Southwest New Mexico ACT
We are excited to share with you all that we have been up to!
Southwest New Mexico ACT exists to preserve, enhance, and sustain rural economic development initiatives and the creative economy in southwestern New Mexico. We spearhead community collaboration through cultural and historic preservation; sponsor and engage the region in arts and cultural events; inspire and promote outdoor recreation, education, and tourism initiatives.
Lee Gruber and Bridgette Johns joined forces in 2019 to reinvigorate this ACTion-based nonprofit. Over the past four years, swnmACT has forged many collaborations with local Grant County municipalities, organizations, and individuals. Abrianna Gamez joined the swnmACT team in 2023 as the Grant County CO.STARTERS program administrator/coordinator.
WATERWORKS RESTORATION PROJECT
In 2020, Southwest New Mexico ACT entered into partnership with the Town of Silver City to restore the Waterworks Building and 5-acre grounds adjacent to Silva Creek. The initial vision was to create a waystation for Continental Divide Trail (CDT) thru-hikers to rest for a few days and enjoy the many amenities that Silver City has to offer. Campsites, a camping kitchen, composting toilets and solar showers are almost complete - it is anticipated that the site will be ready for campers by Summer 2024.
The site has also expanded into an educational campus for local schools/classrooms to explore the environment, history and culture of our region, and also to participate in community-led sustainability projects. Additionally, the site will be available to be rented out as an event space.
The Silva Creek Nature Trail Project is also in process - connecting the Waterworks Site to downtown Silver City, across US Highway 180. This phased urban trail is a blueprint model for community collaboration. More than 100 individuals (youth and adults) and a dozen organizations have come together to create a safe and inclusive trail system that supports and encourages time spent in nature, watershed restoration and conservation efforts.
Since 2020, on the Waterworks and Silva Creek Nature Trail projects, over 3000 hours have been contributed by the Aldo Leopold Charter School Youth Conservation Corps, over 7000 hours contributed by AmeriCorps NCCC members, and hundreds of hours donated by local volunteers, all of which have greatly contributed to the success of this inspiring, community-driven project.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE WATERWORKS RESTORATION PROJECT
FIVE POINTS INITIATIVE
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In 2019, a handful of community-minded visionaries birthed the Five Points initiative - a project that connects five Grant County communities by way of restoration of historic buildings and surrounding lands, and ultimately connecting these sites by a multi-modal trail.
This project involves five distinctive historic properties located in proximity to U.S Highway 180 with significant potential to become the driving force behind community development and economic development; connecting and sharing heritage, cultures, and creative initiatives. This restoration project will serve as a visual and action-based means towards re-energizing our rural communities in Grant County. The intent of this initiative, beyond renovating physical structures, is to elevate and celebrate the pride of our complex culture & history, uniting and inspiring Grant County residents to work collaboratively and creatively towards a common goal, Juntos Podemos (Together We Can)!
Current Five Points Sites across Grant County:
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The Historic Waterworks Site, Silver City
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The Whiskey Creek Zocalo, Arenas Valley
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The Bradley Hotel, Santa Clara
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The Union Hall, Bayard
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The Hurley Train Station, Hurley
The development of each site is driven by local community history, cultures and people sharing stories, and is a collaborative effort between local municipalities, community members, businesses, non-profits, schools, and supporters.
In 2023, we welcomed Abrianna Gamez as our Grant County CO.STARTERS Coordinator / Program Facilitator!
Between 2020 and 2023, Grant County CO.STARTERS, under the administration and coordination of swnmACT, has hosted a total of ELEVEN 10-week cohorts, equipped 92 program graduates, and celebrated the opening of 50 local businesses!!!
Throughout 2024, we will be hosting one 10-week cohort in the Spring, one 10-week cohort in the Fall, plus a CO.STARTERS “Generator” program for local youth, AND a Grant County CO.STARTERS “meet-up” event for program alumni, mentors and facilitators.
<LEARN MORE ABOUT GRANT COUNTY CO.STARTERS
Grant County CO.STARTERS is a collaborative effort between swnmACT, Southwest New Mexico Council of Governments, and Grant County.
In 2023, swnmACT made the difficult decision to step away from overseeing the Silver City CLAY Festival. Ownership of Lee Gruber’s 12-year legacy event transitioned to Western New Mexico University. Courtney Michaud, WNMU’s Associate Professor of Ceramics is now the head and heart of this iconic community event, and we are very excited to see the continuance of CLAY Festival, and give our full support to Courtney.
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Silver City CLAY Festival’s new email address: clay.festival@wnmu.edu
VISIT THE CLAY FESTIVAL WEBSITE
VOLUNTEER OPPURTUNITIES
Are you looking for a chance to become more active in our community? We currently have numerous options for volunteering at the Waterworks Site!