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NPS photo from Valles Caldera Trust
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Contact: Dave Krueger, 505-412-0826
Jemez Springs, NM – On February 16, 2024, Dr. Ana Steffen passed away after a courageous battle with cancer.
Dr. Steffen was one of the first federal employees to step foot on Valles Caldera National Preserve after it was acquired by the federal government in 2000 – first as an archaeologist for the U.S. Forest Service, Cultural Resources Coordinator for the Valles Caldera Trust, and finally as Cultural Resources Program Manager for the National Park Service. She expanded the knowledge of human history in Valles Caldera and the Jemez Mountains through her work on large-scale archaeological surveys, fire and obsidian archaeology, and oral history collection. Her visionary work on obsidian chemistry alone is leading toward a better understanding of when and where obsidian artifacts were created. Dr. Steffen was also an amazing storyteller. She had a gift for enthusiastically sharing her vast—and often complex—knowledge in a way that was relatable to listeners and ignited a passion to learn more.
“We are devastated by Ana’s passing. She was a tremendous human being and dear friend who dedicated her life to Valles Caldera. Her work has left an indelible mark on this landscape and the people who care for it,” said Superintendent Jorge Silva-Bañuelos. “It is my hope that her legacy will continue to serve as a guiding light for how this landscape, which she loved so much, should be managed and protected into the future,” he added.
Ana will be greatly missed.
Learn more about Ana and her contributions to Valles Caldera through the words of her colleagues at the web page Dr. Ana Steffen: A Legacy of Science Leadership (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov).
Valles Caldera National Preserve | About 1.25 million years ago, a spectacular volcanic eruption created the 13-mile-wide circular depression now known as Valles Caldera. The preserve is known for its huge mountain meadows, abundant wildlife, and meandering streams. The area also preserves the homeland of ancestral native peoples and embraces a rich ranching history. Visit us at nps.gov/vall.
National Park Service | More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America's 420+ national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Visit us at nps.gov.
Last updated: February 16, 2024