Eco Tours: Cross Cultural and Environmental Education

"Traditional systems of Indian education represent ways of learning and doing through a nature-centered philosophy. They are among the oldest continuing expressions of 'environmental' education in the world. Taken as a whole, they represent an environmental education process with profound meaning for modern education as it faces the challenges of living in the twenty-first century."

Look to the Mountain: An Ecology of Indigenous Education
by Santa Clara Pueblo scholar Dr. Greg Cajete

Earth Walks® is a New Mexico-based, cross-cultural, environmental education program that has been offering its services to the community for the past 17 years. It is a unique and thoughtful experiential travel and tour program offering a guided journey to the heart and soul of the American Southwest and Mexico. Nature is our ally on these journeys. An essential aspect of Earth Walks® is time on the land where one can experience the silence of the stars, the renewal of a morning sunrise or the wisdom of a raven’s call—ways of hearing one’s inner voice.

Activities involve visits with people who are well versed in the traditions of their people who have lived in the area for generations. Experiences help participants understand how different cultural traditions practice a sustainable approach to health, healing and basic ways of learning. Some of the journeys also provide community service projects such as helping with the planting or harvesting of crops or assisting children or elders in a needed project that supports their traditional way of life.

Earth Walks® can be customized to accommodate individuals or family, educational, business or other groups. Contact us at earthwalks1@yahoo.com

Earth Walks
P.O. Box 8534
Santa Fe, NM 87504 USA

Quotes from Participants

Undeniably, my first Earth Walks® experience was substantially more than helpful. It was empowering. The idea of health as defined as "well-being" went beyond medications and doctors. It was enhancing and validating ...

I realized how much I had been given by being on the Earth Walks® and it touched my heart... Now, when I look at the pot (I made)---which I do constantly---it is a reflection of the perfection of the Universe and my own true spirit. (after spending a weekend with a Native American potter)

(This experience) gave me a remedy for one of my medical problems, and a sense of famly with the other participants...

Director's Biography - Douglas Conwell

Douglas co-founded Earth Walks® in 1989 and has been director since 1991. He holds a Masters Degree in Urban Affairs from the University of Colorado, a Bachelors Degree in Secondary Education from the University of Texas at El Paso and a New Mexico state license of massage therapy from the Santa Fe Jay Scherer's Academy of Natural Healing. He has worked in the field of juvenile justice, in non-profit service organizations and as a family therapist and youth counselor. Douglas has served as a consultant to the New Mexico Academy of Advanced Healing Arts and has been a health educator and massage therapist for over 30 years and was a founding member of a statewide health agency. He was Director of Information for the New Mexico Department of Environment and Director of Community Relations for the Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian in Santa Fe. He has worked for the public schools as violence prevention specialist and coordinator of a service learning program. Douglas has lived in the Southwest all his life and believes that it is important to “return the gift” through volunteer work. He leads seminars in "Geomancy: the Healing Power of Place," and has taught college level courses in the cultural and faith traditions of northern New Mexico at Ghost Ranch Presbyterian Retreat Center near Abiquiu. His writings are found in “The Spirit That Wants Me: A New Mexico Anthology,” as well as other publications.