A team of dedicated volunteers braves the fire-ravaged mountainsides of New Mexico to plant thousands of seedlings, kickstarting a remarkable recovery effort following the largest wildfire in the state’s history. This inspiring story highlights the power of community, science, and perseverance in the face of environmental devastation.
Planting a Future
The Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon fire ignited by two poorly managed controlled burns, charred whole sections of northern New Mexico and devastated entire towns of the rural state. In reaction, a handful of volunteers from The Nature Conservancy and the Hermit’s Peak Watershed Alliance have been busy planting hundreds of sun-loving ponderosa pine seedlings along the scorched mountainsides.
Working in ideal planting conditions following some welcome rains, the volunteers didn’t exactly have to be thanked; they’re plans are to return in spring for special plantings of native trees or bushes. US Forest Service identified priority areas in the field, where there were no live trees at all, and ACM will plant almost 400 seedlings. They are working to create “tree islands” that will heal the ravaged landscape indigenously—one tree seeded and nurturing others.
Preparing for the Future
Getting the seedlings in the ground is only part of long recovery process. At the New Mexico State University’s Forestry Research Center in Mora, researchers are trying to stress some of the seedlings so they grow stronger and can tolerate warm, dry climate on the burn scars as they take root.
By watering less, this project is reducing plant waterings frequency and subsequently making the plants more drought-tolerant which in turn will help them to be more successful after a fire. There may still be a ways to go before the team is able to further ramp up drought-conditioned seedlings, but they’re already getting themselves suited for larger numbers in time for spring plantings.
Members of the Hermit’s Peak Watershed Alliance said they will be putting in long days, continuing planting work every day through early October — and even a few weekend sessions being scheduled to allow willing volunteers to put in hours on helping establish some greenery. The idea is to plant as many seedling trees in the ground before the first freeze, taking advantage of both the appropriate climate and because an inspired workforce has strength.
Conclusion
To walk into the recovery efforts in New Mexico’s fire-scarred landscapes is to witness a story of the resilience of community, science and people. The volunteers and scientists are planting thousands of seedlings, along with the seeds of hope for a more verdant, less vulnerable future. Story of Hope amidst Wildfires In the wake of relentless wildfires this story is a beacon on what people can do together to restore the land and rebuild their lives.
