When the flames of a wildfire are finally extinguished, the restoration work can begin. In the years following a fire, denuded hill slopes, unstable soils, and damaged drainage networks can continue to threaten water quality, infrastructure, and downstream communities through increased flooding, erosion, and sedimentation. Restoring these landscapes requires practical, hands-on solutions that work with natural processes.

Join the Hermits Peak Watershed Alliance and Quivira Coalition for a collaborative, field-based workshop on a private ranch along the Sapello River. Participants will work alongside restoration practitioners to construct low-tech, process-based erosion control structures within an ephemeral channel — drainages that flow only during rainfall or snowmelt events.

Participants will learn how restoration treatments such as log structures, one-rock dams, constructed log jams, contour felling, and upland erosion control practices help restore watershed function, improve water quality, and reduce downstream flood impacts. 

This workshop offers a unique opportunity to learn directly in the field while contributing to ongoing restoration efforts in the Sapello watershed.

Please note: Participants should be prepared to spend the day working outdoors on uneven terrain. Sturdy boots, long pants, work gloves, sun protection, and plenty of water are strongly recommended.

Annie Topal

Watershed Restoration Field Crew Lead

Annie is a Pacific Islander, born and raised in Papua New Guinea. Her family loves outdoor activities, gardening, and animals. She moved to the U.S. to attend New Mexico Highlands University in 2017 to pursue her passion for track and field and study forestry. She received her B.S. in forestry in 2021. She finished her Masters in Natural Sciences in December 2024 and received a certificate of Geographic Information Systems [GIS]. At the same time, she was doing her thesis in ‘Fire History and Fire-climate Relationships of Front Range Forests Near Black Lake, Southeastern Sangre De Cristo Mountains, New Mexico.’

Annie joined Hermits Peak Watershed Alliance’s field crew in September 2024. She worked as a watershed restoration technician, carrying out low-tech, nature-based watershed restoration techniques, emphasizing post-fire restoration. She currently works for HPWA as the watershed restoration crew leader, supervising the field crew’s work tasks, crew training, crew behavior, materials and equipment. She is genuinely excited about the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in watershed restoration. She believes developing leadership skills and contributing to a healthier watershed will benefit the environment and our local community. Working with HPWA means a lot to her, as it allows us to make a meaningful impact together.

Contact Annie Topal, e-mail: atopal@hermitspeakwatersheds.org

 

Patrick Gutierrez

Restoration Project Manager

Patrick Gutierrez is a native New Mexican, with a background in conservation management ecological research and habitat restoration. His personal affinity with range lands has influenced his deep commitment to a career in natural resources management. Growing up on a cattle ranch in Trujillo, NM, he has experienced first-hand land management challenges that are impacting the Southwest, including the lasting legacy of overgrazing, extended drought, and loss of grassland productivity from erosion problems and juniper encroachment. His interest began early in high school, where he was a member of the Future Farmers of America, and participated in wildlife identification, and landscape design competitions at the local and state levels. Through his academic career, he has developed an interest in various restoration methods including forest restoration, watershed management, wildlife habitat management, and using fire as a restoration tool. Additionally, he has sought out opportunities to increase hands-on experiences in habitat restoration through several volunteer events with community organizations such as the Albuquerque Wildlife Federation and Impact Outdoors. He is excited for any future opportunities to collaborate with private and public land managers to sustainably manage grasslands, forests and watersheds to contribute towards more resilient ecosystems.

Contact Patrick, email: pgutierrez@hermitspeakwatersheds.org