By Invitation · Southern California Chapter
Vermejo, a Ted Turner Reserve | New Mexico
Thursday, August 6 — Sunday, August 9, 2026
By invitation of the Southern California Chapter. Organized by Maria Baltazzi.
An Invitation
Three days at ten thousand feet, where conservation becomes something you can see breathing.
A small gathering of fellow explorers from across the chapters. Days on a 550,000-acre reserve that has been pulled back from industrial collapse into one of the most ambitious rewilding projects in North America. Evenings by the fire, exchanging ideas the way the Club was built to.
This is not a retreat. It is a working symposium for people who spend their lives exploring, conserving, and asking better questions.
The Weekend
Thursday
Fellow explorers arrive at Costilla Lodge in time to settle in before dinner. We gather by the fire for a short welcome from one of the Vermejo conservation team, then a bell calls us to the table. After dinner, a single sentence from each person around the table: why they came.
Friday
A full day on the reserve. Guided time outside, conservation-focused conversation in the field, and the first of our evening salon talks back at the lodge. Fifteen to twenty minutes per speaker, followed by discussion. Topics span conservation, exploration, and whatever else fits the spirit of the Club.
Saturday
A pre-dawn departure for a wildlife tour across the reserve. Coffee in hand, into the dark, the land revealing itself as the light comes up. Bison, pronghorn, the restored grasslands of one of the most significant species recovery programs in the country, led by people whose hands are in the work. Back to the lodge for a long breakfast by the fire. Afternoon activities of your choosing. A final evening of talks.
Sunday
A slow morning. Breakfast available from 7:30. Mid-morning we gather one last time by the fire. One sentence from each person: what they are leaving with. A brief close, and we head for home.
Why Vermejo
Vermejo is a former industrial and overgrazed landscape that has been transformed into a thriving ecosystem across more than 550,000 acres. The work spans watershed restoration for the Rio Grande cutthroat trout, riparian recovery, species recovery including a genetically unique bison herd, black-footed ferrets, and pronghorn, and forest management that reduces catastrophic fire risk. Ecotourism helps fund the conservation work, making it a model worth studying on the ground.
Many of us first saw this work in the documentary PRESERVED. Kris Tompkins, who was awarded the Explorers Medal at this year's ECAD, is a strong supporter of the conservation work happening at Vermejo and is featured in the film.
The Venue
Costilla Lodge sits 45 minutes north of the main Vermejo Lodge, in the high country at 10,000 feet, with direct access to wilderness and fishing lakes. Solar-powered and LEED Silver. A large stone fireplace, a porch with big views, and meals prepared by a dedicated chef. The dining room, living room, and veranda give us built-in meeting space and natural breakout areas.
We have exclusive use of the lodge for the weekend.
What Is Included
What Is Not Included
Fourteen Spots · August 2026
Reserve your place before the group fills. Maria will follow up personally to confirm.
Per-Person Rates
All pricing is per person, based on double occupancy. Rates are dynamic and confirmed once registration closes.
Minimum group
per person · 3 nights
Best Value · Recruit Toward This
Maximum group · Best per-person rate
per person · 3 nights
Mid-tier
per person · 3 nights
All tiers include the 15% service fee and applicable taxes. Pricing is dynamic and availability can change prior to confirmation. Airport transfers are not included.
Getting There
Closest airports are Denver, Colorado Springs, and Santa Fe — roughly a four-hour drive from any of them.
01
Rent a car from Denver, Colorado Springs, or Santa Fe and drive to Costilla Lodge. Full flexibility on arrival and departure.
02
Vermejo arranges transfers with other members arriving at the same time. Cost is shared across the vehicle, not charged per person.
| Denver | $750 each way |
| Colorado Springs | $650 each way |
| Santa Fe | $650 each way |
Reserving Your Spot
Spaces are limited to fourteen. Submit your details below and Maria will follow up personally once the group is set, with a Vermejo payment link confirming your spot. This is an expression of interest, not a payment. You will hear from Maria within a few days.
You can also reach Maria directly:
baltazzi@sojourn-intl.com