Visitor Handbook

Where Am I and How Will I Survive?

Well, it may not look like it, but you are 7,200 feet high in the Zuni Mountains.  Directly north of Sanctuary land is Cibola National Forest, which includes thousands of acres of semiarid forest. The sanctuary is situated on a little over 300 acres of land with rich-sodded arroyos cutting through the property.  

Here are just a few things to keep in mind.  If you're not used to being at high altitudes, you may want to take it slow for a couple of days.  Arrive early. Rest often. Remember to breathe.  You might experience a mild headache or nosebleed.  Do not worry.  If you experience more severe symptoms, like major shortness of breath or heart palpitations, contact a resident, immediately.  You may also notice our arid climate.  The dry heat and strong sun will tend to tucker you out a little quicker.  Seek shade.  Rest when needed.  Drink plenty of water!  As you bask in the sun, don't forget the temperature will plummet as the sun goes down, so prepare to dress warmly or cuddle up. Preparing layers of clothing to bring about with you prior to sundown also helps.

Medical Emergencies
Please report any emergencies to a steward.  The nearest medical services are a half hour away.  The nearest big city is Albuquerque, which is 2 hours away.  If you simply need a Band-Aid or dose of aspirin, we have an infirmary set up for day to day first aid needs.  See a steward for first aid box locations.

Camping, Campfires, and Getting About

Oh My! Many of the trails you see through this fragile environment are not much more than a year old and already well worn.  There are likely to be gardens mottled throughout the land in unlikely places, as well as trees as small as a few inches high that are part of our reforestation project.  So please stay on the paths and camp only in designated areas.  Several paths lead into the camping areas.  Try to camp close to the path to avoid destroying the plant life, which has little tolerance for trampling and, in some cases, can take decades to reestablish.

This arid climate experiences its share of out of control wildfires, which can destroy an area our size in less than a day.  So, before lighting a fire anywhere, you must check with one of us.  Also, be cautious when smoking.  We have a designated smoking area, with plenty of containers for proper disposal of flamable materials.  We request that you smoke in that area only, especially during "High" fire danger.

Water and Meals at ZMS

Water consciousness is multi-faceted in the desert; each with ideal uses and considerations. We use water from catchement sources for gardens (lower mineral content) and bathing as it is generally softer than land water. Currently catchement water is not suitable for human consumption as it has contact with roofs and possible bacterial.  Our drinking water comes from a well.  Any water that comes from faucets or spigots on the land is drinkable.  Hot water for showering is available during daylight hours (on sunny days) via our solar water heater which feeds the outdoor showers. Personal sponge bathing is also a possibility in most of the indoor spaces; see a resident so we can better accomodate your preferences.

Generally, we circle together before dinner and sometimes before lunch.  Breakfast is usually "help yourself." although it is prefered during busy (or warm day) times to limit the need to go into the walk-in cooler space. We serve vegetarian food at our gatherings, if you have any other special dietary needs or food allergies, please tell a Steward.

If we missed anything, ask one of us.  We welcome questions of any nature. zunimtn@wildblue.net

What About the Animals Here?  And My Harmless Little Darling Pet?

You may encounter wild animals on the land or in the adjacent National Forest area.  We have seen signs of mountain lions, bears, and bobcats.  Elk and deer occasionally come here to graze and, of course, you will hear the haunting call of coyotes almost daily.  We have several different species of snakes, including rattlesnakes, which are the only poisonous ones of the bunch and will give you fair warning with their distinctive rattle sound.  Respectful humans are generally free of danger, but when leaving the land, you may want to consider going in groups of two or more.

We seriously discourage visiting pets.  If you must bring your familiar with you for spiritual or other health related reasons, you will be expected to keep it contained or on a leash at all times. When you arrive at ZMS you will notice that we already have domesticated animals running around. The land animals are already well-acclimated to this environment and to one another. They provide us with both safety (walking visitors to their tentsites, catching mice) and companionship that is essential for living in such a remote location. We respect the animals here, both wild and domestic and seek to foster better accord between them and those living on the land.  To avoid pet dramas, please leave your darling four-leggeds at home. But if you need to bring your pet with you if problems should arrise, the community on the land will ask that the visitor find an alternatives for boarding their pets.

Cars, Phones and Trips to Town

We ask that you kindly leave your car in the parking circle or the RV Park. 

If you need to make a phone call, please use a personal calling card or see a steward. Please consider that any number outside of Ramah is long distance. If you need to send an email (emergency or buisness only please) please see a stewards about using the office internet.

When you are on the land, if you're going to town (Ramah, about 10 miles away, Gallup, 1 hour away, Albuquerque, 2 hours), give us a holler.  There may be others with town needs, emmergencies or for faerie pick-ups..  Carpool saves energy and also "wear and tear" on the roads.  Also, it's common practice in these parts to give a friendly wave to local folks along the road. The locals really do appreciate us in these parts and see us as a valuable asset to out larger community.

Protecting the Pristine Ecology

It's a good idea to keep in mind that whatever you put down our sink is dumped onto the land, almost at surface level.  We request that you use only biodegradable products (ie. Burts, Bronners, Kiss My Face).  Even "non-natural" commercial toothpastes and shaving lotions contain trace quantities of petroleum products, which, over time, will harm the environment.  We will provide biodegradable soap and may have other natural toiletries available for purchase.  Please remember: on fragile land such as ours, a little bit of responsible consumption goes a long way. Maintaining balance in the desert has different considerations than in most other environments.

Carry out what you carry in.  Consider containers that are reusable if you plan to leave something behind. We do not have municipal garbage or recycling pick-up; so mindfulness and forethought keeps things easier for the stewards on the land.  In fact, give us a hand in maintaining the natural beauty by offering to carry out an extra load of trash if you are able.  Thank you thank you thank you!!

Visualizing and Creating Abundance

At present, ZMS depends almost entirely on donations -- of focused intentions, magick, time, money, tools, equipment and know-how.  Sanctuary and community exist here because you make it happen.  Thank you for all of your help…past, present, and future.

Visitor Donations Always Accepted
Gatherings and Special Events usually have their own set donation request. During non-gathering times, we request $10 per persun per day donation to help defray the cost of food and other necessities - propane, household supplies, equipment repair. We welcome anything you would like to bring with you on your way in so please call ahead with ideas or questions.

For information about annual memberships with ZMS, which include occasional Email News and other electronic networking please notify us as to your prefered style of communication with us when you are here on the land.