2022 Fires

In the spring of 2022, the largest wildfire in New Mexico history swept through the Sangre de Cristo mountains of Northern New Mexico, radically changing the landscape, and greatly impacting our watershed, as well as the small rural community in which we live.

On May 2, 2022, the flames reached the eastern edge of Hummingbird, burning part of our forest and our entire campground infrastructure including our Sanctuary Yurt, kitchen, bathhouse, outhouses, outdoor showers, River Yurt, and 50’ Dining Tent. Miraculously, the wind shifted direction and spared our homes, remaining infrastructure, and most of the old growth forest in our river wetlands area. The mountainous green pine forests are now partially marbled with burnt patches undergoing the natural process of regeneration.  

Our community is experiencing deep change while we learn from Gaia and the unique challenges and gifts this fire (and potential future flooding) are presenting us. With the loss of our campground/retreat facility, we are exploring new ways to fulfill our purpose as we build new income/funding streams to supplement the primary revenue source that is no longer present.  

New Mexico’s deep, long-term drought, resulting in numerous diseased and dead trees, made the area vulnerable to the wildfires of 2022 and to subsequent flooding for years to come. The monsoon season following the fire has shown us how the increased river flow from heavy rains moves through the land.

Shortly after the fire, we protected the homes of our residents before most of us evacuated for the summer. Our acequia, which brings water to our pastures and farmland, has been greatly impacted by mudslides and will require extensive work to flow again. We feel blessed that though much higher than in previous years, the water didn’t damage any structures. 

It is unknown what will transpire on the land over the coming months and years (post-fire threats of flooding and mudslides can potentially continue for 3-5 years). Despite the uncertainties, we regularly gather to hold space for one another and listen to the land to guide our next steps. We are devoted to stewarding this sacred landscape so that this sanctuary can continue to serve you in deepening your relationship with nature and the nature of your soul.

We honor that we are all living in the mystery during these transformational times of great uncertainty and destabilization. This cycle of death and rebirth invites us to hospice that which is dying, while midwifing that which is being born. As we let go of what no longer serves, we allow new forms to emerge that are rejuvenating and life enhancing. With patience, guidance, and trust, we will look for the opportunities and gifts within this tragedy to shed light on how we can move forward together.