Sierra County resident Randy Skeirik in partnership with Cornerstones Community Partnerships have been preserving the historic buildings at the Lake Valley ghost town. They are inviting those who are interested in adobe techniques or, who wish to get down and dirty, the opportunity to help out over the next couple of weeks.
Anyone who is interested in learning/volunteering for all or part of the work can contact Skeirik at rdskeirik@gmail.com.
More information about the project are in the following flyer:
CORNERSTONES HANDS-ON ADOBE LEARNING OPPORTUNITY
Lake Valley Historic Townsite (BLM Owned Ghost Town) in Sierra County, NM September 11-20, 2023
7:45am-4:45pm Each Day
Cornerstones Instructors: Issac Logsdon, Larry Limon, Randy Skierik, Kateri Lopez, Fred Flores
Main Tasks:
- Soil section for adobe construction and harvesting
- Earthen and lime plastering
- Structural adobe repair work
- Historic door reassembly and installationParticipants will work alongside historic preservation professionals to complete the tasks above on the historic ‘Kiel House’. Introductions to adobe and earthen materials will be included in the workshop. Volunteers should expect to help with hard physical tasks such as mixing and moving mortar and plaster materials, regularly lifting 35 lbs adobes, while working outdoors.Volunteer Needs: We need a maximum of 4 volunteers total. Priority will go to locals and volunteers wishing to be on site for the full workshop. No experience is needed–all skill levels are welcome.Housing: Cornerstones can provide housing in Kingston, NM at the Black Range Lodge but must be arranged and confirmed ASAP. Limited camping on site is also available. Vault toilet, potable water, and limited power available. Very little cell service available. Please email ahead if you are interested in camping.
Volunteer Stipend and Reimbursements: Reimbursements for groceries available for those staying for over 5 days. A modest volunteer stipend can be available for those staying for the entirety of the project.
Directions: Lake Valley is a ghost town on BLM land located 16 miles south of Hillsboro, NM on State Highway 27.
If interested, please email issac@cstones.org the following information: your name, phone number, days and times available to volunteer, any relevant skills or experience, if you are interested in camping.