Honoring history through Preservation

BORDER WALL STATEMENT:

Dear Friends and Members,

We write to you today with deep concern and urgency about a federal proposal that threatens the cultural and ecological heart of the Big Bend region of Texas, a place that is inseparable from the history and spirit of the borderlands we dedicate ourselves to preserving.

Recent federal planning indicates that the Department of Homeland Security is preparing to extend border infrastructure, including physical barriers, through parts of Big Bend National Park, Big Bend Ranch State Park, and surrounding lands. In order to expedite this project, dozens of environmental and cultural protection laws, including those safeguarding wildlife, water, endangered species, and archaeological resources, have been waived.

While we fully support thoughtful, effective approaches to border safety, building a permanent wall in this unique landscape does nothing to solve local realities. The rugged terrain, steep canyons, and the Rio Grande itself already serve as natural deterrents and have for generations. The Big Bend region has historically seen some of the lowest rates of unauthorized crossings along the entire U.S. and Mexico border, a fact proving that a physical wall here would be both unnecessary and harmful.

Why this matters to us all:

• A wall would industrialize a place of solitude, beauty, and spiritual significance, undermining the very landscapes we strive to protect.

• It would fragmentwildlife corridors that support black bears, mountain lions, migratory birds, and countless other species, damaging ecological systems that know no borders.

• It would compromisearchaeological and Indigenous heritage sites, precious threads in the story of our shared borderlands.

• It would diminish access to theRio Grande and disrupt the cultural, economic, and cross-border human connections that define this region.

These lands belong to all of us, past, present, and future. They tell stories of community, resilience, shared life, and interconnection across cultures. A permanent barrier would cut through not only desert and river, but also the relationships and shared history that have shaped the Big Bend for centuries.

What You Can Do:
We urge you to raise your voice alongside ours:

1. Sign the petition: The petition (available here) is rapidly gaining support and shows decision-makers that people care deeply about protecting Big Bend for all.

2. Make 5 calls today: Contact your state and federal representatives using the 5 Calls script (available here) to respectfully express your concern and ask them to oppose any plans for a permanent wall in Big Bend. The wall in this landscape will not make us safer, but it will make a profound and lasting scar on the stories we have sworn to preserve.

3. Spread the word: Share this message with your friends, neighbors, and networks. Urgency matters! The planning and contracting process is already moving forward.

4. Engage your community: Organize with groups like No Big Bend Border Wall to stay updated and mobilize community support.

5. Share your story: Your personal stories about why this land matters can make all the difference in conversations with lawmakers and media.
   

We believe deeply in protecting the rich cultural history of the borderlands — not just in words, but in action. Now is the moment to stand together for the landscapes, stories, and people that make this region sacred.

With hope and respect,
Friends of the Ruidosa Church

The Friends of the Ruidosa Church is a 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to the

preservation and restoration of the historic adobe landmark El Corazón Sagrado de

la Iglesia de Jesús in Ruidosa, Texas.  As a vital piece of West Texas history, this

structure represents the resilience, craftsmanship, and cultural heritage of the region.

Our mission is to stabilize, restore, and revitalize this historic site, ensuring its longevity for

future generations. Through community engagement, teaching traditional adobe restoration practices,

and sustainable preservation efforts, we aim to honor the past while creating a meaningful

gathering space for all.

By safeguarding our built environment, we deepen our connection to history and enrich the

present. Together, we can raise the bell, restore the walls, and preserve a landmark that tells the

story of Ruidosa’s enduring spirit.