Southwest Colorado Canyons Alliance fosters awareness and appreciation of the landscape and cultural heritage of Canyons of the Ancients National Monument through collaboration with the Bureau of Land Management.
Dear Friends,
As the year comes to a close, I want to take a moment—on behalf of all of us at Southwest Colorado Canyons Alliance—to simply say thank you.
Because of your support, 2025 has been a meaningful and impactful year for Canyons of the Ancients National Monument. Together, we’ve helped to protect irreplaceable cultural sites through our Cultural Site Stewardship Program, supported Indigenous artists and living traditions through our Artist in Residence Program and the Four Corners Indigenous Art Market, and created opportunities for connection through lectures, cultural demonstrations, night sky events, and community celebrations marking the Monument’s 25th anniversary.
This work is only possible because of people like you—people who care deeply about this landscape, its stories, and the communities connected to it. Whether you volunteered your time, attended an event, shared our work with a friend, or made a financial contribution, you are part of this story of stewardship.
As we look ahead to the coming year, we’re preparing for another season of programs that protect, educate, and bring people together around this extraordinary place. If you feel inspired to make a year-end gift, please know that your support will help carry this momentum forward into 2026. And if you’ve already given this year, thank you—your generosity has already made a difference.
I’m also excited to share that our updated 2026 Stanton Englehart Calendar is now available! Featuring stunning artwork inspired by the landscapes of the Southwest, the calendar is a beautiful way to celebrate the Monument year-round while supporting our work. You can purchase yours on our website at the link below—it also makes a wonderful gift for fellow canyon lovers.
However you choose to engage, I am deeply grateful to be in this work alongside such a caring and committed community. Thank you for standing with us and for helping ensure that Canyons of the Ancients remains protected and celebrated for generations to come.
With sincere appreciation,
Markleigh Swanson Executive Director Southwest Colorado Canyons Alliance
P.S. If you would like to make a year-end contribution, you can do so by clicking the button below to donate online. And if now isn’t the right time, simply knowing you’re part of our community means more than you know.
As I write my last Note of 2025, I want to share that I am so Thankful for You; the volunteers, contributors, and Tribal representatives associated with Southwest Colorado Canyons Alliance (SCCA) that make it so SCCA can support the BLM employees in managing and protecting the Canyons of the Ancients National Monument. I am … Thankful that SCCA has such a great Executive Director, and Outreach and Programs Manager, to keep things running well throughout the year… Humbled by the dozens, and even hundreds, of hours that so many of our volunteers put into the various programs, and the financial contributions that they give… Appreciative that we have individuals who are willing to dedicate a few hours every month and serve on the Board of Directors to help “direct” the organization to meet the Mission… Naturally supportive of the role that SCCA fills as a nonprofit organization; but keenly aware that the real success of our organization comes from the volunteers that make it work… Knowledgeable that we will need more community members to “step up to the plate” to help the Board of Directors increase in size, and diversity, to take on the challenges of 2026… Full of Hope for a great 2026; that the year will go so MUCH better for our Federal partners, that we’ll have even more participation in programs, and that funding increases to support our goals… Understanding that there are so many other non-profit organizations and social needs that compete for your time and discretionary income, … and yet you chose to support SCCA… Lucky to have the personal time to serve as the Chairperson of the Board of Directors, plus volunteer for some of the programs, and hopefully, help SCCA be the organization you think it should be.
This season, you can support SCCA simply by choosing gifts that make a difference. Whether you're looking for meaningful presents or doing your everyday shopping, here are a few easy ways to give back:
Looking for a meaningful gift or a way to support SCCA? Check out our online store, where you’ll find unique items that celebrate the beauty and heritage of CANM, including the 2026 Stanton Englehart CalendarProceeds from your purchases directly support our programs.
Help Southwest Colorado Canyons Alliance Raise Much-Needed Funds for free!
Every time you shop at any of the 1,800+ online stores in the iGive network, a portion of the money you spend benefits Southwest Colorado Canyons Alliance. It’s a free service, and you’ll never pay more when you reach a store through iGive. To get started, just create your free iGive account.
Looking for another way to give? Southwest Colorado Canyons Alliance is proud to partner with ShopRaise. From groceries and apparel to technology and travel – a percentage of almost everything you buy using the ShopRaise app goes to support our cause. Click to download and start supporting us with every purchase: https://ShopRaise.com/support/swcocanyons
This holiday season, your gifts can stretch even further—supporting meaningful conservation, education, and community programs across Canyons of the Ancients National Monument. Let your shopping bring joy and make an impact!
Bequests
Leave a Lasting Legacy
Consider making a lasting impact on the preservation of the Canyons of the Ancients by including Southwest Colorado Canyons Alliance in your will or estate planning. Your bequest, whether large or small, will help protect these treasured landscapes and their cultural heritage for future generations.
If you haven’t created a will or are thinking of updating it, now is a great time to consult with your attorney or financial advisor to ensure your wishes are clearly expressed.
If you have any questions or need more information, please feel free to reach out.
Follow the directions on the page and select Southwest Colorado Canyons Alliance either by name or use this code, WM546;
Don’t have a City Market loyalty card? No worries. New Users can easily create an account! This just requires some basic information, a valid email address and a loyalty card number or phone number.
REMEMBER, you must scan your registered City Market loyalty card or use the phone number that is related to your registered City Market loyalty card when you checkout for each purchase to count. Thank-you!
Thank you for your support!*
Thank you to our members and supporters who donated between October 1 and October 31, 2025.
We appreciate your support!
City Market Community Rewards Ross & Maiya Gralia Melissa Halvorsen Susan Lowry Susan Stein Richard and Janet Wheeler
Deep Gratitude to our Sustaining Members
Thank you for providing SCCA with a steady stream of support!
Melissa Blackwell Ken Boucher Caroline Brown & Tom Ferrell Chris & Lou Burkett Tris & Bruce Downer Erik Hendrickson Don & Nancy Hoffheins Diane McBride Dan Miller Vincent Miller Gregory Munson Carolyn Roan Cynthia Sadler Susan Stein Michael Stillman Markleigh Swanson Carol Taylor & Cliff Giffen John Thyfault David & KD Umbarger
*SCCA processed contributions from new and renewing annual and sustaining members and donors named in this newsletter between October 1, 2025 and October 31, 2025. Corporate support and grants listed in this newsletter were given between October 1, 2024 and October 1, 2025. Please accept our sincerest apologies if your name or company is not listed here or if we have not yet processed your donation.
Visit Canyons of the Ancients National Monument For more information about visiting CANM go to this link.
