The Geology Ecology and Human History of the San Luis Valley

About this book

The Geology Ecology and Human History of the San Luis Valley explores the rich landscapes and diverse social histories of the San Luis Valley an impressive mountain valley spanning over 9 000 square miles that crosses the border of south-central Colorado and north-central New Mexico and includes many cultural traditions. Twenty-six expert scholars and educatorsincluding geologists geographers biologists ecologists linguists historians sociologists and consultantsuncover the natural and cultural history of the region which serves as home to the Sangre de Cristo Mountains the San Juan Mountains Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve and the Rio Grande headwaters. The first section The Geology and Ecology of the San Luis Valley surveys the geomorphology hydrology animal and plant life conservation management and mining of the valleys varied terrain. The second section Human History of the San Luis Valley recounts the valleys human visitation and settlement from early indigenous life to Spanish exploration to Hispanic and Japanese settlements. This section introduces readers to the regions wide range of religious identitiesCatholic Latter-day Saint Buddhist Jehovahs Witness Amish and Mennoniteand diverse linguistic traditions including Spanish English Dutch Danish Japanese and Mayan. The final section Travel Itineraries addresses recreation specifically fly-fishing and rock climbing. The book provides a comprehensive overview of the endemic flora and fauna human history of indigenous lifeways and diverse settlement patterns that have shaped the region. The Geology Ecology and Human History of the San Luis Valley will appeal to students and scholars of geology ecology environmental history and cultural history as well as residents and tourists seeking to know more about this fascinating and integral part of Colorado and New Mexico. Contributors: Benjamin Armstrong Timothy Armstrong Deacon Aspinwall Robert Benson Lorrie Crawford Kristy Duran Jeff Elison Eric Harmon Devin Jenkins Bradley G. Johnson Robert M. Kirkham Bessie Konishi Angie Krall Richard D. Loosbrock Richard Madole A. W. Magee Victoria Martinez James McCalpin Mark Mitchell R. Nathan Pipitone Andrew Valdez Rio de la Vista Damin Vergara Wilson