It is brickmaking season again
Last week, I spent an invigorating day at Plaza del Cerro, Chimayo. There students from Wellesley, Massachusetts’ Village Church volunteered during their spring break. Cornerstones has been honored to host them for 9 of the last 11 years.
Photo of the students from Wellesley by Tracey Enright.
Tons of Logs Lifted to Rebuild Mam A Gah Picnic Area
The Mam A Gah workshop concluded on Friday, April 22. Mam A Gah is a picnic shelter Ramada built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in Saguaro National Park during the Great Depression. In a designated wilderness area, the picnic area is considered “backcountry” by some as it requires a hike in.
Tons of materials were hauled in and out by hand to accomplish the repairs to the structure. Hoisting 500lb log beams into place on top of concrete columns was a unique challenge. But that task was made easy thanks to the Park Trail crew who joined Stephen Calles and Alan Ash in putting the shelter back together.
Santa Fe roofer Edgar Salcido helped throughout but mainly contributed his expertise in installing the roofing membrane. Training included concrete repair and strengthening, log assembly, and membrane roofing application. The final result is truly impressive and provides needed shelter to the many visitors who hike the trail in that wilderness area of the National Park.
Photo of the Mam A Gah rebuilt picnic area by Cornerstones staff.
Archival Photo of the Picnic Area.