Happy 11th anniversary to the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument! Designated the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks as a national monument under the Antiquities Act of 1906, the proclamation protects significant prehistoric, historic, geologic, and biologic resources of scientific interest, and includes four areas: the Organ Mountains, Desert Peaks, Potrillo Mountains, and Doña Ana Mountains.
#OMDPIsPartOfMe
We are honored to spotlight some of the experiences from our frontera community, sharing their personal stories and connections to these spaces.
“The family and I, we are up at the Organ Mountain-Desert Peaks every weekend, just about. I am the son of labor workers, so going outside was not something we thought about on the weekends. It wasn't until I became a father, early on, that I acknowledged the power of getting outside. Being able to make memories with my oldest daughter and experience things for the first time. Now, the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks have been a critical part of the way our family makes memories and tell stories, and creates connection with one another The Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks hold a tremendous amount of history. They tell stories of communities for millennia. I was born and raised on the frontera and being able to experience the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks, reminds me and my family how we are not the first to have been here. We are simply the ancestors of future generations, and it reminds us of how deeply tied our communities are to this landscape.”
— Ángel Peña, Executive Director of Nuestra Tierra Conservation Project
“This is one of the special places where I actually first did photography. It's where I first did hiking. I have a lot of firsts here. That's a part of my memories. It's part of my experiences. It's also what helps me to connect with others. I can also come multiple times and I will view this trail, this area of the mountain, like it's the first time.”
— Krystyna Gonzalez, Board Member of Nuestra Tierra Conservation Project
“In high school, we didn't have the resources or the funds to be able to go on family vacations. So my escape and my vacation were the Organ Mountains, and I remember when I was able to drive, and have friends that drove, we would drive out here and just explore whatever we could. Every trail, crevice of the Organ Mountains and that was probably one of my earliest memories.”
— Norma Hartell, Former Board Member of Nuestra Tierra Conservation Project
“I've been in this national monument, pretty much since I was born. I was six when this national monument was designated. And I remember being six and being that little and celebrating with my Dad and with my Mom that they had designated this area. I'd say the Organ Mountains are an integral part of Las Cruces. They've been somewhere that I go to every weekend, every other weekend with my family. The area definitely creates a sense of community. I know I took my prom pictures here. I've taken homecoming pictures here. I've had dozens of friends who take pictures here. And, it's a special place.”
— Gabriella Peña, Junior at Centennial High School
“My favorite memory with my sisters here was just going camping with them. And it's been really exciting to just have these Organ Mountains.”
— Damian Peña, Elementary School Student
What is YOUR favorite memory?
Join us in celebrating 11 years of southern New Mexico history, culture, and memories by sharing your stories and experiences of the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks, using the #OMDPIsPartOfMe hashtag.
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📷: Header image courtesy of Krystyna Gonzalez