We are delighted to report that Mesa Verde Foundation has been selected to be a part of the National Park Foundation’s newly established National Park Legacy Projects Program for 2013. This exciting program advances the spirits of philanthropy, affection, and action for America's national parks. The National Park Foundation (NPF) has selected only eleven projects throughout the nation to be part of this pilot program.

The project selected at Mesa Verde is a stabilization study of the park’s iconic Cliff Palace. Cliff Palace is the jewel in the crown of Mesa Verde. The view from the overlook is breath- taking, especially late in the afternoon when the sun shines on the masonry and Cliff Palace looks like it could have been made of gold. Certainly it leaves a life-lasting memory. Unfortunately, however, cracks within Cliff Palace may indicate that part of the site is in danger of slipping into the canyon below and urgently needs to be stabilized.

Stabilization of Cliff Palace requires a multi-phased project that will (1) conduct a geotechnical engineering assessment of the retaining wall along the talus slope in Cliff Palace; (2) determine the foundation material within the alcove on which prehistoric architecture is built; (3) determine what type of retaining wall system is necessary to arrest the suspected downward movement of the site; (4) construct a retaining wall capable of arresting the downward movement of the site; and (5) make necessary repairs to the deteriorating masonry and repair existing cracks in architecture.

Mesa Verde Foundation agreed last year to assist the park in funding this important project, and is honored that the NPF has selected it to be a part of this exciting new program. The estimated cost for this two-year stabilization project is $150,000, and Mesa Verde Foundation will jointly raise those funds in partnership with the NPF by May 1, 2013.

The National Park Foundation’s Legacy Program will enhance the National Park System by increasing stewardship and producing significant, long-term improvement projects within a multitude of parks. It also will increase both local and national support for park philanthropy and partnership projects, expand the role of citizen, corporate, foundation philanthropy for America's national parks, and foster partnerships between local and regional nonprofit organizations and the NPF, thereby magnifying philanthropic support for parks.

The following organizations are engaged with the NPF in this partnership and its philanthropic challenge: Boston Harbor Island Alliance, Dumbarton Oaks Park Conservancy, Friends of Big Bend National Park, Friends of Saguaro National Park, Friends of the Smokies, Grand Canyon Association, Glacier National Park Fund, Mesa Verde Foundation, Mount Rushmore Society, Sequoia Parks Foundation, and Yosemite Conservancy

Mesa Verde National Park is proud to announce the 2013 Artist-In-Residence (AIR) program. Begun during Mesa Verde National Park’s 2006 Centennial, the program provides accomplished writers, composers, and visual and performing artists the opportunity to pursue their particular art form while being surrounded by the inspiring ancient architecture of the Ancestral Pueblo People and the sweeping natural landscape of the park.

The park provides a historic, rustic residence to selected participants for four, two-week periods:
May 5 through May 18, 2013
May 19 through June 1, 2013
September 1 through September 14, 2013
September 15 through September 28, 2013

All participants will be required to attend a short orientation session before being allowed to enter backcountry areas. Also, participants will be required to be a National Park Service "Volunteer-In-Park" (VIP) during their residency. No stipend is provided. Participants in the Artist-In-Residence program will find the cabin fully furnished including linens and kitchenware. In return, participating artists are asked to donate to the park an original piece of work from, and representative of, their residency in Mesa Verde National Park.

Entries for the 2013 program will be accepted from October 1, 2012 through March 1, 2013. Notifications of finalists will be made by April 15, 2013.

For additional information about the Mesa Verde AIR program, visit the park’s Artist-In-Residence webpage here or call AIR Coordinator Frank Cope at 970-529-4607.

Mesa Verde National Park’s next Fee-Free weekend will occur November 10-12, 2012. Park entrance fees will be waived in honor of our nation’s veterans. Make plans now to spend the Veteran’s Day Holiday enjoying the late fall in your favorite park!

This year’s Annual Holiday Open House and Luminaria Lighting will be held on Thursday, December 6, 2012. Everyone is invited to ring in the holiday season with this very special evening. The entire Headquarters area of Chapin Mesa is lined with luminaria, as is the trail to Spruce Tree House. Free musical performances and refreshments add to the festive atmosphere. Mark your calendars now to attend this once-a-year event! Click here for more information.

Seasonal Closures and Changes

Cliff Palace ranger-guided tours continue daily through November 10, conditions permitting. Tickets may be purchased at the Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum, or at the Colorado Welcome Center in Cortez.

Morefield Campground
--open to primitive camping (vault toilets only, no hookups) through November 3
--closes November 4 for winter

Beginning October 21:
--Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum is open daily 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Beginning November 11:
--Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum is open daily 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
--Spruce Tree House is open for free ranger-guided tours at 10:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 3:30 p.m.

Lunch is available year-round at Spruce Tree Terrace.

MVMA’s stores in the Museum and at the Colorado Welcome Center are open daily, year-round.

The Life and Art of Tony Da, by Charles King

Tony Da was a grandson of the famous San Ildefonso potter Maria Martinez. During a brief career of around 15 years, he changed the world of Pueblo pottery. He was one of the first male potters, the first to incise designs into the clay, to add stones to the surface and to create a whole new variety of designs based on pre-historic Mimbres pottery. Tony was also one of the first Native American celebrities. A showman, Tony was famous for his outrageous clothes and exuberant lifestyle. This book is a tribute to Tony’s remarkable life.

Author Charles King has been involved in Native Arts since his youth in Colorado. His interest in Pueblo pottery led to the opening of his gallery in 1996. Since then he has been a pottery judge at prestigious events such as Santa Fe Indian Market, the Heard Museum Indian Market and Gallup Ceremonials. He is committed to preserving and enhancing Native arts and has served on the Board of Directors of the Indian Arts and Crafts Association (IACA) and the Southwest Association for Indian Arts (SWAIA), which is the group which puts on Santa Fe Indian Market. He has been published extensively and continues to research and write on Pueblo pottery. His book The Life and Art of Tony Da was published in 2011; hardcover, 156 pages.

Specially priced at $34.99, or just $27.99 for Mesa Verde Association members; click here to purchase yours today. Proceeds from your purchases support Mesa Verde National Park.

Not a member yet? It’s easy to join! Just click here (your member discount code will be mailed to you) or call us at 1-800-305-6053 or 970-529-4445 for assistance.

Misplaced your member discount code? Just call or email us at info@mesaverde.org and we'll be happy to provide it to you!