The South Valley Acequia Association Pajarito Ditch Project
In the Spring of 2022, graduate and undergraduate students from Dr. Maria Lane's Critical Cartography course in the Department of Geography at the University of New Mexico, embarked to support the South Valley Regional Acequia Association in developing a deeper understanding of how the Pajarito Acequia currently fits into the broader community. The Pajarito Acequia is part of a larger acequia system that exists in the South Valley of Albuquerque, New Mexico - a system of collaboratively managed and utilized irrigation ditches that are integral to the way of life in the South Valley.This included (1) understanding who uses the community resource, (2) whether they use it for farming and agriculture, or (3) as a natural resource or for recreational enjoyment. This community partnership and project was supported by the R.H. Mallory Center for Community Geography, Bernalillo County Open Space, and the Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District . Through community partners and broader community engagement, cartography, and historical research, student researchers identified the multi-dimensional role the Pajarito Acequia plays in the community and its multi-faceted uses. The ultimate product of the project was a StoryMap that outlined the finding of the class’ participatory research. The StoryMap was completed and edited by Center staff member, Cassidy Tawse-Garcia. The funding to complete this StoryMap was generously provided by the R.H. Mallory Center for Community Geography. View the StoryMap here.
