Reflections from the Guild’s All Hands All Lands Winter Crew 2024-2025

Compiled by Carlos Saiz

The winter of 2024-2025 was warmer and drier than normal here in New Mexico, but for the Guild’s Winter Crew, it was full of unforgettable journeys with pockets filled with experiences that gave them a taste of everything. Since prescribed burning was a rare event for the crew this year, their winter involved a significant amount saw work helping partners such as Tesuque and Sandia Pueblo, the City of Santa Fe, and the Forest Service accomplish key goals in fire mitigation.  

For the members of the crew, this opportunity proved to be a perfect stepping stone for their future careers. For our crew lead, it was a rediscovery of a passion long forgotten. The dedication of these young individuals is an example for others to try new things, embrace change, and never stop searching for who they really are. Their stories go much further than what their words can describe, but here’s a quick peek at what they have accomplished.  

My Journey Through Wildland 

Ayden DePriest 

Winter 2024-2025 Crew Member (Ayden was also in the Forest Stewards Youth Corps Fall Fire & Fuels season)

I’ve always wanted to do something bigger than myself. I first considered the Army but was inspired to pursue firefighting after watching a YouTube video. I began with structural firefighting but shifted to wildland firefighting. After completing my EMT-B, I was unsure how to start until my aunt shared a link to the Forest Stewards Guild Fall Crew. I applied, got the position, and worked hard to earn my certifications. During this time, I gained valuable experience at the ranger station, prepped prescribed burns, and learned the importance of hard work. 

My best fire experience was during the Capilla burn-up in Mountainair with the Mt. Taylor hotshots. It was my second burn, and conditions were much better than the first due to more receptive fuels. The burn covered 530 acres, and we had to finish it in one day, creating a sense of urgency. We hiked up a large hill multiple times before moving on. Around midday, I ran out of water after forgetting to refill my supply, and I also left my lunch in the truck. Going back wasn’t an option, so I had no food and little water for the long day ahead. After a tough day of mopping up, I could barely walk back to the truck but kept going. We did an AAR and left around 1900. 

 

Pockets Full of Sawdust 

Chris Brooks  

Winter 2024-2025 Crew Lead 

After years of remote corporate work, I realized I was missing a deeper connection with the outdoors. In 2020, I left my stable accounting job to join an AmeriCorps-funded trail crew in North Carolina, trading financial security for physical labor and nature. Living out of my car, working long days in the dirt, and embracing discomfort felt like a return to something real. 

Since then, I’ve worked various seasonal conservation jobs, including wildland firefighting in Montana. Seeking a fulfilling winter job, I joined the Forest Stewards Guild, working on fire mitigation in New Mexico. Leading a winter crew has been immensely rewarding, reinforcing my belief that teaching is a powerful way to learn. 

Stepping away from climate-controlled spaces and screens, I’ve found purpose in hard work and stewardship of natural spaces. The Forest Stewards Guild has provided an invaluable experience, reaffirming my desire to be outside, useful, and free. 

 

Career Taste Test 

Jacob Valdez 

Winter 2024-2025 Crew Member (Jacob was also in the Forest Stewards Youth Corps Fall Fire & Fuels season)

I discovered The Forest Stewards Guild through an ad in my village newsletter.  Although I had no prior experience in Wildland Firefighting, I applied anyway. After meeting my crew, learning their names, and getting issued firefighting gear, our training began at Cottonwood Gulch with two weeks of hands-on instruction. The first week covered firefighting techniques and the second week focused on chainsaw skills. 

Throughout the program, we traveled across New Mexico, exploring areas I had never visited before, learning about local wildlife, plants, and mountain ranges. I also gained insights into forest management by working with various departments. One of the highlights was participating in a prescribed burn at Jemez, where I worked with multiple local fire crews and witnessed a burn plan in action. 

The Guild provided valuable training and exposure to diverse aspects of forest management, making it a great foundation for anyone pursuing a wildland fire career.