Spirituality of Fly Fishing
Honoring the confluence of spirituality, culture, and conservation, EarthKeepers 360’s mission is to reconnect people with land, water and wildlife while promoting responsible stewardship and building true community with creation and one another. We work with diverse array of communities including spiritual and Tribal leaders, churches and faith communities, veterans, and youth. Through listening, building trust, creating on the ground educational opportunities, strategic community organizing and developing long-term relationships, EarthKeepers 360 educates, equips, and engages local communities to make a conservation difference in our world.
Veterans For Public Lands
Over the past decade, EarthKeepers 360 has sought to honor and support veterans and active military whose sacrifice makes it possible for each of us to enjoy the beauty and healing powers of America’s public lands and waters. The tradition of answering the call of duty in New Mexico runs deep with nearly 150,000 veterans or 7.4% of our state’s population. (U.S. Census). NM veterans make up an important voice for public lands nationally, statewide, and locally. New Mexico also houses various military bases, national laboratories, and the national Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Per capita New Mexico is home to more veterans than most other states with most veterans’ support services centralized in Albuquerque at the VA Hospital. As the fifth largest geographic state in the country and home to many rural and underserved communities, many New Mexico veterans find it difficult to find community support and healing opportunities within their communities. This is especially true for many veterans living in smaller cities, rural or remote areas who may drive hours each week seeking basic care, support services and fellowship with other veterans.
EarthKeepers 360’s Veterans For Public Lands Fly-Fishing Program, offers significant mental and physical health benefits for New Mexico’s veterans including stress reduction, improved mood, and a sense of community. Through one-on-one coaching from experienced guides and fly-fishermen, veterans are provided opportunities to learn and grow in a wide-range of skills from casting, reading water, and etymology to understanding complex ecosystems, hydrological processes and how to be successful angler in a diverse array of conditions. The rhythmic movements of fly-fishing, becoming one with the river and experiencing the tranquility of America’s public lands provide the perfect opportunity to help veterans cope with stress and anxiety. Additionally, we teach fly-tying, a skill that requires focused presence, intentionality, and an understanding of what is happening below and above the water’s surface. With intentionality we aim to take the deeper lessons we learn on and off the river and apply them to life. As veterans gain skills, understanding and wisdom, our work also leads to a greater sense of accomplishment as well as development of manageable goals to work towards. With many VA mental health services currently being reduced or no longer accessible to many New Mexico veterans, our program also helps to foster a deeper sense of community, camaraderie and connection with others aimed at reducing feelings of isolation.
Overall, we aim to provide quality opportunities for veterans to experience the healing power of nature in community, develop sustainable outdoor fly-fishing skills, instill a deeper sense of accomplishment, and provide a thoughtful and compassionate atmosphere that can act as a bridge to support services and additional resources. Additionally, we also have female guides who specialize in teaching women veterans the art and skills of fly-fishing. Recognizing that many veterans are also looking for ways to give back, we are currently working to develop a mentoring program as well as providing regular opportunities for veterans to advocate for the protection and responsible stewardship of America’s public lands, rivers, and wildlife.
