FEBRUARY 2019
SUPPORTING COMMUNITY HEALTH
BARRIOS UNIDOS: TRANSFORMING OUR CHIMAYÓ COMMUNITY THE GALISTEO BOSQUE: A STORY OF COMMUNITY STEWARDSHIP FLU PREVENTION AND TREATMENT
EL ESPEJO (THE MIRROR) THAT IS THE YUCATÁN
VOLUME 11 NUMBER 2
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GREEN FIRE TIMES News & Views from the Sustainable Southwest
VOLUME 11 NO. 2 FEBRUARY 2019
CONTENTS EL ESPEJO (THE MIRROR) THAT IS THE YUCATÁN – ALEJANDRO LÓPEZ / 4 PUEBLOG – CARNELL CHOSA, PH.D. / 8 CULTIVATING INTERCONNECTED KNOWLEDGE – HOKI-PAH, JULIA WALL / 8 TRANSFORMING OUR CHIMAYÓ COMMUNITY: A CONVERSATION WITH LUPE SALAZAR OF BARRIOS UNIDOS – CARLI ROMERO / 9 FLU PREVENTION AND TREATMENT – ERICA ELLIOTT, M.D. / 11 EVERYDAY GREEN: AGING WELL WITH GOOD NUTRITION – SUSAN GUYETTE AND GERSHON SIEGEL / 12 THE SIMPLE HEALING POWER OF VEGETABLE SOUP – JAPA K. KHALSA, DOM / 15 THE GALISTEO BOSQUE: A STORY OF COMMUNITY STEWARDSHIP AND PERSEVERANCE – ERIN MCELROY / 17 TAOS LAND TRUST AND COMMUNITY PARTNERS ESTABLISH RÍO FERNANDO PARK – JIM O’DONNELL / 19 BOOK PROFILE: LOS LUCEROS, NEW MEXICO’S MORNING STAR BY MICHAEL WALLIS / 21 OP-ED: GETTING “RADICLE” AT THE MOUNTAIN WEST SEED SUMMIT – STEPHEN THOMAS / 22 THE NEW MEXICO HEALTHY SOIL ACT – CHRISTINA ALLDAY-BONDY / 23 OP-ED: DOWNWINDERS OF NEW MEXICO UPDATE – TINA CÓRDOVA / 26 NEWSBITES / 14, 16, 23, 25, 27, 28 WHAT’S GOING ON / 29
EL ESPEJO (THE MIRROR) THAT IS THE YUCATÁN
Colonial era Franciscan Church and courtyard at Izamal, a place of pilgrimage much like the Santuario de Chimayó in northern New Mexico
En Lak Ech – You Are My Other Self ARTICLE AND PHOTOS BY ALEJANDRO LÓPEZ
Mayan culture is truly alive. During the last decade, the Mayan people have established their own organizations everywhere—in México, Guatemala and Belize. They are reclaiming the cities of their ancestors, which were excavated by foreign archaeologists and reconstructed for the tourist industry... In México, Mayan writers are joining their efforts in order to birth new forms of literary expression in their own languages. But their gaze is also directed toward the past. The question of their identity and origin can only be answered in terms of their history. – From Denial of Human Rights to an Indigenous Movement, The Mayans, a Millennial Civilization by Nikolai Grube It is curious how visiting another part of the world can shed light on where one is from, particularly when, due to excessive familiarity and the dizzying pace of change, many of the forces that shape and define one’s homeland have become blurred. And so it was with a recent visit to the Yucatán, even though in all of the Yucatán Peninsula there was nary a hill, mountain, stream or river one could point at and say, “This reminds me of New Mexico.” The peninsula is a remarkable, flat, limestone shelf protruding into the Gulf of Mexico, covered in low-lying jungle punctuated by cenotes, naturally occurring sinkholes filled with agua dulce, or fresh water. Still, its layered geology of time and mosaic of peoples has produced a reality strikingly akin to Nuevo México’s in many ways. And why should that be surprising, when, for thousands of years, indigenous peoples of the Americas were free to move across the Central American land bridge, living meaningful lives while laying foundations of every sort for future habitation? They brought with them chocolate, chile, avocados, máiz, squash, beans, tortillas, etc.
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Pieces of Pre-Colombian turquoise of New Mexican origin, found in the sacred cenote at Chichén Itzá, once the premier city of the Itzá Maya of the Yucatán (500 B.C.–1200 A.D.), attest to this reality. Examples of shared culture between Nuevo México’s Pueblo peoples and the Mayans who still inhabit the entirety of the Yucatán Peninsula, the southern Mexican state of Chiapas, Guatemala and Belize include maíz, large-scale architecture, pottery, weaving, feather work, drum- and jewelry-making. In Yucatán, descendants of the Mayans comprise 30 percent of the total population, while in New Mexico, Native Americans comprise approximately 8 percent. Both share a cosmology in which ritual supplication for rain and blessings of every sort are carried out by communities, and offerings are made to propitiate forces that oversee the dispensation of these gifts. These ceremonies make it possible for people to stay intimately connected with nature’s sources of life. Significantly, both cultures have left behind the remains of awe-inspiring monumental population and ceremonial centers that attest to a period of florescence and widespread influence, followed by abrupt, unexplained abandonment. In the U.S. Southwest, they are the stone cities of Chaco, Bandelier, Puyé, and Mesa Verde in southern Colorado, together with many others, while in the Yucatán, they are the silent stone-and-mortar cities of Chichén Itzá, Uxmal, Mayapán, Ek Balám and others.
The Mayan language has fused with Spanish, much like the native languages of Nuevo México (Spanish included) have fused with English.
Like Pueblo cultures, the Maya underwent successive periods of development, from a hunter-gatherer society to a highly sophisticated one that maintained cultural continuity across 2,000 years. Their brilliant achievements in engineering, architecture, astronomy, geology, botany, agriculture, mathematics, geometry, writing, mural painting and ceramics were unparalleled in all of Mesoamerica. According to José Díaz-Bolio, author of The Geometry of the Maya, “The ancient Yucatán was among the civilizations of the world having a major degree of scientific elements—a civilization in which religion was science and science was religion, and, at the same time, both were art.”
Young Mayan artist displaying sculpted wooden rendition of Mayan calendar, which employs glyphs to represent days and months
The invasion of the homelands of both peoples by the Spanish in the 16th and 17th centuries was met with fierce resistance. According to Joseph L. Gardener, senior editor of Mysteries of the Ancient Americas, “Of all the native peoples of Mesoamerica, none matched the Maya in boldness of spirit and ruthless, skillful warfare. It took the conquistador Francisco de Montejo 20 years—from 1526 to 1546—to gain control of the Yucatán Peninsula... Those Maya who were under Spanish rule lived in virtual slavery, and the next 250 years were punctuated by small but fierce revolts.” Ultimately, however, Spanish dominance, due to technological innovations in metallurgy, modes of transportation, and weaponry, as well as the spread of fatal contagious diseases for which Native people had no immunity, ensured the defeat of the indigenous peoples at both ends of what was to become the kingdom of La Nueva España. As a result of these tragic events, indigenous ways of life were profoundly altered. Both the Maya and Puebloans were subjected to harsh, unjust treatment that included religious suppression, forced labor and assimilation, as well as appropriation of their lands. Whereas the Pueblo Revolt took place in 1680, the Mayans rebelled in La Guerra de las Castas (The Caste War) in 1846, the same year that the Americans invaded Nuevo México. La Guerra de las Castas effectively put an end to Mayan enslavement on haciendas dedicated to the production of sugar cane and sisal henequen fiber from which cordage was made and shipped worldwide. The Pueblos did not fare much better under American rule, which similarly suppressed religious freedom and perpetrated a regime of forced assimilation. As a consequence, both the indigenous peoples of the United States and México to this day find themselves having to battle the agents and effects of 400 and 500 years of oppression, respectively. Examples of this in both the Yucatán and Nuevo México include the commodification of native cultures and the insatiable extraction of natural resources from
Center: Tourists walk through archway in intricately carved building façade in Uxmal, one of the three most important classic-era Mayan ceremonial centers in the Yucatán Bottom: Contemporary interpretation of a carved stone frieze of a traditional Mesoamerican ball game in Chichén Itzá. Museo Maya, Mérida
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Indian lands. In Nuevo México, the list also includes the apparent contamination by a chromium plume of land and water in the pueblos closest to Los Alamos. After achieving independence in 1821, the fledgling republic of México perpetuated many Spanish traditions and institutions. To this day, the Spanish language persists in both the Yucatan and Nuevo México, as does the strong influence of Catholicism. Mestizaje (the mixing of bloodlines, particularly Indigenous and Spanish) is the rule rather than the exception. Descendants of the Mayan people of México who today often refer to themselves as Yucatecos, say that the traditional Mayan language has, over siglos (centuries), fused with Spanish (particularly in the home), much like the use of Mexicano Spanish in Nuevo México, as well as (to some degree) Native American languages have fused with English. The Yucatecan capital city of Mérida’s zócalo and Santa Fe, New Mexico’s plaza bear a striking resemblance. Each harbors a long Palacio de Gobierno or Palace of the Governors and a nearby, monumental Catholic church. Important businesses line remaining parts of the square, and the populace enjoys central plazas where cultural activities of every sort, especially celebrations, take place. Contemporary Yucateco or Mayan villages are also oddly reminiscent of northern New Mexican Pueblo Indian and Indo-Hispano villages. Traditional Mayan houses made of mud-plastered, whitewashed wattle and daub, with rounded corners and thatched roofs, have, for the most part, given way to rectangular cement-and-block homes standing beside them, which are inhabited by familias. Their Nuevo Mexicano equivalent is the old, abandoned adobe home, sitting beside a double-wide trailer, or new government-funded homes situated not far from adobe dwellings in Pueblo communities. The seemingly haphazard residential patterns that have recently emerged in both the Yucateco and Nuevo Mexicano villages attest to rapid, externally induced social change that has overtaken them, leaving in their wake much cultural discontinuity and spatial confusion. The modern colonial history of both regions is also strikingly similar, as are the kingpins of their present-day economies. In the 19th century, the remains of a highly developed indigenous civilization in the Yucatán began to draw legions of American and European explorers, archaeologists and anthropologists. Since then, there has been a tsunami of tourists. Most today are from the U.S. and Europe, but many also come from other parts of México and the world. As in Nuevo México, some end up staying and buying homes or property. Much like Santa Fe, the east side of Mérida is quickly gentrifying with newcomers, while the southwest section teems with economically hard-pressed local Mayan and mestizo people. The effects of so intense a tourist industry in the Yucatán are not unlike those that have impacted New Mexico. Huge tour buses roar out of cities and towns, heading for Mayan ruins. Once there, throngs of people shatter the silence that prevailed for centuries after the cities were abandoned and reclaimed by jungle. Taking selfies atop ceremonial pyramids seems em-
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Pre-Colombian turquoise of New Mexican origin has been found in Chichén Itzá, the Mayan capital of the Yucatán (500 B.C.–1200 A.D.).
blematic of the most recent cycle of conquest. Luxury hotels and resorts that cater to the ultra-rich have sprouted throughout the region, much as they have around northern Nuevo Mexico. The streets of Mérida abound with arts, crafts and gift shops, many dealing in embroidered huipiles or indigenous women’s blouses and guayaberas, a handsome Caribbean-style, handcrafted shirt. As in Nuevo México, few of the owners are indigenous, although the legions of artisans are. For this reason, many choose to hawk their items on the streets, in the booth-lined pathways of major archaeological sites or at Sunday markets. Most turistas, however, ignore the vendors, but some occasionally succumb to their pleas. For the most part, the tourists don’t seem to realize that what they seek in the mystifying, mute ceremonial centers as well as in the surviving recorded Mayan knowledge, still resides, to a significant degree, in the hearts and minds of the humble Yucateco people.
Contemporary Mayan villages are oddly reminiscent of northern New Mexican Pueblo Indian and Indo-Hispano villages.
The sprouting of numerous U.S. Christian Fundamentalist churches in the Yucatán is indeed another curious recent development, just as it was in Nuevo México 50 years ago. Whatever other effects this may have, it seems likely to divide communities into two religious camps and predispose the new converts, especially, to accept additional facets of U.S. culture and its imposing economic system. Already, Santa Claus, Christmas trees and tons of wrapping paper have appeared in this tropical homeland. Once seemingly at the end of the world, and mainly reliant on subsistence agriculture based on maíz, frijol and calabazas, both the Yucatán and Nuevo México have, in the last many years, been brought under the yoke of the global marketplace. This has mainly been accomplished through the overnight appearance of U.S.-based franchises and corporations that, through aggressive marketing, have created a perceived need for their products and services. Among those featured prominently near the center of 500-year-old Mérida are Starbucks, Sam’s Club, Walmart, Pizza Hut, Chili’s, Anytime Fitness, Burger King, McDonalds, Office Max, FedEx, Sherwin Williams, Home Depot and muchos más. Their presence in the heart of this remote southern region of México attests to the fact that, whereas corporate capital is free to cross borders and establish businesses, in the poorer countries of this hemisphere, common people intent on working to survive are prevented from accessing the capital-rich centers. It is worth noting that the two refugee children who died in December 2018 at the U.S.-México border were both Mayan from impoverished Guatemalan villages. Perhaps the exodus of these people would not have been necessary had not the U.S. intervened in Guatemala’s politics in 1954 and replaced the freely elected progressive government of Jacobo Arbenz with repressive dictatorial rule that has prevailed to recent times. If New Mexico’s transformation is any indication, the interlocking economic, social and cultural systems ushered in by these cambios seem likely to dislodge and, to a great extent, destroy the rich, indigenous Yucateco culture—a culture more complex and humane than the one being introduced. One might hope that we can learn from each other’s histories. For from the Río Grande through the Mayan heartland that is the Yucatán and northern Central America, to the tip of Tierra del Fuego is a massively intertwined historical reality that contrasts greatly with that of corporate North America. Like any other region of the world, it is deserving of respect on its own terms and should be ceded the right of self-determination. ¢
Below: Elder Mayan in front of traditional one-room home constructed of recycled rubble, wattle and daub
First generation English speaking native Nuevo Mexicano, Alejandro López has served as language interpreter for visiting indigenous leaders from Latin America, including Mayan Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Rigoberta Menchú Tum (Guatemala); Adrián Chávez, Maya Quiché translator of the Popol Vuh (Guatemala); Aruaco spokesman and director of the One Earth Institute, Mamo Calixto (Sierra de Santa Marta, Colombia); and author Oscar Olivera (Cochabamba, Bolivia). Page 6: Top left: Mayan woman selling commercially-made textiles Top right: Limestone and masonry temple at Dzibilchaltún, once one of the largest cities in Mesoamerica Center: Yucatecan folkloric dancers performing a traditional version of a maypole dance, central plaza, Mérida Bottom right: Doña Celsa, weaving sisal fibers from henequen on a traditional backstrap loom, rural Yucatá
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PUEBLOG
Julia Wall’s business card
CURATED BY CARNELL CHOSA, PH.D
In the December and January Pueblog pieces, eight young Pueblo undergraduate and graduate students attending schools throughout the country shared their perspectives. Their persistent, conscientious efforts to educate themselves in areas that will benefit their communities is to be admired and supported. They reminded us that our lives are part of a continuum that was created, fought for and strengthened by our ancestors and that we play an intentional, active role in keeping this intact. This month, I asked Julia Wall to contribute a piece that highlights her passion in multiple areas that support community health. Julia recently graduated with a B.A. in Indigenous Liberal Studies from the Institute of American Indian Arts. She is now working on her M.A. in Education from the University of Saskatchewan, focused on Indigenous Land Base. I had the pleasure of traveling with Julia and a small New Mexico team for two weeks in Belize last year, where we visited and learned from Mayan farmers throughout the country. We are taking that experience in sustainable practices and coupling it with local knowledge to work on developing small adobe solar home models, in collaboration with Cornerstones Community Partnerships, Remy’s Good Day Fund and the Attach Your Heart Foundation. For more information on this initiative or others Julia is involved in, please contact me at attachyourheartfoundation@gmail.com. Carnell Chosa, Ph.D. (Jemez Pueblo) is the executive director and founder of the Attach Your Heart Foundation.
CULTIVATING INTERCONNECTED KNOWLEDGE
Supporting Community Health BY HOKI-PAH, JULIA WALL
Hello everyone, and thank you for taking the time to spend with me and my reflections, as I enter my 25th year on this Earth. My name is Julia Wall, also known as “Pah” (In partial recognition of the flowers for which I am named). I am Eagle clan and come from Pueblo and Anishinaabe lineage. I am excited for this opportunity to share with you what has been graciously shared with me. I would like to begin by acknowledging that in my short time I have been very blessed, and for that I am grateful. I recognize that my most beloved blessing is simultaneously being a granddaughter and a mother, living in concurrence with my past and my future. This has taught me many lessons, but more importantly it has instilled in me core values that guide my relationality to my homelands, to my community and to myself. Growing up, my relationship to my identity was influenced by the concept of blood quantum. Having descendancy from multiple pueblos, multiple tribes and from some non-native heritage made for somewhat of an identity crisis, especially when the concept of being “full” left me feeling empty. Left alone to contemplate the reasoning for these feelings, I began to think that blood quantum equated Corn plant emergence, Jemez Pueblo, NM with access—access to learn, to participate, access to health care and more— continues to reflect the insidious nature of this colonial concept. However, I have come to understand that access is not the same as relationality.
The most fulfilling relationships are rooted in one’s reciprocal relationship with his or her environment.
I am honored to have been welcomed to build relations with many of my Indigenous sisters and brothers, aunties and
uncles in places including KwaZulu-Natal, San Felipe del Progreso, Mérida, Xela, Punta Gorda, Opaskwayak, and most recently, the Kingdom of Hawai’i. Each time spent building and creating family contributed to my understanding that Indigenous identity cannot be limited to full, half, quarter or any other number that fractionalizes our relationships. Identity cannot be transcribed to a mere representation. For Indigenous people, identity is not only inclusive of ancestry but is entirely reflective of one’s relation to land and community. Learning and working with these various peoples has demonstrated that the most fulfilling relationships are rooted in one’s reciprocal relationship with his or her environment. This type of relationship is seen time and time again, and, I suppose, in this day and age it has become more of a rarity. As we move further and further away from the natural cycles that unite all living things on this Earth, the clearer it is to see humankind falling into a state of destruction. The strongest people I know live and understand their role in the greater cycle of life, a humble perspective that I hope to embody one day. All of these people I admire are agriculturalists, living in constant relation with the cycles that generate and govern life. They are continuously creating safe and sustainable environments for their plants to grow; not; an inherently intergenerational process. Matriarchal society recognized that gender-non-binary persons, women and children held a lot of responsibility within Indigenous communities. From the colonialist perspective, this was misconstrued as power. As a result, these peoples and the concept of intergenerational relations were intentionally targeted, hastening the destruction of Indigenous relations to environment. I have recently set out on a new endeavor that puts to use my studies in Indigenous land education, my training as a full-spectrum doula, and my interests in working with adobe and with young people in my community. I have adopted the identity, “Adobe Doula.” Adobe Doula, an extension of “Pueblo Resurgents,” is not just a logo or a business name, but rather a concept that centers the core values of reproductive justice. Found at the intersection of social justice and reproductive rights reproductive justice is defined by three main aspects: 1. The right to not have children, 2. The right to have children, 3. The right to parent in a safe, dignified and sustainable environment. When I think of reproductive justice, the word intergenerational comes to mind, not just because it has to do with birth, but because it is multifaceted and conveys the way we are presAdobe oven, Jemez Pueblo, NM Photos © Julia Wall
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As we move further and further away from the natural cycles, humankind falling into a state of destruction.
ently, weaving together the past and the future.
Intergenerational strategy was a conscious part of our ancestors’ daily lives. The very acts of working in the fields, building homes, preparing foods, spinning cotton and weaving, are only some of the inclusive methods learned, taught and carried out by all family members. They recognized themselves as a part of their environment and understood that every day they were responsible for creating the context in which their children would come to understand that. As we continue the work of our ancestors we must continue to create an environment where intergenerational knowledge is consciously utilized in order for our land and our people to thrive. Patience, compassion, respect, pride—these are only some of the core values that were taught to me by my grandparents and my son. I understand/know, my identity as an Indigenous person, a granddaughter, mother, daughter, sister, niece, auntie, relative and companion. I understand now that I am the physical form of my ancestors’ intergenerational strategy, and like them, it is my responsibility to cultivate interconnected knowledge. ¢
Julia Wall (Hoki-Pah), a Walatowa/Anishinaabe mother, is
continuously learning about land-based sovereignty. She is a key member of the Pueblo-owned and operated youth and families coordination organization, Pueblo Resurgents. Wall is also currently engaged in doula services, adobe architecture and youth programing, as the “Adobe Doula.”
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Transforming Our Community
A Conversation with Lupe Salazar of Barrios Unidos BY CARLI ROMERO
“Recovery is possible and it happens at any moment.” – Lupe Salazar Last fall, Lupe Salazar and I rocked together on a porch swing under a canopy of beautiful green trees in the crisp northern New Mexico monsoon weather as—with deep love and grace—she shared her purpose and the work of Barrios Unidos, a small non-profit organization, based in Chimayó, New Mexico. Her kind, gentle energy, strengthened by the grieving and healing that comes with loss, reminded me of my grandmother. She embodied querencia (wise heritage), which is at the core of Barrios Unidos’ model. Barrios Unidos is an interdisciplinary, intergenerational and intercultural community that investigates cultural and psychological issues related to addiction and cultural trauma in the Española Valley. Lupe began her journey toward building Barrios Unidos when her son became addicted to heroin. At the time, there was so much shame around addiction in the community that no one spoke about it. Families suffered in silence and slowly hardened to the frequent experience of loss. “The more I saw, the more my heart hurt,” she said, acknowledging that “addiction isn’t prejudiced; it takes down any ethnicity and any gender and doesn’t let go.” Lupe said deaths from overdoses in her community are leaving “gaping holes in families,” and added, “Until we start talking about it, we can’t heal it.”
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Top: Barrios Unidos in Chimayó, northern New Mexico © Seth Roffman Above: Lupe Salazar
In talking about healing, Lupe was not thinking of isolated treatment programs. She spoke of her community as a beautiful tapestry with threads unraveling, one that needs to be “re-stitched with love, patience and time.” Her vision and work at Barrios Unidos are grounded in a sense of wholeness and belonging. She doesn’t minimize medical treatment as a means of recovery, but also sees addiction as a “soul sickness,” and seeks to offer wrap-
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around services by creating a space where people can “just be,” without experiencing blame or shame. She sees gaps in Western medical treatment and is creating a place where peace and transformation can be cultivated. Lupe sees beyond the individual when looking at addiction in her community. She understands the need for both internal and communal transformation. Those with addiction are not the only ones impacted by pain; children, parents and grandparents are as well. Lupe is a grandmother raising two young girls. She said that 65 percent of grandparents in Río Arriba County are raising their grandchildren. “Healing is needed more broadly for families and communities impacted by addiction and deeply within the individual spirits,” she said. Part of Barrios Unidos’ mission is to “bring together experts and mavericks from the sciences, the humanities and the healing arts to explore the root causes of these crises and to envision pathways of transformation to offer to our community.” Lupe sees a need for curanderismo, traditional medicine and healing practices that went underground when “evidenced-based” practices became the basis of health care systems and “severed the body from the spirit.” “I need people to understand that just using information from other states is not what our unique people from New Mexico need,” she said. “We need to integrate tradition and culture and get to the root cause. You can’t measure the soul or the energy of love, so it’s often discredited. Sometimes individuals just need to be seen, heard and loved.” To serve the communities of northern New Mexico, that is exactly what she has designed Barrios Unidos to do. “It has truly been a rough walk on this path,” Lupe said. This month she will head to the Roundhouse (state Legislature) to voice her concerns and seek support. ¢ Carli Romero, operations coordinator for NewMexicoWomen.org, is studying for her master’s in Educational Leadership at the University of New Mexico. She serves with women working in gender justice and healing throughout New Mexico. Barrios Unidos is a Community Partner of NewMexicoWomen.org, which originally published this article. To learn more or provide some support, visit: https://www.barriosunidoschimayo.org/home
Top: Women in collaboration with Mother Earth. Corn labyrinth behind Barrios Unidos, Chimayó, NM, Photo © Mateo Peixinho
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Above: Many generations celebrating the Fourth of July at Barrios Unidos Photo © Victoria Espinoza
FLU PREVENTION AND TREATMENT BY ERICA ELLIOTT, M.D.
Friends and patients often ask me, “How is it that you’re exposed to so many germs from your sick patients who cough all over you when you’re checking their lungs, but you never seem to get sick? What’s your secret?” It’s true that I’ve never caught the flu in spite of the many sick people I treat, and in spite of never having received the flu vaccine. My secret—besides leading a healthy lifestyle—is peppermint oil, sniffed deeply into both nostrils after each encounter with a sick patient.
Natural remedies you can take at the very first sign of infection.
I never go anywhere without a vial of peppermint oil in my purse, especially when traveling in an airplane where passengers are exposed to a virtual petri dish of airborne germs. From the time I arrive at the airport until I reach my destination, I sniff the peppermint oil every hour, with good results.
Peppermint oil is an aromatic compound that disinfects the airways. Other oils in that category include sage, eucalyptus, pine, cloves and cinnamon. These oils are both antibacterial and antiviral. Essential oils need to be extracted by distillation or cold-pressed. The cheaper essential oils are solvent-extracted, which means you may be inhaling hexane, a known carcinogen. The brand I use is Young Living, ordered online. Another essential oil that disinfects is called “Thieves.” It is a blend of specific herbs and spices. Grave-robbers in the Middle Ages during the plague used a similar blend made of cinnamon, cloves and other spices. They strapped onto their heads a contraption that looked like a long beak. When they robbed dead bodies, fleas carrying pestilence were repelled by the odors of the herbs and spices stuffed into the beak, which also killed any of the germs that the thieves breathed into their lungs. Of course, it takes more than peppermint oil and spices to prevent the flu. It takes a healthy lifestyle. There are many measures you can take to keep yourself healthy during flu season. Here are a few recommendations to follow—whether you’ve gotten the flu vaccine or not:
1. Eat an organic, GMO-free, high-vegetable, whole foods diet without sugar, fruit
juice, alcohol, simple carbohydrates or processed foods. Limit dairy intake to cultured products like yogurt and kefir. The protein in dairy, called casein, causes fewer adverse immune reactions when cultured. If you are susceptible to chronic congestion and upper respiratory infections, eliminate dairy altogether. Be sure to include organic coconut oil in your diet, since it contains lauric acid, which has anti-viral properties, along with caprylic acid, which has antifungal properties. 2. Rinse your nose thoroughly with a pinch of salt in warm water twice a day to wash out airborne microbes. For best results, flush your nose out daily throughout the year as part of your regular hygiene routine. You will not only be flushing out germs, you’ll be eliminating inhalants such as pollens, dust and other particulate matter that can create lowgrade inflammation in the body when the immune cells react to foreign substances.
3. Get some sort of exercise every day, including time spent outdoors in the sun.
4. Take vitamin D and vitamin K daily, with a meal. Vitamin D has anti-viral properties, as well as many other attributes.
5. Take omega 3 fish oil, about 2,000 mg daily, with a meal. Fish oils have an anti-inflammatory effect.
6. Take curcumin, derived from turmeric, which also has
powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Make sure the supplement contains black pepper, which helps us digest and absorb curcumin. 7. Take vitamin C, about 1000 mg daily. If vitamin C irritates your stomach, look online for liposomal vitamin C. Liposomal refers to fatty molecules that coat the vitamin C and allow you to take very high doses without causing diarrhea and stomach pain. Dr. Mercola’s Liposmal Vitamin C is a popular brand among my patients. 8. Take medicinal mushrooms. The mushrooms elevate the number and activity of natural killer cells, a part of the immune system that plays a major role in destroying bacteria, viruses, as well as cancer cells. The best brand I’ve found is Comprehensive Immune Support, formulated by a highly regarded mycologist, Paul Stamets. 9. Take a probiotic and/or eat raw sauerkraut on a regular basis. Try to avoid antibiotics unless absolutely essential. They are disruptive to the health of the gut. Beneficial organisms in our gut are vital for keeping us healthy. If you have the misfortune of getting the flu in spite of all the preventive measures you have taken, below are a few of the many possible natural remedies you can take at the very first sign of infection—like a scratchy throat, cough, chills, or severe fatigue for no apparent reason. Don’t wait until you have a full-blown infection before starting these harmless supplements.
1. Oil of oregano: 1-2 capsules three times a day for five days. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
Other natural substances with antiviral properties are olive leaf extract, propolis made by honeybees to disinfect their hives, and elderberry extract. They can all be taken together if you want to get extra protection. Vitamin A (not beta carotene): 100,000 IUs once a day with a meal for three days only. Vitamin A in high doses has antiviral properties but cannot be taken at high doses long term. Increase your vitamin C to 2,000 mg three times a day. If it makes your stool loose, cut back on the dose, or switch to liposomal vitamin C. Take zinc picolinate, 30-60 mg a day, on a full stomach. Zinc on an empty stomach can cause nausea. If you have a sore throat, gargle with salt water. Salt ruptures the cell membranes of viruses. Let a small amount of Manuka honey drip down your throat. Use the honey strictly as a medicine. Suck on zinc acetate lozenges, available online from Life Extension. If you have a fever, do not lower it unless it makes you miserable and keeps you from sleeping, or it goes over 103 degrees. Fever invigorates white blood cells and inhibits replication of the viruses. If you don’t have a fever but are clearly getting sick, create a fever by plying yourself with hot ginger tea, hot soups, hot baths with Epsom salt and a hot water bottle on your chest. Boil water in a pan, then put a towel over your head and inhale the warm steam. Bundle up and avoid getting a chill. Viruses are opportunistic; they can multiply quickly, even if your temperature drops for just a few seconds, like when getting out of a hot bath.
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9.
Stay well hydrated with warm liquids. Avoid sugar, fruit juices, dairy, grains, and all processed foods. (refer to the graphic blog post about the significant effects of refined foods on the immune system http://www.musingsmemoirandmedicine. com/2015/07/sugar-and-the-immune-system/). Eat a high-vegetable diet. Consider drinking freshly made veggie juice daily until well. Include a lemon and raw garlic in the juice, unless you’re allergic to garlic. If you’re not a vegetarian, include chicken broth and bone broth as part of your remedies.
WHAT ABOUT MEDICATION?
Tamiflu is a widely prescribed antiviral medication used for treating influenza. The drug must be taken within the first 24 to 48 hours to have any effect. Tamiflu offers only a modest reduction in length of illness.
I’ve never caught the flu in spite of the many sick people I treat, and in spite of never having received the flu vaccine. The Cochrane Collaboration is an independent network of health professionals without vested interests, who sift through scientific evidence to determine the safety and effectiveness of various treatments. In 2014, the researchers published a report in the British Medical Journal on Tamiflu. The report concluded, “Compared with placebo, taking Tamiflu led to a quicker alleviation of symptoms by only a half day in adults (from 7 days to 6.3 days). The beneficial effects in children were uncertain. There was no evidence of reduction in hospitalization or serious complications from influenza.” If your cough and fever persist, then it’s time to see your doctor and have your lungs listened to with a stethoscope to check for pneumonia. Use antibiotics only if they are absolutely necessary, as in the case of pneumonia, where there might be a secondary bacterial infection. The term “flu” has more than one meaning. Non-medical people tend to call any viral infection “the flu.” In medical parlance, doctors use the term flu as a shortened version of influenza. The only way to determine if you have the influenza virus is to be tested at a lab. Often when people think they have influenza, they actually one of the thousands of respiratory viruses.
POINT OF CLARIFICATION:
Here’s to your good health! ¢ Dr. Erica Elliott specializes in both family practice and environmental medicine. She uses multiple modalities for treating patients with chronic conditions and is often referred to as a “health detective.” She has spoken and given workshops around the country and is co-author of Prescription for a Healthy House. Her website is www.ericaelliottmd. com. Dr. Elliott blogs about controversial topics in medicine. The blogs include excerpts from her memoir: www.musingsmemoirandmedicine.com
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EVERYDAY GREEN Aging Well with Good Nutrition BY SUSAN GUYETTE AND GERSHON SIEGEL
The world needs the wisdom of its seniors now more than ever for a sustainable future. This translates to the need for an aging population to stay vital, engaged and inspired for as long as possible. In some Native American cultures, one is considered an “elder” upon reaching the age of 55. And while aging well is possible at any time of life, the long-lived have more critical reasons to stay healthy. Although it is not always apparent, a society’s youth inevitably looks to those who have accumulated insight, knowledge and wisdom. To be inspiring role models, seniors must maintain vitality and energy. In this sense, good self-care can be a spiritual practice. The effort to stay healthy is not about vain attempts at fighting aging just to look young. Staying healthy allows us to embrace the honored role that our decades of experience present. When a community’s seniors are not able to fully participate, that whole community suffers. Adopting a healthy diet and making lifestyle changes can slow, if not reverse, the aging process. ABOUT AGING
Our quality of self-care, or how we care for our body, affects our biological age—the age reflecting the actual condition of our bodies. This is in sharp contrast to our chronological age. What we eat and absorb, the fuel for replacing cells, affects how youthful and energetic the body stays or becomes. Slowing much of the process of aging is within your reach. Be encouraged about the possibility of aging well. The body heals and renews quickly when in balance. Skin cells live about two or three weeks. Colon cells die off after about four days. The lining of the stomach and intestines, due to constant wear and tear from the digestion process, have an average lifespan of just five days!
Now, more than ever, is the time to eat wisely. Looking at the root cause of degenerative diseases associated with aging yields the key to better self-care. Inflammation is the body’s healthy immune-system response to infection or tissue damage. External signs of inflammation are redness, swelling and pain. White blood cells swarm an affected area to remove pathogens and address tissue damage by removing cellular debris. Internal inflammation feels like physical irritation or fatigue. This immune response seeks to return the body to balance by healing the
Susan Guyette and Gershon Siegel at the Santa Fe Farmers’ Market, January 2019 © Seth Roffman
triggering. When the signals in the body do not turn off, chronic inflammation is the result. There’s a reason inflammation gets such a bad rap in the media. Inflammation at one site in the body is moved throughout the body as blood circulates. Excess, continuous or chronic inflammation is the root cause of the degenerative diseases—those that are preventable with good nutrition and exercise. These illnesses include arthritis, allergies, heart disease, memory loss and Alzheimer’s, diabetes and cancer. Many other illnesses have inflammation as a component. These include: pneumonia, asthma, arthritis, rheumatoid diseases, IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) or any “itis.” Allergies also are a common cause of inflammation. In Western medicine anti-inflammatory drugs are usually prescribed rather than addressing the cause. This is not the ideal long-term solution because many drugs have negative side effects. Clearing up inflammation naturally is vitally important for long-term health. Inflammation can be reduced by increasing alkalizing foods (lemons, limes, avocados, spinach, beet greens, kale, broccoli, celery and other green vegetables). Decreasing acid-creating foods such as sugars, refined flours and most processed foods helps create a normal alkaline pH of 7.2. This is key.
Another of the keys to aging well is mineral consumption. As we age the body utilizes minerals less efficiently. Therefore, consuming substantial amounts, especially through nutrient-dense foods, becomes important. Minerals are essential for energy production and for producing hormones (all of them). Mineral-rich foods include seaweeds, nuts, dark leafy greens, beans, seeds, shellfish, fish, mushrooms, whole grains, low-fat dairy, beef and lamb, whole grains, avocados, cheese, dried fruits and tofu. For a more complete list, check www.health.harvard.edu. BALANCE IN THE BODY
Your endocrine system organs work in sync, creating balance in the body. The adrenals, thyroid, pancreas, pituitary and pineal glands, as well as sexual glands, produce the hormones needed to regulate the entire body. Eating and exercising in an optimal way keeps the glandular balance. This approach to weight and good health eliminates the struggle—balance creates optimal health and weight naturally. Vitamins and minerals in fresh, nutritious foods form hormones, the regulators for this balance. Proteins, vitamins, minerals and complex carbohydrates build new cells, create healthy immune and nervous systems and give energy. No matter what else you do, if diet is not changed, the body isn’t going to improve. Eat well and maintain insulin control by avoiding processed foods, sugar and fried foods, as well as by eating the following whole foods (which look like they do in nature, without a bar code). Fresh foods contain enzymes that unlock nutrients. Emphasize the following balanced proportions: • One-quarter of your plate as low-fat protein (such as fish, chicken, turkey, eggs, soy, dairy, or low-fat, grass-fed beef). • One-quarter of your plate with complex carbohydrates (think grains such as quinoa and brown rice or legumes, such as beans, lentils, or posole). • One-half of your plate with vegetables and fruits. During the holidays you may have wreaked a bit of havoc by consuming sugar. Balance in the body’s chemistry is easily upset. Consumption of sugar leads to inflammation as well as depletion by causing acidity and electro-chemical imbalance—leading to weight gain and degenerative diseases. Avoid sugar by substituting healthy foods such as fruit or stevia. Give yourself the gift of good health, a healthy weight and abundant energy, with a body in balance! DIGESTIVE HEALTH
All of your well-being revolves around digestive health. Eating good-quality food is only one factor. Absorption, securing maximum nutrition from the food you eat, is another. Prebiotic foods from the farmers’ market: onions, garlic and ginger © Seth Roffman
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You are what you absorb. A balance of gut bacteria is essential for optimal weight. Our intestines are amazing! Intestinal flora, bacterial microbes in the intestines, contain between 500 and 1,000 species of bacteria. Fostering friendly bacteria encourages good health and protects against illness. A nourished body can be attained by avoiding certain foods that cause bad bacteria to thrive in the digestive tract. Bad bacteria flourish in the acidic digestive “ecosystem,” causing inflammation and interfering with absorption. A nutritious diet free of sugar and processed foods, hydrating with water, and adequate sleep and exercise are the critical factors to an alkaline pH. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that provide gastrointestinal support. They are located throughout the body but are primarily housed in the intestines. Probiotics play a vital role in the body and overall health—for example vitamins B1, B2, B5 and B6 are manufactured by probiotics. Prebiotic foods feed the probiotics—an exciting new discovery. Prebiotics are critical for getting the most out of probiotic supplements. Prebiotics are plant fibers that ferment in the colon, stimulating growth of beneficial bacteria (probiotics)—by creating a healthy environment in the gut. One source is fermented foods—such as yogurt, kombucha, kefir, miso (fresh, not packets), sauerkraut and kimchi. Ancient cultures incorporated some of these foods in their diet. Certain foods, as found in nature, have prebiotic qualities, such as: onions (raw or cooked), garlic, ginger, jicama, asparagus, chicory root, Jerusalem artichoke, dandelion greens, leeks and under-ripe bananas. All types of fiber from eating whole plant foods play a major role in nutrient absorption, gut and digestive health.
Prebiotic foods feed probiotics.
In addition to taking a probiotic supplement, consider the role played by the food you eat in maintaining a balance between good and bad bacteria in the gut. For most, intestinal health can be restored in as little as two weeks by: 1) removing unhealthy foods and toxins such as pesticide; 2) eating a diet of unprocessed foods and gut-healing substances, such as: L-glutamine, omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, antioxidants A, C, and E, quercetin, aloe vera and turmeric; and 3) restoring gut bacteria with probiotics and prebiotic foods such as yogurt (plain), kefir, kimchi, and naturally fermented sauerkraut, plus taking supplements providing lactobacillus acidophilus and bifidobacterium lactis. LOCAL SOLUTIONS
Have a curiosity about aging! Becoming aware of the abundance of northern New Mexico local produce and grass-fed meats can make finding food an exciting adventure. There are many local resources for fresh, nutrient-dense food. One advantage of eating locally is avoiding the nutrient loss that occurs through days of shipping. Tapping the knowledge of local cultures about healing foods and herbs is within your reach. Farmers’ markets are an opportunity for learning from the vast knowledge of local farmers about the benefits of heirloom vegetable varieties. Buying shares in a local CSA (community supported agriculture) is a convenient way of gaining the nutrition of locally grown at a reduced cost. See http://farmersmarketsnm.org for locations. Planning and shopping for nutritious foods is the most important step toward making a shift in eating habits. Make a list to take to the store. When shopping, stay away from the processed foods in the center of the store; the healthiest are along the perimeter. The highest nutritional retention is found in foods direct from farm-to-table. Buying from farmers’ markets or a local co-op gives high nutritional value for your food dollar. Love your partner by cooking nourishing meals together. Show your children love by providing good quality food. Give yourself the gift of good health, a healthy weight, and abundant energy for the New Year with a body in balance.¢ Susan Guyette, Ph.D., is of Métis heritage (Micmac Indian/Acadian French). She is a planner specializing in cultural tourism, cultural centers, museums and native foods as well as an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach. sguyette@nets.com. Gershon Siegel is a journalist, editor and former magazine publisher. gogershon@gmail.com
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$1 MILLION IN DOUBLE UP FOOD BUCKS AT THE SF FARMERS' MARKET Since 2015, sales have totaled more than $1 million at the Santa Fe Farmers’ Market through the Double Up Food Bucks program. The program improves the nutrition of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients by increasing their access to healthy, local food, while also providing additional revenue for local farmers and keeping food dollars in the local economy. Fresh, locally produced agricultural products are more nutritious and taste better than food that travels thousands of miles to stores. Fewer than 22 percent of adults in Santa Fe County reported consuming 5-plus fruits and vegetables each day. Over 14 percent of people in the county live below the poverty line and are classified as food insecure, which means that they live in a household in which access to food adequate to support a healthy life is limited or uncertain. HOW DOUBLE UP FOOD BUCKS WORKS
Customers can match their EBT/SNAP dollars each time they visit participating markets and grocery stores. To double their spending power, they are issued tokens that can be used for fresh fruits and vegetables, herbs, plants (for growing food), bread, juices, dairy, eggs, fermented products, meat, poultry, seafood, nuts and seeds. HISTORY OF THE PROGRAM
The Santa Fe Farmers’ Market Institute (SFFMI), non-profit sister organization to the Santa Fe Farmers’ Market, initially created the SNAP/EBT Match Program with the assistance of local funding sources. In 2015, in partnership with the New Mexico Farmers’ Marketing Association, the SFFMI sought funding from the State of New Mexico so it could offer the Fair Food Network’s Double Up Food Bucks program. The funding brought the program to farmers’ markets, food stands and local groceries. According to USDA, a serving of veggies and fruit costs 37.5 cents. This means that the Santa Fe Farmers’ Market has helped provide nearly 2,670,000 servings over the past decade. The New Mexico Food & Agriculture Policy Council and Santa Fe Food Policy Council awarded the institute as “Double Up Food Bucks Champion of the Year” for 2018. The SFFMI manages programs to help sustain a locally-based agricultural community and advocates for farmers, ranchers and other landbased producers. The institute also owns and operates the year-round farmers’ market venue. To learn more, visit: https://farmersmarketinstitute.org/
THE SIMPLE HEALING POWER OF VEGETABLE SOUP ARTICLE AND PHOTOS BY JAPA K. KHALSA, DOM
In some areas of New Mexico, it is at times so dry and hot that we struggle to stay hydrated, both inside and outside of our bodies. New Mexicans can suffer from what we call heat ailments in Eastern medicine: eczema, inflammation, arthritis, etc. Bones, muscles and joints all need moisture because desert life is constantly sucking it out of the body. Loading up your self-care with veggies
Vegetables’ nutraceuticals and antioxidants have a beneficial and cumulative effect on your health. is critical to a long life. Vegetables contribute to longevity and quality of life on so many levels. All their nutraceuticals and antioxidants have a beneficial and cumulative effect on your health. Folks sometimes think that eating healthy means eating a lot of salad. Yes, salad is healthy, but in Eastern medicine one has to consider that “cold” can also have a negative effect, especially during wintertime. Cold stops movement, can be hard for the body to deal with and scatters the body’s energies. That’s why warm soup is especially good for this season. A salad in the middle of a cold snap is not considered beneficial in Eastern medicine. Seasonally, we eat more warm foods in the winter and lighter, fresh salads in the spring and summer. What you can do if you are a major salad lover is allow a small salad at lunchtime, when your digestive abilities are the strongest for the day, and put it into your warm soup or pour your soup over it.
MAGIC MINERAL BROTH: VEGGIE STOCK
This is a way to naturally and simply cleanse your body and bring it to an alkaline state. You can make large batches of this and use them to add a huge amount of flavor to soups, or simply take it as a tea for its cleansing properties. Think of mineral broth as an internal spa treatment that supports detoxification. You’ve heard about how wonderful bone broth is, but this takes it to another level. Drinking this regularly can result in reduced pain and less stress and inflammation in the body. It’s a wonderful way to use up older veggies in the fridge or save all the vegetable parts as you chop up and make food and store them in the freezer. When you need veggie stock, pull them out and boil away. Any assortment of vegetables will do. Here are a few suggestions: carrots, onions, leek, celery, potatoes, sweet potatoes, yam, garlic, parsley, etc. And add a few spices such as Herbes de Provence, bay leaves or peppercorns. Fill the pot with water to two inches below the rim, cover and bring to a boil. Remove the lid, decrease the heat to low and simmer, uncovered, for at least two hours. INGREDIENTS
Whatever chopped-up veggie parts from the food you have made Or; 1 potato, 3 carrots, 1 onion, 1 head of celery (all coarsely chopped) For seasoning; 2 bay leaves, 1 tbsp Herbes de Provence, oregano, parsley FORTUNA’S KALE AND WHITE BEAN SOUP
This soup is so simple and easy to make, filling and something great for the family to chow down on. INGREDIENTS
3 Carrots 4 Celery stalks 1 onion 1 can of white beans 1 tomato 1 clove garlic A few tbsps olive oil 1 head of kale, rinsed and chopped To taste: Salt, pepper, Herbes de Provence Veggie stock: about 5 cups Chop and then sauté celery, onions, garlic, tomato and carrots together in olive oil for about five minutes. Add Herbs de Provence, strained and rinsed beans and kale and enough veggie stock to cover all the other ingredients. Salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a boil then a simmer, and let it cook for 20 minutes until kale is tender.
A natural and simple way to cleanse your body and bring it to an alkaline state.
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Kale and white bean soup
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10-MINUTE CREAM OF “SOMETHING” SOUP
This is an easy one because you can basically combine almost any vegetable with an onion and cook it together and blend it into a gorgeous “Cream of Something Soup.” It’s easy to make and comes out creamy, soothing and easy on the digestion. Combine one of the following: broccoli, squash, fennel, carrots, celery… whatever you have in the fridge. Just pick one. Today we will use broccoli. Chop your onion. Coarsely chop your broccoli and sauté it together in a pan with ghee, olive or coconut oil, add a little garlic, some seasonings, and just barely cover it with veggie stock (see Magic Mineral Broth above). Now bring it to a boil, then simmer it all together for about 10 minutes. If you wish, add a touch of cream or half-and-half. If you want to add a delightful protein and flavor, add a tablespoon of the nut milk almond parts (see below nut milk). Now blend it all until completely smooth and eat this soup with your favorite sandwich.
COMMUNITY-BASED PRIMARY CARE IN NORTHERN NEW MEXICO Matt Probst is helping bring quality, team-based primary care to Las Vegas, N.M. The 2003 graduate of UNM’s Physician Assistant program is chief quality officer and medical director for El Centro Family Health, a network of family practice clinics with 26 locations in 14 northern New Mexico communities. El Centro’s patient care workforce includes M.D.s, P.A.s, nurse practitioners, behavioral health specialists and dental providers. “This ‘team-based care’ model is the ‘better together’ approach I learned at UNM,” Probst says. El Centro serves 20,000 patients in seven counties spread over 22,000 square miles—an area about the size of West Virginia. But the sprawling service area doesn’t faze Probst, who grew up in Tierra Amarilla and Nambé. “I just think of northern New Mexico as one big community.”
“WOW, THAT IS SO CREAMY.”
Okay, so this sounds like a lot of steps, but it makes a creamy and healthy protein that is so much better than the store-bought nut milk. But how do you make homemade nut milk? It’s very easy. You will need a small “nut milk bag” that you can buy at a health food store or a very fine strainer or cheesecloth.
Probst and two of his colleagues are the subjects of The Providers, a documentary set to air nationally next spring on PBS. “They followed me around for three years and filmed my life,” he says. “My life was crazy. They captured a lot of that—the disparities that are part of northern New Mexico, that are part of me and my family.”
Almond milk homemade is one of life’s simple pleasures. The pulp from the almonds after they’ve been strained makes an amazing “cheese” that can go on top of crackers, make the filling for a vegan lasagna, or add it to soup to provide a creamy finish. Once you’ve completed these simple steps, you have a delicious homemade almond milk that is creamy, sweet-tasting and full of a health protein.
Probst, whose father was a wood-carving santero, started out as an art student with the aim of becoming a muralist. When he apprenticed under fresco artist Frederico Vigil, his mentor warned him that if he pursued an art career and wanted to support a family he’d need a day job with a regular paycheck.
HERE’S HOW TO DO IT: INGREDIENTS
1 cup of almonds, soak for a few hours Optional: 1 tsp honey, 1 tiny pinch salt Throw your almonds in a cup and cover with water, let soak for a few hours. In Eastern medicine, the skin of the almond is considered acidic, so if you like, try popping the almonds out of their skin until the little white almond (a pure protein snack) is revealed. If that’s too much of a hassle, leave the skin on, but be sure to soak them because rehydrating the almonds makes the protein and nutrition easier to digest. Strain the almonds, put them in a blender, cover with water and add the salt and honey. Blend the almonds completely, then pour into a nut milk bag and strain. Once it’s separate, put away your “milk” and save the almond pulp to use as ricotta cheese replacement in veggie lasagna or add it to your “Cream of Something” soup (above).¢ Japa K. Khalsa, DOM, passionately shares the power of the human body’s potential to self-heal. She is co-author of Enlightened Bodies. You can hear her in Santa Fe, Tuesday nights, 6 p.m. at Purest Potential. To book a wellness coaching session, visit drjapa.com.
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Probst wound up snagging three community college associate’s degrees, in biology, exercise science and fine art, before deciding to attend UNM’s P.A. program. He lived near his elderly parents in Santa Fe and commuted to Albuquerque while earning his bachelor’s degree and working part-time as a personal trainer. The program’s training involved problem-based learning, with P.A. students attending lectures alongside medical students. He did some of his clinical rotations in Las Vegas and at the Santa Fe Indian Hospital, and he wound up taking a job at El Centro after he graduated. “Health care is about relationships—and it’s about people and taking care of people and how we treat people,” he says. “It doesn’t matter whether you can pay or what kind of issues you’re going through. We’ll take care of you. That’s what El Centro has become.”
SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE FOR NAVAJO STUDENTS About 20 percent of students in Fort Lewis College’s Health Science Department are Navajo. Navajo students pursuing degrees in health or exercise science at the college are eligible for new scholarships. They can apply to receive $2,500 per semester in the 2019 calendar year. Students must be enrolled full-time. The school in Durango, Colo., waives tuition for Native American students. Outgoing tribal President Russell Begaye and college President Tom Stritikus signed the scholarship agreement in December 2018. The scholarships funded by the Navajo Nation will help cover living expenses, textbooks and student fees. Students who receive the scholarships must agree to serve the Navajo Nation for at least two years after graduation. Begaye says the scholarships will help address gaps in the tribe’s workforce.
The Galisteo Bosque A Story of Community Stewardship and Perseverance ARTICLE BY ERIN MCELROY PHOTOS BY JAN-WILLEM JANSENS
toes, and it was a fire hazard as well as a flooding concern because of what was happening with [tree] growth.” Lucy Lippard was experiencing another problem. She lives right on the edge of the creek, with a steep slope going down 20 feet. She described the pilot project that was carried out around 2001: “They did a whole job on my property, so I wouldn’t end up in the creek. I had built too close to the creek; I didn’t know what I was doing when I built it.”
The Galisteo Bosque after the completion of restoration work in the fall of 2018.
The history of restoring the Galisteo Bosque was marked with many challenges. Most of the restoration work was completed since 2016, but this was a project of more than 20 years. The three-quarter-mile stretch that has been restored belongs to 17 private property owners. Following the legwork that took place in the early 2000s (see sidebar), land and water disputes and lawsuits started to arise because of unclear boundaries and un-deeded land resulting from old deeds reaching back to Galisteo’s land grant history. After initial planning and pilot projects, the project hit several roadblocks around 2008 that prevented it from moving into an implementation stage. State funding for the project that had been awarded was reallocated due to the land disputes and later due to the closure of Earth Works Institute (EWI).
A walk down the Galisteo Bosque these days leaves residents with a sense of pride. Twenty-plus years in the making, the restoration of the bosque south of Santa Fe is technically completed. The community can once again enjoy the cooling shade of cottonwood trees planted alongside the creek by Mrs. Hover in the 1950s, when she envisioned creating a river park. The local chatter may likely be about the bear and her cubs who have been leaving tracks up and down the bosque all season. “Apparently Galisteo was much more fun than hibernating for a long time. They seem to have gone for the time being,” Lucy Lippard, a local landowner, tells me.
Several times between 2009 and 2014, Taylor stepped forward to salvage the funding and secure community approval for the project. Jansens, former director of EWI, worked with Taylor to leverage political and community connections to obtain renewed state and federal support. Taylor recounted the battle: “I started making the rounds, having meetings and trying to get funding for a plan that everybody said was great but we just couldn’t seem to get anywhere. It took almost five years of fighting to get that funding back that was taken from us after it had been promised and allocated several times.”
Last fall, on my first trip to visit the Galisteo Bosque, I went with Jan-Willem Jansens, founder and owner of Ecotone Landscape Planning, LLC, to help monitor how the land was recovering after the restoration work. I learned how precious and rare a bosque environment is in the arid Southwest, and how critical it is for wildlife migration. There were obvious remnants from the completed work—from rock and wood structures, which help control the flow of the river to piles of downed Russian olive logs waiting to be picked up as firewood.
Taylor and Jansens were able to cobble together funding from a variety of state and federal sources and pass a successful vote of the Galisteo Community Association to move the project forward. Next, the project team completed surveys, planning and designs, as well as 17 individual landowner agreements, in two phases, spanning 2015 to 2017. Taylor described the critical process of obtaining community input and support. “We had to go to all of the landowners along the bosque and talk to them about our ideas about what needed to be done, hear their concerns and basically pull all of that together and come up with a final project draft. The majority of people were on board, but we had a few who were concerned that the changes might actually cause further issues.” Taylor and Jansens were eventually able to quell most of those concerns.
What exactly was so wrong with the bosque that needed to be “restored”? To the untrained eye, it may have appeared as natural as any ecosystem. I learned that in reality, much of the booming canopy and vegetation in the area were non-native.
Between March 2016 and December 2017, hundreds of Russian olive trees, tamarisks and Siberian elms were removed. More than a dozen piles of driftwood and woody debris were stacked and burned in early 2018.
The most prolific invasive tree species in the Galisteo Bosque is the Russian olive, pictured above. Invasive trees in degraded riparian areas can outcompete with native vegetation, which is critical as wildlife habitat and forage. Once an invasive tree species becomes dominant, many ecosystem processes (i.e. sediment control, regulating the hydrology, or winter shelter for animals) are altered, degrading both water quality and wildlife habitat. It began when the Galisteo Creek itself altered over time, becoming more deeply and narrowly incised in its sediment bed, resulting in fewer overbank flows and a loss of wetlands along the stream. Local resident and president of the Galisteo Community Association, Roger Taylor, described the community’s view: “From about 2010, the proliferation of invasive species had gotten so bad that you couldn’t really walk down there anymore. It was becoming a breeding ground for mosqui-
Because the creek is the water source for the village of Galisteo, the community was adamant that no herbicides be used to remove the Russian olives. Instead, the project team used a combination of methods, including cutting tree stems, extracting roots with heavy equipment (top left), chipping branches, and removal or burying of root wads. Community and student volunteers from the University of New Mexico pulled and cut many sprouts by hand that had grown back in the past half-year (top right). The team also tried covering large clusters of cut stems with heavy plastic tarps to smother the remaining roots. GREENFIRETIMES.COM
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The restoration included some daunting elements. In an area where the stream was beginning to undercut a steep bank (image top left), the design called for the remeandering of the river’s course using post-vanes (image top right). Roger Taylor described one of the challenges: “In this last project where we were working on changing the streambed, it was extremely muddy, and equipment was sinking. We didn’t want to do that because it would cause further erosion. So, we actually had to bring in saplings and things like that for the equipment to be able to work on top of.” (image right)
The restoration of the bosque south of Santa Fe is technically completed.
All this work seems to have pleased Mother Nature because, despite a dry first half of the year, she supported a profuse reestablishment of willows, horsetail, cattails, sedges, rushes and grasses of many kinds in 2018. The change was obvious to Taylor: “The opening up of the forest canopy by taking out hundreds of Russian olive trees spurred growth up and down the bosque. It is phenomenal; it’s more than we were expecting. I’ve heard from so many people in the village who have gone back to walking for exercise in the bosque, and they are thrilled with the whole result.” The work also allowed the floods between July and October to spread at least three times all over the bottom of the bosque, evening out elevation differences on the bosque floor, irrigating even the farthest corners and forming new channels and wet spots. The bosque got so wet that it did its own job in eradicating the Russian olives by drowning them. That’s
just what the restoration design intended. Restoration structures, such as wicker weirs (shown above) performed exactly as designed and were not affected by the floods. They have begun blending into the landscape and overtime will likely become barely visible. They accumulated sediment, bringing the channel bottom up by 18 inches in some locations.
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The old channels once more carry water and irrigate lines of aging cottonwoods. The riparian area is an enormous support to wildlife.
The flows also effectively recreated an acre of new wetland in an oxbow below the old Agnes Martin house and supported a beautiful new willow wetland at a tight meander behind the former Galisteo Inn. The old channels on the west side of the bosque downstream from the wooden El Puente bridge once more carried water and helped irrigate the lines of aging cottonwoods.
The community of Galisteo is very pleased with the results of the 20-plus years of effort to restore the bosque. The bosque holds intrinsic value to the community, as described by Taylor, “It’s the source of the water for the village, and it’s very clean, some of the cleanest water in the state. It’s a shallow depth for access to the water, and the riparian area itself is an enormous support to wildlife. We are in a big migration corridor here,
© Erin McElroy
The project team reshaped nearly a thousand feet of the Galisteo Creek channel and banks to improve overbank flows and planted a combination of native grasses, shrubs and trees.
and that area sustains all these birds and other traveling wildlife. We’ve got mountain lions, bobcats, skunks, coyotes, tons of deer, you name it and we see it. And we’ve seen an increase in wildlife spotting in the last couple of years.” Wildlife cameras captured this deer enjoying the forage available in the restored bosque (image left). Evidence of wildlife is more commonly marked by fresh tracks in the mud (image right). Lucy Lippard attributes the success to “the science mostly. Who knew exactly how to do all of this? Jan-Willem knew, he was a real spark to it. The community was very enthusiastic about it. It’s been 25 years that we’ve been messing with it, and everybody has chipped in and come to meetings. It’s much more beautiful now.”
Land and water disputes and lawsuits started to arise because of unclear boundaries and un-deeded land.
Taylor similarly credits the success of the project to the hard work of those involved. “We have a great community. It’s very social and respectful of each other. We have very diverse groups of people here. A great majority are very environmentally attuned and supportive of this kind of work. I have to give a lot of credit to Jan-Willem; he’s the one who dealt with a lot of the detail work. The groups that he has brought in, Wild Earth Guardians and the rest (San Isidro Permaculture, Biohabitats, the UNM Wilderness Alliance, and Santa Fe County wildland fire team) are such hard workers, knowledgeable and on their feet,” he said.
State and U.S. Army Corps oversight requires further monitoring and after-care until June 2020. Community work days to prevent Russian olive proliferation will continue to be needed semi-annually. Hard-working volunteers will maintain the area for years to come. “The Bosque is a really important part of the community and everybody knows it,” Lucy Lippard says. “I hope that it stays the way it is and we keep caring for it.” ¢ Erin McElroy is an ecological planning associate with Ecotone Landscape Planning in Santa Fe. She is passionate about the restoration of treasured natural areas in northern New Mexico. She worked for several years on environmental analysis and research projects at Pacific Northwest National Lab in Washington state.
HISTORY OF RESTORATION IN THE GALISTEO WATERSHED
In 1998 the stage was set for the beginning of the ecological restoration of the Galisteo Watershed in central New Mexico. New collaborative conservation groups formed in the region, such as the Quivira Coalition, Santa Fe Watershed Association and Earth Works Institute (EWI), along with the development of a watershed protection program within the New Mexico Environment Department’s (NMED) Surface Water Quality Bureau. Additionally, a growing number of landowners around the Galisteo Basin were interested in learning better water management practices and taking action to reduce water and wind erosion in order to maintain healthy topsoil on their land. After experiencing severe flooding and erosion at its permaculture learning center west of Galisteo, Earth Works Institute (EWI) established the Galisteo Watershed Restoration Project in 1998, with the support of the state watershed protection program. In the early 2000s, EWI conducted collaborative projects along Galisteo Creek with support from hundreds of community and student volunteers and led an initiative toward establishing a watershed association, the Galisteo Watershed Partnership (GWP). The GWP conducted public outreach to garner community input into various construction initiatives affecting the local environment. The GWP helped complete a Watershed Restoration Action Strategy in 2005, a wetland assessment in 2007 and a watershed-wide, comprehensive conservation plan, the Galisteo Watershed Conservation Initiative (GWCI), and a wetlands action plan for the area in 2010. For full details, see the June 2018 issue of Green Fire Times, “The Galisteo Wildway: A confluence of Land Restoration Initiatives over 25 Years.”
TAOS LAND TRUST AND COMMUNITY PARTNERS ESTABLISH RÍO FERNANDO PARK ARTICLES AND PHOTOS BY JIM O’DONNELL
The Taos Land Trust was founded in 1988 by a group of community volunteers who watched a beautiful tract of open land get sold because the owners could not afford to pay exorbitant inheritance taxes. They wanted to give local families an alternative. Since then, they have helped landowners create voluntary conservation easements and have used other creative approaches to permanently protect family lands. The trust works with other organizations to buy and protect land for the public, and they stay involved in long-range conservation planning at the local, county and state levels. So far, the trust has permanently protected more than 25,000 acres of irrigated farms and ranch lands, wildlife habitat and open landscapes throughout northern New Mexico. The trust is revitalizing 20-acres of wetland and farmland next to Fred Baca Park, not far from Taos Plaza, where A high-end condominium complex was rumored
The Taos Land Trust has protected more than 25,000 acres of irrigated farms, ranch lands, wildlife habitat and open landscapes.
Photo above: Over 12 months, the Taos Land Trust hosted barbeques, tours, bird-watching walks, meetings with educators and artists, writing workshops, medicinal plant tours, pop-up playgrounds and landscape art building projects—all with the goal of gaining a wide range of input as the plan took shape. They also went on a social media blitz to keep the community informed, and staff spent months going door to door talking with potential partners and getting to know the park’s neighbors. GREENFIRETIMES.COM
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to have been destined for a farm, which had been abandoned for nearly 40 years. The work includes a section of the Río Fernando River, bringing an abandoned acequia back to life and restoring once-productive agricultural lands. Once finished, the site will provide the community and visitors with downtown access to the river and green space through a network of trails. The ongoing rehabilitation is being used for educational demonstrations of best practices for conservation of soil, water and habitat. For more information, visit riofernandopark.org ¢
Top left: In the summer of 2018 the trust hired 16 local young people to help with the restoration. Funded by a grant from the Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) they not only restored the defunct Vigil y Romo Acequia but also participated in a wide range of educational activities. Thanks to YCC, 14 more full-time positions will be available in the summer of 2019. Bottom left: The Taos Land Trust’s yearlong planning efforts concluded in 2018 with a matanza, a traditional feast centered around a pig roasted in the ground. The event was billed as a thank you to community members who participated in the planning and all the volunteers who worked on the restoration. Above right: The master planning committee learned about the land by mapping invasive species, existing trees, and determining soil and water quality. The group approached the layout of the park in permaculture-based “zones” to become aware of ecosystems and functions that already exist.
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Jim O’Donnell is communications and policy coordinator for the Taos Land Trust. He is also a conservation photographer, working with organizations worldwide. See his work at www.jimodonnellphotography.com
Right center: Nurtured by the looping Río Fernando, a narrow stream, sheltered by 100-foot-tall cottonwood trees and jungle-like thickets of willow and cattail, Río Fernando Park encompasses an array of ecosystems, including several barren and depleted acres dominated by groves of invasive trees, such as Siberian elm. Bottom right: New Mexico music legend Cipriano Vigil and his family entertained partygoers with traditional northern New Mexico music at the matanza.
BOOK PROFILE
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LOS LUCEROS NEW MEXICO’S MORNING STAR
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BY MICHAEL WALLIS
Foreword by Patrick Moore, director of New Mexico Historic Sites Museum of New Mexico Press, 2018 PHOTOGRAPHY BY GENE PEACH
“Los Luceros stands as the final remnants of the original fifty-thousand-acre Sebastian Martin Serrano Spanish land grant. With a legacy that encompasses centuries of overlapping cultural histories, the property is not just a New Mexican treasure but a national gem.” —from the Foreword Just north of Española, on the banks of the Río Grande, stand150 acres that make up Los Luceros Historic Property in Alcalde, New Mexico. Written by award-winning author and historian Michael Wallis, Los Luceros, New Mexico’s Morning Star weaves the complex story of Los Luceros throughout the larger context of northern New Mexico’s past. From the earliest inhabitants to the present day, Wallis traces the historic property’s past occupiers, owners and visitors, including Spanish and American soldiers and cavalrymen, ownership by Mary Cabot Wheelwright, acquisition by the State of New Mexico as a Historic Site in 2008, and Los Luceros’ continuing legacy as a living museum. Los Luceros’ centerpiece is Casa Grande, a 5,700-square-foot, 18th-century, Territorial-style adobe hacienda, which was renovated by the Cabot Foundation in 2004 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In addition to the hacienda and a visitor center complex, the property also includes three residences, an 18th-century chapel, the original village jail, farm buildings, apple orchards and irrigated pasture and bosque adjacent to the Río Grande. Over the years, Los Luceros was host to Tewa chieftains, caciques and spiritual leaders; Spanish grandees and conquistadors; a host of traders, soldiers, scouts and political leaders; and all sorts of artists, writers and motion picture stars. During Mary Cabot Wheelwright’s long reign, it was visited by New Mexico’s prominent writers, artists and art patrons, including Georgia O’Keeffe, Mabel Dodge Luhan and D.H. Lawrence, as well luminaries John D. Rockefeller, Jr. and Leonard Bernstein. Included in the book are contemporary color photos of Los Luceros taken year-round by Gene Peach, documenting the buildings, its Spanish colonial and 20th-century art, as well as acres of land, including gardens and orchards, livestock and wildlife. Historic photos from private and public collections illustrate the narrative, recalling important figures and moments in Los Luceros’ past. Michael Wallis initially visited Los Luceros in 1971—the first of many visits over the years. He became acquainted with the Collier family who owned the property at the time, and subsequent occupants. During the course of writing the book, he lived on-site for several months.¢
Much more than
RADIO live & local
Reunion of the Radicles 2nd Mountain West
Seed Summit February 22 & 23, 2019 Santa Fe, New Mexico
Institute of American Indian Arts with Special Field Trip February 21 to Tesuque Pueblo & other seed sites FEATURING: Charles Eisenstein Sacred Economics n Rebecca Newburn Richmond Grows Seed Lending Library n Rowen White Sierra Seeds n Emigdio Ballón Tesuque Pueblo n Andrew Kimbrell Center for Food Safety TOPICS Include: Young Seed Stewards Rising n International Projects n Patenting n Climate Resistant Seed Systems n Grain Literacy n Seed Libraries n Seed Cuisine n The Cultural Significance of Saving Seeds
Register now: RockyMountainSeeds.org GREENFIRETIMES.COM
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OP-ED: Stephen Thomas
Getting “Radicle” at the Mountain West Seed Summit Seed Leaders Sow New Paradigm of Food, Culture and Connection Everything is connected. We’ve all heard this adage before, stretching back across the ages. Literature, philosophy and science all seem to point to the same conclusion: As separate as we may seem from one another and from the natural world, in reality we are all part of everything. The same holds true with seeds. Every living being on this planet is intimately related to a seed in some way. From the tiniest microbes in the ocean to the great lumbering beasts of the land, all life depends on a cycle of sprouting and decaying that seeds enact, issuing oxygen, nutrients and rich biomass to the dance of regeneration. As innate as this knowledge is, we humans are inherently forgetful. Our modern story of civilization tells us instead that breaking the world down into isolated, utilitarian bits is the sure-fire path to progress. This fallacy is behind the myriad crises we face today, from food insecurity and climate change to social inequality and planetary suffering.
One such profound gathering is the Mountain West Seed Summit. Set to take place in Santa Fe in February 2019, the event is presented by the Rocky Mountain Seed Alliance, a nonprofit organization dedicated to growing this movement. As its subtitle—the Reunion of the Radicles—suggests, the summit will be a unique cross-pollination of ideas and perspectives, with people from all walks of life coming together to explore common roots and find ways to take radical action (see calendar listing for details.) Topics include timely issues of cultural appropriation in the seed world, decolonizing food, and seed patenting—alongside building global solidarity and practicing eco-conscious seed stewardship. Practical matters such as growing a seed business, developing regional seed banks and breeding climate-resilient crops will also be major areas of focus. Reunion of the Radicles is also about creating new narratives and forging a new vision. To accomplish this, all voices must be heard and honored. Presenters mirroring the rich diversity of our communities will be emphasized, including those from often-marginalized groups. Visionary seed sovereignty activist Rowen White, author-philosopher Charles Eisenstein and seed library pioneer Rebecca Newburn are among the many scheduled speakers. The summit is intended to inspire collective action. Participants will carry the insights and ideas generated throughout the weekend into efforts to create meaningful change in their communities. The inaugural event in 2017 was a catalyst for numerous on-the-ground projects and collaborations that are making towns and neighborhoods in the Rocky Mountain West more sustainable places.
A movement is rising around seed stewardship.
We must remember where we have come from to know where we are going. Seeds are a deep reminder of this. The terms “radical” and “radicle” both refer to roots—the former to our origins as a culture and species, and the latter to the tender, earth-probing stem that first sprouts from a germinated seed. When we remember that source of emergence we all spring from, only then is a new, more beautiful world possible. Fortunately, many of us are beginning to wake up and remember who we are, why we are here and what we are meant to be doing in this uncertain, turbulent time. A movement is rising around seed stewardship, with people and communities joining to restore the interrelationships among food, ecosystems, ourselves and each other.
Stephen Thomas is a communications associate with the Rocky Mountain Seed Association.
Above: Participants at the 2017 Mountain West Seed Summit in Santa Fe Photo © Seth Roffman
The Mountain West Seed Summit takes place Feb. 22–23, 2019 at the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe. Register at www.rockymountainseeds.org
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The public is invited to attend. Whether you are a gardener, farmer, seed lover, or passionate supporter of these ideas, it will be an opportunity to tap into your own “radicle” nature so that we may all take root and flourish.¢
U.N. BACKS SEED SOVEREIGNTY IN SMALL-SCALE FARMERS' RIGHTS DECLARATION
The New Mexico Healthy Soil Act BY CHRISTINA ALLDAY-BONDY
On Dec. 17, 2018, the United Nations General Assembly took a historic vote, approving 121-8, the Declaration on the Rights of Peasants and other People Working in Rural Areas. Most developing countries voted in favor of the resolution, while many developed-country representatives abstained. The United States was among the “no” votes.
In the fall of 2018, a small group of citizens formed the New Mexico Healthy Soil Working Group. Their goal is to support New Mexico’s agricultural producers in increasing the health of soils across the state. They seek to do this through “carbon farming” and by bolstering landscapes’ resilience to drought. They also see this as an important climate change solution.
The declaration formally extends human rights protections to farmers whose “seed sovereignty” is threatened by government and corporate practices. Their challenge now is to mobilize small-scale farmers to claim those rights, which are threatened by efforts to impose rich-country crop-breeding regulations onto less developed countries, where the vast majority of food is grown by peasants using seeds they save and exchange.
The Healthy Soil Working Group has brought two bills with identical language before the New Mexico Legislature. The Healthy Soil Act, introduced as Senate Bill 218 by Elizabeth “Liz” Stefanics, and House Bill 204, sponsored by Rep. Nathan Small, would make $5 million from the General Fund available to support farmers and ranchers in soil health stewardship.
In some countries, there has been much erosion of local seed varieties. Crops that were common just 10 years ago are gone, including those that are nutritious, drought-tolerant and better adapted to their region’s growing conditions than the commercial hybrids that require the purchase of chemical fertilizers. Native, organic agriculture may take more work, but diverse crop rotations, intercropping, conservation farming with minimal plowing and regular incorporation of crop residues and composted manure conserves and builds soil fertility.
As this year began, a blanket of snow followed abundant monsoon rains over much of the state. This moisture began to relieve a drought that has plagued the Southwest since 1999, drying rivers and draining aquifers over the past year. Droughts are to be expected in this region, but as global and local temperatures rise, they are exacerbated. Since 1970, the average temperature has increased from 46.9 to 49.9°F, with record highs reported almost every year since 2000. Increasing temperatures as a result of climate change and the associated water stress present serious challenges to New Mexico. From farmers to families and people who live close to the land, to the state’s wilderness and trees, plants and animals that depend on it, water is a quickly disappearing resource. But there is hope: The capture and storage of carbon in the soil (carbon farming) can ameliorate these negative impacts. How? Plants, with sunlight and water, perform photosynthesis, taking carbon out of the air and making carbohydrates, or sugars. They use these to build their bodies, while sharing some with the soil biology through their roots in return for mineral nutrients. Some of this shared carbon becomes organic matter, the key to healthy soil. Some is stored long-term below-ground, providing an effective (and previously underestimated) carbon sink.
A little-known but general planetary rule is that water follows carbon. More specifically, more carbon in the soil increases its ability to hold water. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resource Conservation Service estimates that on average, for every 1 percent increase in organic matter (which is 50 percent carbon), the soil’s water-holding capacity expands by 16,000 to 27,000 gallons per acre. New Mexico has about 43 million acres in agriculture. Boosting soil organic matter by only 1 percent on these acres would store as much water as about one-and-a-half times the capacity of Elephant Butte Reservoir! In addition, soils higher in organGREENFIRETIMES.COM
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ic matter also stay cooler longer, decreasing the amount of moisture lost to evaporation. Carbon in the soil helps us make the most of the water we do get, when we get it. And with more water and more carbon, the electromagnetic properties of the soil change, making more nutrients available to plants, and life in the soil thrives. More water and nutrients can mean fewer inputs, which results in cost savings for farmers and more grass growth and less hay that ranchers have to purchase. These positive economic impacts are known in New Mexico’s agricultural community. “Soil health is the key to sustainability. If we expect to leave a legacy for our children and grandchildren, we have to continue to improve soil health,” says Jim Berlier, a third-generation rancher and manager of the San Pablo Ranch. He is not alone in this sentiment. A recent survey of over 100 farmers and ranchers found that over 70 percent believe it is critically important to support farmers and ranchers in their efforts to improve soil health. The New Mexico Healthy Soil Act would provide funding to support voluntary soil health testing, educational programming, technical assistance and implementation of practices with proven soil health benefits. Because of its fast-acting benefits, compost production and use would also be supported by the Healthy Soil Act. And taking farm-to-table full circle (by getting food waste back to the farm in the form of compost) offers urban dwellers another way to contribute to revitalizing New Mexico’s agricultural sector and re-watering our landscape. Under the proposed act, implementation of specific practices on a farm is voluntary and would be determined by the producer in conjunction with a local technical assistance provider. There are already cost-share monies for on-farm resource conservation available through the National Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) and through Conservation Districts. However, these funds can be as low as 40 percent of a project’s total cost, leaving a large bill for producers, many of whom are struggling to make ends meet. Additionally, existing federal funding programs can be time-consuming to apply for, overly restrictive, and may not allow for differences in local needs and variability. Leveraging and bolstering existing funding from entities with demonstrated technical expertise, the Healthy Soil Program aims to boost soil stewardship throughout New Mexico. No new governmental agency would be created: The state’s Department of Agriculture would administer the program with support and guidance from the Soil and Water Conservation Commission and an expert Healthy Soil Advisory Group. A qualified technical service provider, which includes the NRCS, local Soil and Water Conservation Districts, Land Grant University programs, tribes, pueblos, acequias and relevant non-profits, would distribute incentives and facilitate educational opportunities. The bill has thus far garnered endorsements from the N.M. Association of Conservation Districts, N.M. Acequia Association, American Grassfed Association, Southwest Grassfed Livestock Alliance, N.M. Farmers’ Marketing Association, National Young Farmers Coalition, Audubon N.M., Santa Fe Green Chamber of Commerce and over 100 other businesses and organizations. Reflecting the positive, bipartisan nature of soil stewardship, the recent U.S. farm bill contained a renewed focus on soil health and a pilot program for increasing agricultural soil carbon. The health of our soil forms the basis for long-term vitality of our state’s communities, economy and ecosystems. Healthy ecosystems and healthy societies in the American West rely on the productivity and health of their soils. And the health of the soil depends on the health, wealth and knowledge of farmers, ranchers and indigenous peoples who manage and care for that land. Encourage your legislator to support the Healthy Soil Act. To learn more or to endorse the bill with your business or organization, email me at rehydratenm@ gmail.com.¢
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Jim Berlier herds cattle on his family’s ranch outside of Estancia, NM. Photo: Virginie Pointeau
Christina Allday-Bondy has degrees in botany and natural resources policy. She worked on climate change issues for Commissioner Jim Hightower at the Texas Department of Agriculture. Allday-Bondy owned a land and wildlife management consulting company. She currently serves on the board of the Soil Carbon Coalition and manages a small farm with Navajo Churro sheep. THE FIVE CORE STEWARDSHIP PRINCIPLES FOR CREATING HEALTHY SOIL, WHICH THE HEALTHY SOIL ACT ENDORSES:
MASTER COMPOSTER VOLUNTEER TRAINING
2019 NEW MEXICO ORGANIC FARMING CONFERENCE FEB. 15-16
The Santa Fe Compost Action Team (SCAT) educates participants in the art, science, materials, methods and benefits of home composting. During the training program, students participate in about 25 hours of lectures, demonstrations and field trips. There are two ways to participate. Track I allows people to join the SCAT program as a Certified Master Compost Educator by successfully completing the course and then maintaining certification by participating in public education events, operational support such as maintenance of the demonstration site, and continuing education. Track II is for people interested in learning more about home composting methods who do not want to become a certified educator.
Are you interested in the art of organic crop farming? Whether you are an experienced farmer, a backyard grower or a curious consumer, the annual New Mexico Organic Farming Conference offers valuable knowledge. The Southwest’s largest organic agricultural gathering takes place Feb. 15 and 16 at Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town, 800 Río Grande Blvd. NW.
The course is open to the public, master gardeners and interns. It takes place on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m on March 23, 30, and April 6 and 13 at the Master Gardener Classroom of Santa Fe County Fairgrounds, 3229 Rodeo Rd. The class fee is $65. Registration is open Feb. 15 through March 16. More information and an application form will be available on the Santa Fe Master Gardener Website: www.sfemg.org
The conference will feature more than 30 session tracks, including: • A panel on Tools and Strategies for Water Conservation and Resilience • Seed Saving and Variety Development for the Future in the Arid Southwest • Wholesale Markets: The Next Frontier for New Mexico Growers • A Practical Transition Toward a Functioning Soil • Using Cover Crops Creatively to Transition Ground to Organic • A workshop on Advancing Your Soil Health Attendees can expect 60 exhibitor booths, as well as an organic luncheon and networking opportunities that could help advance an interest or career in organic farming. The keynote speaker is Ron Rosmann of Rosmann Family Farms. The Rosmann family has been dedicated to organic farming for 30 years and received the 2018 Midwest Organic & Sustainable Education Services Organic Farmer of the Year Award. New Mexico Secretary of Agriculture Jeff Witte will provide the welcome address. To view a tentative schedule and register, visit https://tinyurl.com/NMOFC2019
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OP-ED: Tina Cordova
D o w nwi n d ers of N e w Me x i c o Upd ate On June 27, 2018, members of the Tularosa Basin Downwinders Consortium (TBDC) attended a United States Senate Judiciary Committee meeting, held to consider passage of a Senate bill that would amend the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) to include the “Downwinders” of New Mexico. This legislation had been introduced many times in eight years but had not received a single hearing. The June hearing was monumental in that it was the first time that members of the U.S. Senate acknowledged that New Mexico’s Downwinders had been harmed and should be added to the program that provides health care coverage and compensation to Downwinders from other parts of the country.
“An urgent moral and ethical imperative to right this wrong”
The hearing was chaired by Sen. Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), primary sponsor of the legislation. Serving as ranking member for the hearing was Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J). Both delivered impassioned remarks about the legacy of nuclear testing and how it negatively impacted communities adjacent to test sites. Sen. Udall (D-N.M) also delivered remarks stressing the need to add the Downwinders and Post 71 uranium miners to the fund. You can view the entire hearing or read my testimony at www.trinitydownwinders.com. One of the things I said was, “There is an urgent moral and ethical imperative to right this wrong. There is a path to healing for us. It starts with the recognition of our service and Members of the Tularosa Downwinders Consortium
sacrifice to this nation and will be complete when we are afforded the exact same care and coverage as other Downwinders.” TBDC members were also able to meet with key members of Congress and their staff to tell their firsthand stories of suffering and sacrifice. Women from all across New Mexico were present, including from Tularosa, Carrizozo, San Antonio, Socorro, Santa Fe, Albuquerque, Pojoaque and Alamogordo. Women Downwinders also traveled from Texas and California to attend the hearings. The TBDC is expecting that a new Senate bill will be introduced shortly and are hoping the momentum will continue. It is important for people to continue to contact their senators and let them know that they consider this legislation to be of
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great importance. The TBDC is also very hopeful, now that Rep. Ben Ray Lujan has ascended to a leadership position, that a hearing will be scheduled soon in the House Judiciary Committee, where the bill has been stalled. Lujan has been the primary sponsor of the bill on the House side. Please let him know you appreciate his efforts. It is also important to engage with our two new members of Congress, Deb Haaland and Xochitl Torres Small, and encourage them to fully support Rep. Lujan’s bill. The TBDC has scheduled a second annual Benefit Concert and Dance, to be held on March 17, from 1 to 5 p.m., at the National Hispanic Cultural Center in Albuquerque. Tickets will be available at the TBDC website at $20 per person or $35 per couple. Last year the TBDC raised enough to pay for the travel costs to attend the hearing in Washington, D.C. We are also accepting anything that can be placed in a silent auction, so if you have goods or services to donate, please contact us. We want to thank all those who have been generous in the past and hope we can sell out this event again this year.
Walter Gerstle, Professional Engineer Phone: 505-382-2328 Email: gerstle@unm.edu
Structural Consulting: Solar, Wind, Design, Forensics
ABQ A WINNER OF AMERICAN CITIES CLIMATE CHALLENGE AWARD Albuquerque has been selected as one of 25 cities in the Bloomberg American Cities Climate Challenge. The two-year acceleration program means that the city will receive access to resources and technical support to help accomplish its goals to reduce its carbon footprint and achieve a net-zero electric bill. Shortly after taking office, Mayor Tim Keller signed onto the Paris Climate Agreement and announced these goals. Solar panels started being installed on city facilities. Energy-efficient retrofits throughout the private sector will also support this sustainability effort. Bloomberg Philanthropies selected Albuquerque because of its “ambitious and realistic” climate action plans to cut emissions. These plans include reforming the transit and building sectors. In August, Keller issued executive instructions for the city to meet updated energy efficiency standards in its buildings. “Because of our partnership with Bloomberg, we are going to be able to take our commitment to the next level and get to 100-percent renewable energy usage by 2022,” Keller said in a statement. “We’re also going to be able to transition many of our city vehicles to electric and make our facilities more efficient.” Cities account for more than 70 percent of global carbon emissions driving climate change. The Bloomberg American Cities Climate Challenge was established with a $70-million investment to support policies and initiatives already started by mayors across the country to secure a cleaner, safer and healthier environment and economy for residents.
COALITION OF SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES ADVOCATES FOR NEW MEXICAN COMMUNITY SOLAR A new nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, the Coalition of Sustainable Communities New Mexico (CSCNM), operating within the Santa Fe Community Foundation, has recently been formed to “strengthen local governments’ energy choices, sustainability and equity and help them meet their climate commitments,” according the the coalition’s newsletter. CSCNM’s executive director, Beth Beloff, who has been chair of Sustainable Santa Fe Commission, working with a team of volunteers and part-time staff, is bringing together community-elected officials from diverse cities, counties, pueblos and tribes. CSCNM is advocating for legislation that “will support New Mexico’s just transition towards a clean energy future.” The first major bill advanced by CSCNM for the 2019 legislative session is the Community Solar Act (HB210), sponsored by Rep. Patricia Roybal Caballero and Sen. Liz Stefanics. The act is intended to help communities, individuals and organizations throughout the state benefit from development of small-scale solar energy facilities. It would facilitate solar energy to all, regardless of income or building ownership, and further develop a strong renewable-energy industry and related jobs. CSCNM drafted this legislation over many months, after convening stakeholders, building consensus and securing initial support from mayors of New Mexico’s three largest cities: Albuquerque, Santa Fe and Las Cruces, as well as several environmental organizations with members throughout the state. On Jan. 24, the House, Energy, Environment & Natural Resources Committee voted to advance the bill in a 7-0 vote. For more information, visit: www.facebook.com/coalitionscnm/ or email info@coalitionscnm.org
LOCAL CHOICE ENERGY ACT INTRODUCED
GOVERNOR'S EXECUTIVE ORDER SETS AMBITIOUS AGENDA TO TAKE ON CLIMATE FIGHT IN NM
On Jan. 27, senators Jeff Steinborn (D-36, Doña Ana) and Benny Shendo (D-22, Bernalillo, McKinley, Río Arriba, San Juan and Sandoval) introduced a groundbreaking piece of legislation. The Local Choice Energy Act would open up New Mexico's electricity markets to competition and put local communities in control of who supplies their energy.
As a result of an executive order from Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, New Mexico will join the U.S. Climate Alliance, embracing goals set by the 2015 Paris Agreement and aligning the state with U.S. governors and states that have committed to fight climate change. The order seeks transformative action to reduce climate pollution and harden New Mexico’s infrastructure against climate impacts.
Local Choice Energy, adopted in seven states (often referred to as “Community Choice Aggregation”) would allow any local or tribal government in New Mexico to pool their electricity demand and become local energy choice providers. Municipalities, counties and sovereign Native American tribes would be able to secure electricity supplies based on criteria defined by the local community. Newly formed local energy choice providers would work with the investor-owned utility in their service area to transmit and distribute that electricity.
“The order ensures that the federal government, in its rush to exploit fossil fuels, doesn’t harm New Mexico’s communities,” said Eric Schlenker-Goodrich, executive director of the Western Environmental Law Center. “It lays out a vision for a just and equitable transition to clean energy.”
“Right now we are all forced into one energy provider that has monopoly power over us. That simply works against everything that can serve our community well, whether it is using competition to get better prices or enabling our ability to choose clean energy that creates jobs with New Mexico companies. We deserve that choice,” said Sen. Steinborn. “It is time for energy freedom for New Mexicans and that is why we have introduced this legislation.”
Sierra Club Río Grande Chapter Chair David Coss, in a statement, said, “Climate change is the greatest crisis facing humanity. If we don’t act urgently, climate disruption will negatively impact every major issue we struggle with, including the economy, health care and racial and economic justice. It threatens clean drinking water and food affordability for all of our children and grandchildren. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change tells us we have only 12 years to significantly reduce greenhouse pollution before it’s too late. Gov. Lujan Grisham is backing serious safeguards to reduce not just carbon pollution but also methane, which should be heating our homes, not leaking and flaring from oil and gas wells.”
“Local Choice Energy will allow pueblos and municipalities to group the energy needs of its members and then purchase or produce the electricity to meet that need. Any surplus can be sold and pueblos can use the proceeds from those sales to reinvest back into our communities. In this way we provide both clean energy and create economic investment for our communities. It’s a win-win,” said Sen. Benny Shendo. “PNM has 3 percent solar, and EPE has 1 percent solar on their systems, respectively. With local choice energy communities are empowered to make energy decisions aligned with their values and dramatically increase their use of renewable energy, reinvest energy savings dollars back into their community and increase jobs,” said Mariel Nanasi, executive director of the renewable energy advocacy group New Energy Economy. The legislation also has the support of the All Pueblo Council of Governors.
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NEW ECONOMIC HUB FOR NEW MEXICO IN ABQ'S SOUTH VALLEY In January, developers broke ground in Albuquerque’s South Valley on what they expect to be a major new economic hub for New Mexico. The Sunport South Business Park is projected to generate $900 million in economic growth in the next 30 years. The industrial site, located along University Boulevard between Río Bravo and the Mesa del Sol development, is close to the Sunport, railroad and interstate crossing (Big-I). The 80-acre first phase of the project is be completed in April. As soon as 2020, 350 acres are to be transformed into a “high-tech, first-class business center” to include manufacturing facilities and warehouses employing 15,000 people. With the growing Mesa del Sol community and the new Netflx headquarters, the business park’s Mesa, Arizona-based developers think there could be more than 100,000 workers in the area. To accommodate that growth, Sunport South will include a “transportation center.” Plans also include open space areas and walking trails.
ABQ BUY LOCAL EFFORTS HIGHLIGHTED AS NATIONAL MODEL A national organization, Results for America (RFA), has highlighted Albuquerque’s work to keep taxpayer dollars in the local economy. The local government case study is part of a series that showcases the best strategies by cities to address major concerns in their communities. The study focuses on Mayor Tim Keller’s efforts to use his city’s purchasing power to help boost the local economy. “Local governments make millions of dollars’ worth of purchases a year. So far, we’ve shifted at least 20 contracts to local vendors, keeping an additional $1 million in our economy. Business owners tell us what a difference it makes and they in turn buy more of their supplies locally, create jobs in our community,” said Keller.
∙ The Results: The study found that the City of Albuquerque has shifted at least 20 contracts to local vendors, resulting in an additional $1 million directly invested back into Albuquerque’s economy. The city has created 65 new contracts with local vendors since July 2018. ∙ Next steps: The administration will prioritize implementation of the “Buy Local” initiative into other large procurement sectors like construction and food vendors. The city will continue to systematically track this data to inform its economic development policies. “The ‘Buy Local’ initiative is showing signs of great success,” said Ortiz. “We will continue to collect and track data to make sure that our economic development policies are working for our communities, especially businesses owned by women and people of color.” You can find a link to Albuquerque’s case study here: https://results4america.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/AlbuquerqueCaseStudy_FINAL.pdf
20% Of Purchase
Donated To The Law Center Mention NMELC when purchasing.
The study was led by Brittany Ortiz, an RFA Local Government fellow who chose the strategy from her work as the City of Albuquerque’s deputy director of the Office of Equity and Inclusion. Ortiz is a member of the city’s multi-departmental team responsible for using data and evidence-based strategies to increase local spending. The team consists of the Mayor’s Office, the Economic Development Department, the Office of Equity and Inclusion, the Department of Finance and Administrative Services and the Procurement Division. Highlights of the RFA case study: ∙ The Challenge: An estimated $150 million to $300 million is being spent annually by Albuquerque city government to purchase goods and services, and at least 40 percent of those funds were spent on non-local vendor contracts in 2017. ∙ The Approach: Keller prioritized growth of Albuquerque’s economy through a “Buy Local” initiative. The mayor challenged the city to systematically shift a greater amount of city government’s purchasing to locally owned businesses.
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WHAT’S GOING ON
Tours of exhibits and themes in the Art Museum. $2-$3, free with museum admission. 505.246.2261, nhccnm.org
ALBUQUERQUE
TUES.–SAT., 10 AM–2 PM THROUGH MAY
FEB. 6, 13, 27, 9–10 AM
GENIZARO IDENTITY AND CONTINUANCE EXHIBIT
ONE MILLION CUPS
Gutiérrez-Hubbell House Museum, 6029 Isleta SW
Fat Pipe ABQ , 200 Broadway Blvd. NE
Network with local entrepreneurs and hear their stories. Presented by the Mid-Region Council of Governments Agriculture Collaborative. asimon@mrcog-nm.gov FEB. 7–9 CREATIVE PLACEMAKING LEADERSHIP SUMMIT WEST
“Emerging Pathways” The first of 5 regional summits will bring together artists, activists, public officials and philanthropists to exchange ideas about cross-sector partnerships to improve communities through arts and cultural programming. www.cpcommunities.org/west FEB. 11, 6:15–7:45 PM ALBUQUERQUE CITIZENS’ CLIMATE LOBBY
Erna Fergusson Library, 3700 San Mateo NE
Monthly meeting. Lisas.ccl@gmail.com, https://citizensclimatelobby.org/chapters/ NM_Albuquerque/ FEB. 15, 6–8 PM WINTER FARM SOCIAL AND CAREER CONNECTION
Hotel Albuquerque, Salon D & E
For those seeking agricultural jobs. Presented by Quivira Coalition and National Young Farmers Coalition. Details and RSVP: quiviracoalition.org/careerconnection
According to oral history and DNA, some families in the Abiquiú area are descendants of captive Native Americans. Donations requested. Gutierrezhubbellhouse.org ABQ 2030 DISTRICT
Voluntary collaboration of commercial property tenants, building managers, property owners and developers; real estate, energy and building sector professionals, lenders, utility companies; and public stakeholders such as government agencies, nonprofits, community groups and grassroots organizers. Property partners share anonymous utility data and best practices. Professional partners provide expertise and services. Public partners support the initiative as it overlaps with their own missions. Info: albuquerque@2030districts.org GROW THE GROWERS
Gutiérrez-Hubbell House Preserve and Farm Partners Learn how to farm in the Río Grande Valley, market and manage a business. Applications accepted for 2019 growing season. 40-week program begins in March. Free to interns. Full-time interns receive a weekly stipend for first year. growthegrowers@gmail.com, bernco.gov (search for Grow the Growers).
SANTA FE
FEB. 15–16 NM ORGANIC FARMING CONFERENCE
Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town
FEB. 2, 12–2:30 PM
The SW’s largest organic gathering. $50–$200. Presentations, workshops, vendors. Info: sagefaulkner@yahoo.com, www.nmofc, registration: https://tinyurl.com/ NMOFC2019
25 TH ANNUAL SOUPER BOWL
FEB. 27, 8 AM–4 PM
SF Community Convention Center, 201 W. Marcy St.
The Food Depot’s fundraiser. Local chefs compete in best-soup challenge. VIP tasting (11 am–noon) $75. Presale ticket: $35; day of show: $40. Discounts for children. 505.471.1633, thefooddepot.org
GREEN STORMWATER INFRASTRUCTURE FIELD TRIP
Hosted by the Land & Water Summit. Landandwatersummit.org
FEB. 2, 1–4 PM SANTA FE COUNTY FIX-IT CLINIC
2879 Trades West Rd.
FEB. 28–MARCH 1
Ideas, strategies and examples of all aspects of water infrastructure. Listening circles to promote dialogue and action. Presented by Xeriscape Council of NM and Arid LID (Low Impact Development in drylands) Coalition. Landandwatersummit.org
All-ages do-it-together repair event. Bring broken appliances, toys, etc., for assessment and possible repair. This event happens approximately every three months. ndenton@santafecountynm.gov, www.facebook.com/ events/1787386184694870
MARCH 15
FEB. 4, 12, 19, 28, 11 AM–1 PM
ABQ’S BEST LOCAL BRAND AWARD CONTEST APPLICATION DEADLINE
BLACK HISTORY MONTH EVENTS
Award to be announced at B2B Expo—April 23, Isleta Resort & Casino. Local business-to-business networking event. Award winners judged by NM Chapter of the American Marketing Assn. will receive free advertising. People’s Choice voting through 4/23. Presented by EXHIBIT-IT! http://b2bexponm.com/awards/
SF Community College
LAND & WATER SUMMIT
2/4: Screening of “Blackdom” video (Jemez Rooms); 2/12: Conversation with Jamal Martin, Ph.D., on Contemporary Issues Facing People of Color (Jemez Rooms); 2/19: Black History Panel discussion (Board Room, 223); 2/28: Entertainment celebrating month (Jemez Rooms). 505.428.1665
FIRST SUNDAYS NM MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY AND SCIENCE
FEB. 4, 6 PM
1801 Mountain Rd.
TURQUOISE IN HOPI SOCIETY: PAST AND PRESENT
Museum admission is free to NM residents on the first Sunday of every month. 505.841.2800
Hotel Santa Fe
SW Seminars lecture by archaeologist Lyle Balenquah, M.A. (Hopi). $15. 505.466.2775, southwestseminar@aol.com, SouthwestSeminars.org
SATURDAYS, 1 PM FEB. 5, AM
WEEKLY DOCENT-LED TOURS
National Hispanic Cultural Center, 1701 4 St. SW th
ACEQUIA DAY AT THE LEGISLATURE
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NM State Capitol, 490 Old Santa Fe Tr.
Rally with farmers and ranchers to celebrate the importance of acequias to New Mexico. NM Acequia Assn: 505.995.9644, www.lasacequias.org
Join as a Certified Master Compost Educator. Track II: Learn home composting without becoming a certified educator. $65. March 23, 30, April 6, 13, 9 am–4 pm. www.sfemg.org
FEB. 6, 5:30–7:30 PM CONSERVATION VOTERS NM LEGISLATIVE RECEPTION
APRIL 1 APPLICATION DEADLINE
Inn and Spa at Loretto
THE ART OF CLIMATE JUSTICE
Info: 505.992.8683, info@CVNM.org
SF students (4th through community college) can win prizes for best artwork. Sponsored by Climate Change Leadership Institute, SF Green Chamber of Commerce, Earth Care and others. http://files.constantcontact.com/975e53a4501/4bc3918d-17f0-44ea-bb9e-ae8f19574c78.pdf
FEB. 9, 10 AM–12 PM LOVE YOUR RIVER DAY
Frenchy’s Field Barn, Agua Fría St. and Osage Ave.
16th annual. Community river and arroyo cleanup organized by the SF Watershed Association. www.santafewatershed.org
SUNDAYS, 11 AM JOURNEY SANTA FE CONVERSATIONS
Collected Works Books, 202 Galisteo St. FEB. 9, 1–3 PM KINDRED SPIRITS VALENTINES PARTY
Kindred Spirits Animal Sanctuary, 3749–A Highway 14
Wellness care and hospice for unwanted old animals. Join a tour and meet many happy, healthy animals. Refreshments. Free. 505.471.5366, www.kindredspirtsnm.org FEB. 13, 8 AM–3 PM LAND, WATER AND WILDLIFE DAY AT THE ROUNDHOUSE
2/3: Paul Gibson of Retake Our Democracy. Update on legislative issues; 2/10: Bold Energy Legislation with Gail Evans, legal director, New Energy Economy, with NEE exec. director Mariel Nanasi; 2/17: N.M. Rep. Angelica Rubio, vice-chair of Energy, Environment and Natural Resources Committee, in conversation with attorney Denise Fort; 2/24: Local Prosperity with Public Banking in NM. Update with Elaine Sullivan and Bob Mang; 3/3: Cecile Lipworth on Women as Leaders. Free. www. journeysantafe.com
New Mexico State Capitol, 490 Old Santa Fe Tr.
Hosted by the Sierra Club–Río Grande Chapter, Defenders of Wildlife, Union of Concerned Scientists, Western Environmental Law Center, WildEarth Guardians, NM Wilderness Alliance. 505.507.6416, www.facebook.com/events/473754826443832/ FEB. 15, 12 PM
SUNDAYS, 10 AM–4 PM RAILYARD ARTISAN MARKET
SF Farmers’ Market, 1607 Paseo de Peralta
Art & gift galeria by local artists and crafters. 505.983.4098, https://santafefarmersmarket.com/railyard-artisan-market/
URANIUM WORKERS DAY
New Mexico State Capitol, 490 Old Santa Fe Tr.
MON.–SAT.
Press conference with former uranium miners and people from impacted communities. Hosted by the Multicultural Alliance for a Safe Environment. www.swuraniumimpacts.org
POEH CULTURAL CENTER & MUSEUM
FEB. 15 ABSTRACTS SUBMISSION DEADLINE
78 Cities of Gold Rd., Pueblo of Pojoaque
In T’owa Vi Sae’we: The People’s Pottery. Tewa Pottery from the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian. Nah Poeh Meng: 1,600-sq.-ft. core installation highlighting Pueblo artists and history. Poehcenter.org
EARTH USA 2019
10th International Conference on Architecture and Construction with Earthen Materials, Oct. 25–27 at the Scottish Rite Center. Presentations, poster sessions, workshops. www.earthusa.org FEB. 22, MARCH 29, 1–4 PM; MARCH 14 AND MAY 2, 3–6 PM
MON.–SAT.. 8 AM–4 PM RANDALL DAVEY AUDUBON CENTER
1800 Upper Canyon Rd.
Trails lead through several habitats and plant zones ranging from meadows to ponderosa pine forests. No dogs allowed. 505.983.4609
SFCC RESPIRATORY CARE DEPT. MEET & GREET
SF Community College’s Health and Sciences Center, Rm. 442, 6401 Richards Ave.
TUES.–SAT.
Explore the possibilities of earning an associate degree in Respiratory Care. Free. 505.428.1723
EL MUSEO CULTURAL DE SANTA FE
FEB. 22–23
555 Cam. de la Familia
Rotating exhibits, community programs and performances designed to preserve Hispanic culture. Elmuseocultural.org
MOUNTAIN WEST SEED SUMMIT
Institute of American Indian Arts Campus
TUES.–SUN., 10 AM–5 PM
Focused on training and inspiring seed producers across the Rocky Mtn. region. Presentations, demos, hands-on activities, discussions, seed exchanges and more. Info/ registration $295, $150/student https://rockymountainseeds.org/attend/mountain-westseed-summit
GENNEXT: FUTURE SO BRIGHT
MARCH 1 APPLICATION DEADLINE
WEDS.–SUN.
GLOBAL SUSTAINABILITY SUMMER SCHOOL
SANTA FE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM
Santa Fe Institute
1050 Old Pecos Tr.
Presented by the SF Institute and the University of Chicago Mansueto Institute for Urban Innovation. Intended for postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, early-career scientists, policymakers and business professionals. $1,700. santafe.edu/gsss
Interactive exhibits and activities. 505.989.8359, Santafechildrensmuseum.org
Museum of Spanish Colonial Art, Museum Hill
20 artists stretch the boundaries of New Mexican art. Through March 29. 505.982.2226, spanishcolonial.org
FRIDAYS, 2 PM MARCH 16 REGISTRATION DEADLINE (OPENS FEB. 15)
INDIAN ARTS RESEARCH CENTER DOCENT-LED TOURS
MASTER GARDENERS VOLUNTEER TRAINING
School for Advanced Research, 660 García St.
Master Gardener Classroom, County Fairgrounds, 3229 Rodeo Rd.
Collection of nearly 12,000 pieces of Native American art. $15/free to members. 505.954.7272, www.sarweb.org
Learn the art, science, materials, methods and benefits of home composting. Track I:
SAT., 8 AM–1 PM
Pre-registration fee for meal and materials: $15 before 2/20; $20 after. NMSU Cooperative Extension Service. 505.471.4711, yaos@nmsu.edu
SF FARMERS’ MARKET
1607 Paseo de Peralta
MARCH 23, 5–7 PM
Northern NM farmers & ranchers offer fresh tomatoes, greens, root veggies, cheese, teas, herbs, spices, honey, baked goods, body-care products and much more. santafefarmersmarket.com
BIRTHING BELOVED COMMUNITY
FOUNDATIONS OF HERBALISM
El Rancho Community Center, El Rancho, San Ildefonso Pueblo, NM
Benefit event celebrating 10 years of doula care. Preregistration and tickets required. By donation. 505.310.3790, maia@tewawomenunited.org, www.tewawomenunited. org
Milagro School of Herbal Medicine
Intensive training program registration now open. 250-hour hands-on and complete certificate course covering NM herbs and healing traditions. 505.820.6321, info@milagroherbs.com
MARCH 28–31 SW CONFERENCE ON BOTANICAL MEDICINE
Tempe, Ariz.
www.botanicalmedicine.org
ONGOING, 10 AM–5 PM TELLING NM: STORIES FROM THEN AND NOW
FIRST MONDAYS EACH MONTH, 3–5 PM
New Mexico History Museum, 113 Lincoln Ave.
SUSTAINABLE GALLUP BOARD
500 years of stories—from early Native inhabitants to today’s residents—told through artifacts, films, photographs, computer interactives, oral histories and more. 505.982.6466, www.museumfoundation.org/exhibitions
Octavia Fellin Library, Gallup, NM
TAOS
MON., WED., FRI., SAT., 10 AM–4 PM
THIRD TUES. MONTHLY, 5:30 PM
PAJARITO ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER
TAOS ENTREPRENEURIAL NETWORK
2600 Canyon Rd., Los Alamos, NM
Community members concerned about conservation, energy, water, recycling and environmental issues welcome. 505.722.0039.
Networking, presentations, discussion and professional services. Free or by donation. 505.776.7903, www.taosten.org
Nature center and outdoor education programs. Exhibits of flora and fauna of the Pajarito Plateau; herbarium, live amphibians, butterfly and xeric gardens. 505.662.0460, www.losalamosnature.org
OPEN DAILY
WED, SAT., 9:30 AM
LA HACIENDA DE LOS MARTÍNEZ
MESA PRIETA PETROGLYPH PROJECT
708 Hacienda Way
North of Española, NM
KTAOS, 9 State Rd. 150
Northern NM-style Spanish colonial “great house” built in 1804 by Severino Martínez. 575.758.1000, Taoshistoricmuseum.org
Docent-led two-hour tours of the Wells Petroglyph Preserve. $35. Pre-registration required. tours@mesaprietapetroglyphs.org, www.mesaprietapetroglyphs.org/
HERE & THERE
WEDS., 6–8 PM
FEB. 1–2
SOLAR COMMUNITY MEETINGS
OUTDOOR RECREATION INDUSTRY INITIATIVE BASECAMP
113 E. Logan Ave., Gallup, NM
Farmington Civic Center, Farmington, NM
Workshop to provide entrepreneurs with information about opportunities. Registration $59 though Jan. 18; then $79–$99. Info: Fmtn.org/orii
Free presentations & classes on all things solar for DIYers & tribal members living off the grid. 505.728.9246, www.gallupsolar.org BASIC LITERACY TUTOR TRAINING
FEB. 2, 5–8 PM MOVING ARTS ESPAÑOLA ANNIVERSARY GALA
Rancho Los Luceros, Alcalde, NM
Dinner, auction, flamenco performances, premiere of Meow Wolf film “Community Voices”–Moving Arts Española. $100. 505.577.6629, movingartsespanola@gmail.com FEB. 4–5 NMSU’S NEW MEXICO CHILE CONFERENCE
Española area
After training by the NM Coalition for Literacy, volunteer tutors are matched with an adult student. 505.747.6162, read@raalp.org, www.raalp.org/become-a-tutor.html COMMUNITIES IN SCHOOLS IN NEW MEXICO
Volunteers needed to help with food distribution. Also, math and literacy support during and after school; especially individuals with training in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) and Spanish speakers. volunteer@cisnm. org, cisnm.org/volunteer
Hotel Encanto de Las Cruces
Speakers on the NM chile industry, chile certification, efficient water use. Student presentations, Booths from NM Dept. of Agriculture, various agencies and companies. Registration: $150. Presented by NMSU’s Chile Pepper Institute: 575.646.3028 or https://chile.nmsu.edu/conference
NEW MEXICO LANDLINK
FEB. 23, 2019
SPIRIT OF THE BUTTERFLY
4
923 E. Fairview Lane, Española, NM
TH
ANNUAL RÍO CHAMA CONGRESO
Ghost Ranch, Abiquiú, NM
Presentations and discussion of watershed issues. Presented by the San Juan-Chama Partnership. www.sanjuanchama.org/rio-chama-congreso/
For people seeking agricultural and local food resources, such as land for agricultural use, agricultural work or learning opportunities, or agricultural apprentices, interns or employees. www.landlinknm.org
Women’s support group organized by Tewa Women United. Info/RSVP: Beverly, 505.795.8117 WILDLIFE WEST NATURE PARK
MARCH 1, 8:30 AM–3 PM ANNUAL FRUIT GROWER WORKSHOP
Los Luceros Ranch, Alcalde, NM
87 N. Frontage Rd., Edgewood, NM
122-acre park just east of ABQ. Interactive trail focuses on rescued, non-releasable, native New Mexican wildlife and native plants. http://wildlifewest.org/wwblog/ GREENFIRETIMES.COM
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