The Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area (SdCNHA), designated in 2009, is a non-profit organization funded by the National Park Service, dedicated to promoting, preserving, and protecting the heritage, history, and traditions of more than 3,000 square miles in south-central Colorado, including all of Conejos, Costilla, and Alamosa counties. The SdCNHA tells the story of the peoples, culture, and environment of the lower San Luis Valley and its adjacent mountains. Stories of the SdCNHA build public awareness of the Valley’s significant legacies, support the local economy through heritage tourism, and strengthen communities by facilitating local initiatives.