By Kaitlyn Kelley, Class of 2021
Looking for the perfect Christmas gift for friends and relatives? The recently published “The Geology, Ecology, and Human History of the San Luis Valley,” is currently available at the Narrow Gauge Book Cooperative in downtown Alamosa.
“The Geology, Ecology, and Human History of the San Luis Valley” provides a comprehensive view of the San Luis Valley. Adams State University Associate Professor of History Charles Nicholas “Nick” Saenz, Ph.D. edited the book along with two former professors, Jared Maxwell Beeton, Ph.D., and Benjamin James Waddell, Ph.D.
“This project was definitely a joint effort on part of Jared, Ben, and myself,” said Saenz. “It was a fascinating exploration of the San Luis Valley from its early geology as a large lakebed to the contemporary culture. My favorite aspect was the collaboration of so many persons who appreciate this unique land and the people who have always called it home.”
With contributions from Adams State professors, staff and alumni, as well as community members, this book includes every aspect of the beautiful San Luis Valley.
The book is divided into three sections. “The Geology and Ecology of the San Luis Valley” describes the geological and ecological aspects of the land. The history of the people, from indigenous to Spanish explorers, to Japanese settlers to religious groups is in the second section, “Human History in the San Luis Valley.” The final section of the book, “Travel Itineraries,” discusses the many different types of activities that are offered in the San Luis Valley.
Saenz serves as president of the Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area and has published work in the “Bulletin for Spanish and Portuguese Historical Studies” and “The San Luis Valley Historian.” In addition to his published work, he has appeared on Rocky Mountain PBS and has been an exhibition consultant for History Colorado.
Adams State contributors include Timothy Armstrong, Ph.D., professor of biology; Jeff Elison, Ph.D., professor of psychology; Richard D. Loosbrock, Ph.D., professor of history; Rio de la Vista, director of the Salazar Rio Grande del Norte Center; Adams State alumni: Deacon Aspinwall, Bessie Konishi, Victoria Martinez, Andrew Valdez; former professors: the late Robert Benson, Ph.D., emeritus professor of earth science; Kristy Duran, Ph.D., R. Nathan Pipitone, Ph.D.; and A.W. Magee. The following community members also contributed: Robert M. Kirkham, Benjamin Armstrong, Lorrie Crawford, Eric Harmon, Devin Jenkins, Bradley G. Johnson and Richard Madole.
Besides the Narrow Gauge Book Cooperative in downtown Alamosa, the book is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and other online retailers.