps,
in order to assess their experience. One multiple-choice question asks: “Why did you want to join?” and
provides answers like: “to make new friends”, “gain work experience”, “gain wages”, “community service”,
“scholarship”, “outdoor work”, “conservation work” etc. The problem was that we were only allowed to
check 1-2 boxes, when in fact, it is the perfect combination of all these things that make for the perfect job
experience!
So why did I join EcoServants? To reap these countless benefits. Ultimately, this job is itself
a privilege. I’ve been a waitress, a dishwasher, a housecleaner, and while there is still dignity behind a hard
day’s work in these fields, where else but at EcoServants can you get the satisfaction of building miles of sce-
nic trail, of seeing a mother and cub black bear in their natural habitat, or of waking to the rising sun while
camping in the mountains. At EcoServants, you learn to be self-sufficient and prepared as you pack your
lunches and gear for arduous work in remote areas. You learn both leadership and comradery as you work
with your peers to make an efficient team of hard workers. Moreover, you can be inspired by the spirit of
entrepreneurship and initiative seen in Stephen Carter, who founded EcoServants in order to fulfill a need he
saw in the community. As your boss, he is someone who wants to see you succeed and who is always find-
ing ways to improve the program and maintain a great work environment.
It’s true that as an EcoServant, the work is very difficult and physically challenging, but in
fact, testing your limits is a sure way to grow. I still remember my very first day at EcoServants. I wanted to
quit right away because of the heat, the dirt, and the labor. However, in my ignorance I hadn’t seemed to
figure out that- you have to climb the mountain to see the view. As a matter of fact, having my breath taken
away by the beauty of the scenery at Big Bonito trail (or maybe it was the hike and altitude that left me
breathless, but regardless) was what motivated me to apply for a second year at the job, and even a third year
after that. At first, I didn’t appreciate nature at all, and figured you’d have to travel somewhere as far as Yel-
lowstone or the Grand Canyon to see anything worthwhile. However, through EcoServants I discovered
the extent of the beautiful terrain my own home state has to offer, as well as the spectacular flora and fauna
in what is essentially my own backyard. And these treasures of nature are what we are preserving at
EcoServants as we provide the public with safe access to them with a minimum impact philosophy.
What EcoServants Offers by, Carmen Tate
My experience with EcoServants this past summer has been exciting, fun, and memorable. This be-
ing my second summer with EcoServants, I was extremely happy to return this year to support my commu-
nity. I can honestly saw this is the best opportunity that has been presented to me and a very good choice for
any youth interested in serving his community.
The things I enjoy most about EcoServants is seeing what I do help the community, working with
likeminded peers, and having a job in which I'm outside in nature and where I don’t have to sit behind a
counter and say in my lazy voice, “Hi, welcome to fastmart.” Camping with your coworkers, hearing stories
around the campfire, and building trails in the day has made this summer one of the best summers by far. I
have improved skills that I can apply to other jobs in the future and have earned a scholarship to help fund
my education. In other words two things that any one needs to succeed in any job are skills and an educa-
tion , and EcoServants has assisted in my acquisition and further development of both these things. There
has not been a day where I was not excited to go to work. EcoServants is the best job I have ever had.
This summer has been a blast and I honestly have no regrets being a part of EcoServants. We all
have our good days and bad days, but we move past it all and makes us better in the long run. I have made
friends and had a lot of fun and laughs during this summer and I'm proud to say I will be doing this again
next summer and summers to come.
EcoServants Experience by, James High
Page 6 EcoServant s Vol ume 1, I ssue 3



ESCAPE by, Anne Skold
The EcoServants year round crew was fortunate to pay the state capital a visit in late March. Buffalo
Thunder Resort and Casino hosted the New Mexico Search and Rescue annual event, ESCAPE (Emergency
Services Council Annual Preparedness Event). It was a great gathering, packed full of useful trainings and
courses. Between the various members of our crew, we were able to attend a wide range of courses in the
different themes provided. These courses followed topics such as Basic SAR, Advanced SAR, SAR Manage-
ment, Technical SAR, Canine SAR, Medical and HAM Radio. Zeke became quite familiarized with the Tech-
nical SAR, which took a hands-on approach to covering information regarding knots, rope work, patient
packaging, and the like. Josh stuck with the Medical course and learned how to assess a situation and about
various conditions one could face when performing a Search and Rescue. Anne jumped around quite a bit
and took a course in all the categories except Canine SAR and HAM Radio. Stephen focused on learning
more about Advanced SAR and SAR Management. Overall, everyone learned quite a bit and enjoyed their
classes.
Not only was ESCAPE a great experience, but so was the time spent outside the course load. The
first night we camped out at Black Canyon Campground in the Santa Fe National Forest after enjoying a
wonderful dinner at Jambo Cafe, an African restaurant. The second evening we spent at Buffalo Thunder
Resort and feasted like royalty. The breakfast included every single breakfast food you could imagine or
want! Before we hit the road, we made one last stop in downtown Santa Fe at the Il Vicino restaurant. We
left the capital full of knowledge and great food. Thanks Stephen for a great trip!
Get out there and serve!
We urge and challenge you to serve your community. Find some time, no matter how small, to make a differ-
ence. Pick up trash with Toss No Mass, check out your local Red Cross chapter, kill thistle, be apart of your
local Search and Rescue, or spend some time with EcoServants. No matter what you do, you will find your
being of service to New Mexico exceedingly rewarding.
Contact us for more opportunities and volunteering information. We love volunteers of all ages and interests.
Page 7 EcoServant s Vol ume 1, I ssue 3
Capitan Wilderness by, Ezekiel Flores and Anne Skold
The Capitan Peak Trail (Trail 64) in the Capitan Mountains Wilderness Area has required a lot of
work and still demands attention. In February and April, Stephen took the EcoRangers on two separate
camping trips to clear the trail up to the junction with Pancho Trail (Trail 62) and Summit Trail (Trail 58).
This was a lot of work, and on the first camping trip alone we cleared around 70 trees in two days. The sec-
ond visit was a little slower moving since we needed to pack up all our gear and set up camp at a spot higher
up on the mountain. We were able to climb to the peak and scout out all the work that remains to be done
on the part of the trail that connects near the peak. However, things may have changed since April and we
may find that on our next camping trip up there, which should be very soon, we may need to clear the main
trail again. Regardless, we are looking forward to another camping trip in the Capitans.

The Places Wild: The Wilderness Act of 1964
A portion of the Capitan Mountain range, 34,658 acres approximately, was designated a Wilderness
Area by the United States Congress in 1980. How thankful am I that it is so. As described in the Wilderness
Act of 1964, “A wilderness, in contrast with those areas where man and his own works dominate the landscape, is hereby
recognized as an area where the earth and its community of life are untrammeled by man, where man himself is a visitor who
does not remain.”
The Wilderness. Has an allure to it, doesn’t it? It possesses an appeal incomparable to most other
places found upon this green earth. Here there are few, apart from the wild things one would find in wild
places, and these abound, in nearly every nook, each cranny, upon the spine of each ridge, every valley floor,
the places where mountains meet.
Of the dozen or so trails enjoyed within these boundaries, many have vanished, and some are well
along in the process of so doing. It was my pleasure to help restore and maintain two of these trails, the Cap-
itan Peak Trail 64, and the North Base Trail 65. The Capitan Peak Trail 65 is the most well worn into the
countless stones, boulders, and crags reaching into the mountain range, beginning around 5,500 ft to 10,200
ft near the Capitan Peak. The North Base Trail 65, we quickly found, is another story. The trail doesn’t cover
near as much elevation, the name indicative of its route through and along the foothills of the north-facing
base. However, it is not as well trodden, and it is near impossible to locate. As things are now, the North
Base Trail is being rediscovered. Consequently, hikes here are not suggested to all, unless your aim is to prac-
tice with map & compass, or wish to support our local Search & Rescue team (WMSAR).
“Directly engaging the community through
service towards a more sustainable future.”
We’re on the Web!
www.ecoservants.org
facebook.com/ecoservants.nonprofit
Primary Business Address:
1204 Suite #3 Mechem Dr.
Ruidoso, NM 88345
Mailing Address:
PO Box 1723
Ruidoso, NM 88355
Phone: (575) 808-1204
E-mail: [email protected]
Many thanks to our many sponsors!