Author Archives: collaborators

Seeds

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Unless you saved seeds from last year’s successful crops, you’ll need to get them from others. Considerations for your choices might include: preserving genetic diversity, drought tolerance,  heat tolerance, disease resistance, productivity, ability to save seed for replanting, elevation adaptation (toleration for temperature variability). Here are labels – some overlapping – to consider as you buy seeds.

Wild: undomesticated ancestors of crops that are bred and adapted by human farmers for their own preferences, such as wild mustard or teosinte grass (mother of corn). Available from www.restorationseeds.com.

Land race: indigenous to a particular geographic location or adapted to an area following more than 100 years of selection and seed saving, such as Chimay or Sandia Pueblo chilepeppers. Available through www.nativeseeds.org and www.rockymountainseeds.org.

Heirloom: adapted and culturally significant to land-based cultures (mostly indigenous) such as strawberry popcorn or bolita beans. Open-pollinated and curated over generations. May overlap with “land race.” Examples: Big Jim or Poblano chilepeppers. Available www.trueleafmarket.com, www.superseeds.com.

Open-pollinated: seed saved from the parent plant will grow with the same characteristics (taste, color, shape) if care is taken to prevent cross pollination with other varieties. Bred naturally by wind, insects, animals or human hands.

Organic: untreated, not genetically modified, and grown/processed without herbicides or pesticides to standards set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Available through seedalliance.org, edenbrothers.com, www.harrisseeds.com

Determinate/indeterminate: indeterminate plants produce a continuous harvest throughout the growing season, while determinate ones mature their fruit all at once, which makes for more efficient preservation.

High-desert: plants are adapted to elevations over 3500 feet in the Southwest, often early-maturing to fit short growing seasons in mountainous regions. Example: Zuni gold bean or Green Beauty snow pea. Available www.highdesertseed.com

Hybrid: cross-pollinated varieties whose seeds may not exhibit same traits as the first generation but may be more vigorous, productive or disease-resistant than the parent strains. Hybridization can affect nontargeted traits like protein content in beans and corn, for example. Example: mammoth or kong sunflower. Available www.pioneer.com.

Treated: biologically, chemically or physically altered to protect from fungus and/or insects or to make the seeds larger and easier to handle. May have a white coating and cost more, but may have a higher rate of germination. www.SeedsNSuch.com says their seeds are “always untreated & non-GMO.”

Genetically modified (GMO) aka genetically engineered: have had their genetic makeup altered to include desirable traits from other organisms or to survive herbicide spraying. Patented and not generally available to nonfarmers, they often do not produce viable seed and cause 65 serious health risks. Common GMO crops include canola oil, cotton, soybeans, and corn. by Donna Detweiler

Keep It Small – Espalier

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I associate early spring with pruning. Growing up on our little farm in Ohio, we had several hundred fruit trees, mostly apple, with a couple of peaches and plums, and an old sour cherry tree. Dad and my brother would go out in early spring and prune and spray the tree. I remember Dad explaining about pruning apple trees. “You want to take out the branches that slant higher than a 45 degree angle because those won’t grow fruit.”

Mount Vernon Espalier. Photo: Galen Parks Smith, via Wikimedia Commons

Quite a few years ago I attended a master gardener demonstration at what is now the rose garden around the Tony Hillerman Library. The gardener did a great job of explaining her thought process for which stems to leave and which to remove. It was helpful to learn that, if you cut the “wrong” stem the plant will recover in time and it won’t really matter. Whew! That took off a lot of pressure. Ever since, I’ve been pruning roses at my house in early March.

At the new place I inherited a small peach tree. I don’t know whether it is dwarf or semi dwarf, but the fruit was really good the first year. Now I have in mind to plant a peach tree along the south wall of my garage and espalier it. That is, prune it so it grows flat along the wall. Since I’ve never done this, I did some reading. Of the three books I read, Grow a Little Fruit Tree, Simple Pruning Techniques for Small-Space, Easy-Harvest Fruit Trees, by Ann Ralph, was the most helpful for my purposes. It seems to only be available in electronic format.

A couple important points I gathered from Grow a Little Fruit Tree include:

  1. When you plant the peach tree – a little whip about 3’ tall – the most difficult and most important thing you must do is to cut it back just above a couple buds at about knee height. It’s really hard to do, and really essential so the tree grows in the right shape and has its first branches close enough to the ground.
  2. It doesn’t matter if you buy full size, semi dwarf, or dwarf; the secret to keeping the tree small is how and when you prune it. In fact, the author recommends that you buy the full size tree, because the root stock is supposedly better than for a semi dwarf. (And dwarf trees are often too small).
  3. To keep the tree small, that is, no taller than you can easily pick the fruit off it while standing on the ground, the secret is in the pruning. In addition to pruning in late winter or early spring, you should also prune around the summer solstice. At that time, the energy of the tree is in the leaves and fruit. By removing branches at that time, you curtail the tree’s growing energy, thus keeping it short.

I haven’t yet tried this, but I’ll certainly let you know how it turns out.

By Leslie Kryder

PS. Two other books, which are available from the public library, are: Fruit Trees in Small Spaces: Abundant Harvests from Your Own Back Yard, by Colby Eierman, and Pruning Made Easy: The Complete Guide to Pruning Roses, Climbers, Hedges, and Fruit Trees, by Peter McHoy.

Indian Pueblo Cultural Center: An Albuquerque Treasure

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Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. Photo: Sue Brown.

Whether for two hours or 2 days, a visit to the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center (IPCC) is a treat for your senses as you engage in the fulfillment of its mission, “to preserve and perpetuate the accomplishments and evolving history of the Pueblo people of New Mexico.” This is your “Gateway to the 19 Pueblos of New Mexico.”

Enter the courtyard and you will be captivated with the bold, larger-than-life murals featuring multiple aspects of Pueblo life. Explore them on your own or check the schedule for guided mural discovery tours. While in the courtyard, take advantage of the opportunity to visit with artists who work in various mediums presenting their traditional and modern works.

Each weekend, visitors are invited to the courtyard to experience a kaleidoscope of dance, dress, color, drums, singing and movement with dancers from one of the 19 Pueblos of New Mexico or other Tribal Nations. While many Pueblo dances are closed to the public, incredible dancers share their social dances and, at times, invite visitors to participate in circle dances.

In the museum, “We Are of This Place: The Pueblo Story,” depicts the Pueblo people’s resilience and traditions of honoring life in this land of sacred mountains and rivers. Here, Pueblo people share their history and culture which sustains this sense of place. Learn about water’s importance through symbols on pottery and exhibits tracing the development of waffle gardens and other water-saving farming techniques. Films and headphones enhance your visit with additional choices of what and how to learn. While Covid may have altered a few tactile interactive features, be sure to explore museum sections such as “Grandma’s” kitchen, the seasons, historical religious friction, boarding schools and much more. A newer exhibit features the impact of uranium mining on Laguna Pueblo’s people and land. Resilience is ever present.

The Artists Circle Gallery currently hosts sculptures by Anthony Romero and Jemez artist Cliff Fragua and includes his second rendition of Po’Pay. His first Po’Pay represents New Mexico in National Statuary Hall in the U.S. Capitol. South Gallery recently opened Pivot, a fascinating skateboard exhibit presenting uniquely designed skateboards created by Native artists of all ages.

No visit to IPCC is complete without indulging in the culinary creations of Chef Ray Naranjo at the on-site restaurant, Indian Pueblo Kitchen. The menu offers small plates, sandwiches, New Mexico favorites, desserts and brunch items all day. Try Pueblo stew, elk chili or prime rib dip or for the vegetarian, order the blue corn enchiladas with three sisters (corn, beans, squash). The vibrant mix of colors, tastes and delicious smells will fill your stomach and please your palate. Then don’t forget to take home some bakery items to enjoy later: scones, pueblo pies and cookies. The Indian Pueblo Store, like the museum and the restaurant, is worth a visit by itself to browse exquisite and every updated choices of jewelry, pottery, clothing, books, flutes, mugs, foods and so much more. Arrowheads, books, winged puppets and dreamcatchers are popular with kids. Need a gift? Can’t decide? Gift certificates make much-appreciated gifts and give the recipient an opportunity to explore this local treasure trove.

Designed to present historically accurate Pueblo history, the Indigenous Wisdom Program equips K-12 educators with age-appropriate lesson plans, webinars, and downloadable curriculum. https://indianpueblo.org/category/indigenous-connections/ The IPCC’s Library & Archives is the sole special collections research library preserving Pueblo people’s history and culture. View the catalog online, call for research requests and enjoy the monthly blog’s timely topics and view past blogs. https://indianpueblo.org/category/indigenous-connections/

The Resilience Garden on the north side of the IPCC parking lot, is a living exhibit where you can observe and participate in traditional Pueblo farming techniques, learn to cultivate heirloom seeds. The Seasons of Growth series offers monthly hands-on and virtual learning experiences led by IPCC Cultural Education staff and expert guests. Participants learn the history and how-to of agriculture, sustainability, heirloom crops, pollinators, and pre-contact foods.

Join other readers at the IPCC Pueblo Book Club monthly opportunities to discuss a book by a Native American author or a book about the Pueblo experience. Led by IPCC Cultural Educator, Jon Ghahate, who is often joined by a guest author, readers may currently join in person or by Zoom. Check online or email bookclub@indianpueblo.org for this year’s books, discussion questions, dates and times. You can also view past discussions on line.

No matter how often you visit, you will find new exhibits, merchandise, foods and programs. The final panel in the museum notes that Pueblo people tend not to say goodbye, but “until we meet again.” After one visit, you will certainly want to visit again. by Jeanne Elmhorst

Contact:
Call or check online for current hours for the Museum, Store and Restaurant as they
may shift with Covid guidelines.
505-843-7270
Indianpueblo.org
2401 12th Street NW
Albuquerque, NM 87104
Indian Pueblo Kitchen. (IndianPuebloKitchen.org)
The Indian Pueblo Store (IndianPuebloStore.com)

Rio Grande Compact

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Jan 21, 2022 Update – Without serious actions that reduce water depletions in the Middle Rio Grande,  New Mexico will violate the Rio Grande Compact.  The situation is urgent. Middle Rio Grande total water depletions must be reined in.

New Mexico estimates its 2021 deliveries of water, for use below Elephant Butte Dam, were about -30,000 acre-feet short of meeting its 2021 delivery obligations.  The 2021 annual debit brings the cumulative debit to -127,000 acre feet.  The compact limits New Mexico’s cumulative debit to -200,000 acre-feet at which point the the US supreme Court will decide Rio Grande water users’ future. Middle Rio Grande Water Advocates

Please ask your city council member, county commissioner, members of the ABCWUA Board what their plan is to change this situation within the next two years before there is a tragic loss of control of our water.

Water Bills in this Legislative Session

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New Mexico state house.

During the one-month session from January 18 to February 17, most bills that will be considered are appropriation bills. Funding will also be allocated for agency budgets. The budgets suggested by the executive and Legislative Finance Committee don’t come close to initiating the critical efforts needed to develop active management of water diversion, robust regional planning in priority water basins, or groundwater investigations according to the New Mexican Mid Rio Grande Water Advocates. The legislature may act to enhance some of this necessary funding. There are two water bills which especially need your attention. Contact your legislators to support these two bills.

HB 24 – “State Engineer Water Planning and Management” would help with some of the critical funding shortages in this office.

HB 131- “Water Data Act Implementation” would help with costs of collecting data where there are gaps in our knowledge of water availability, especially in aquifers.

Other water bills to support are:

HB 121 –“Acequia and Community Ditch Fund” would help small-farmer managed associations defend against large developers in expensive court suits among other things.

SB 162 – “Strategic Water Reserve” and SB 18 – “Water Trust Fund” would re-appropriate funds to these ongoing projects.

SB 17 – “Authorization for Certain Water Projects” would allocate funds to municipal and rural water projects that have been vetted by a state-wide committee.

The Legislature has an easy-to-use website http://nmlegis.gov. You can look up your legislators, find what bills they are sponsoring, see PDFs with the actual content of the bills, read analyses of bills, and find which committees they are currently being heard in.

ACTION: Both House Appropriations and Finance (Chair: Patricia Lundstrom) and Senate Finance (Chair: George Munoz) need to include funding for all the water bills in their final budgets. Send them an e-mail. These bills are a start but much more is needed if we are to plan a water future in these changing times.

Searchlight New Mexico has a recent series of investigative reports on our state’s water problems. Take a look at https://searchlightnm.org/water-reform-uphill-battle-in-new-mexico/

Aldo Leopold Trail

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Rio Grande winter. Photo: Katherine Chilton

Named after the famous ecologist Aldo Leopold, this trail takes off a little north of the Rio Grande Nature Center, enters the Bosque as an unpaved trail, and continues north close to the river. When nearing Montano, it loops back through the Bosque. It is a peaceful place to walk, away from the hustle and bustle of the city at any time of the year. Interpretive signs help you understand what you are seeing.

Aldo Leopold (1887-1948) worked for the US Forest Service when he lived in the US Southwest. He had a unique way of getting people together. One of his early accomplishments was to establish the first wilderness area in the US by getting ranchers, hunters, and environmentalists to see how all benefited by protecting large parcels of land from encroachment. The Gila Wilderness near Silver City is the result of this work.

“We abuse land because we see it as a commodity belonging to us. When we see land as a community to which we belong, we may begin to use it with love and respect.” —Aldo Leopold

When Aldo Leopold lived in Albuquerque, he continued with his vision to preserve habitats, this time along the river. One area he promoted for preserving later became the Rio Grande Valley State Park. He also promoted the creation of the zoo, botanical garden, and nature center. His leadership was recognized, and he became the Secretary of the Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce before eventually moving to Wisconsin in 1924, where he taught at the University of Wisconsin. His book of essays, A Sand County Almanac, is widely recognized as a literary classic as well as having shaped modern conservation.

To find a map and more information on the Trail, go to cabq.gov/parksandrecreation/open-space/lands/aldo-leopold-forest.

Faith and Doom

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by George Muedeking

As we watch the slow death of ancient ecosystems such as the Rio Grande Bosque, the dwindling flow of water. and the dying off of cottonwoods, we find ourselves in a Cassandra-like dilemma of knowing the future but seemingly unable to avoid the deadly consequences of the present. Doom: “A common feeling of ugh or dread upon realizing that technological progress and economic growth and development are the root of our predicament, not our way out.”[1] We desperately need significant social and cultural change at a time when the world’s leaders are hesitant and willingly avoid the needed commitments. What are we to do? Where do we go for hope?

“Stupidity” is a word so encrusted with pejorative meanings that we lose sight of its intended usage:  To act irrationally in the face of obvious consequences (such as kissing a rattlesnake on the lips). Or, in this case, stupidity is a denial of reality to the degree that one’s own survival, to say nothing of the survival of others, is imperiled. In a way, denying reality is a type of grief avoidance, but in the current circumstances those who dismiss or minimize global warming and its dire consequences have been co-opted by political forces that have the most egregious of motives, i.e., greed and power at any cost.

We must accept the fulness of our reality, knowing the extent of the tragedy, but in the knowing also finding a way to transcend toward a deeper, more compassionate spiritual aliveness. “When you realize that the whole world is a living system that can only thrive when death makes room for new life, it allows you to reconnect with the alive world in a more compassionate way.”[2]

Joanna Macy wrote, “There is science now to construct the story of the journey we have made on this Earth, the story that connects us with all beings.  Right now we need to remember that story — to harvest it and taste it.  For we are in a hard time.  And it is knowledge of the bigger story that is going to carry us through.”[3]  

For many years I jogged and hiked in the East Mountains near Albuquerque and have now moved to the foothills of Albuquerque where I continue to carry on my daily routine. Going out at the same time nearly every day allows one to see the subtle seasonal changes, the moon’s phases, and animal habits. I am so grateful for the visionaries who created the National Forest preserves and the Open Space parks around Albuquerque.

Now in the winter, it is dark when I leave the house. My headlamp catches the disembodied eyes of grazing groups of deer, sometimes a coyote, jackrabbit, or other mammal. I have come to know and respect the cycles, short and long, in what I observe. Lately the long cycle of the evergreen trees, the much longer cycle of creek beds, and the forever cycle of the mountains have captured my attention. A huge boulder rolled into an open field at some point. How did it stray so far from the mountain? Then I realize the foothills were much taller at a previous time. The boulders rolling with a speed that would send them far. The hills look worn and crumbling. The rock at their core transforms into first the boulders, then the rocks, then the stones, then the sand, where it becomes soil as the elevation lowers until vegetation takes over, becoming thicker as it moves toward the River, until the vast Cottonwood Forest which looks impenetrable from this distance.

I mourn the disappearance of the short-term life cycles of the animals and trees, but the grief I feel is magnified lately by foreseeing my own termination on this earth. The culture that sustained me has already disappeared to a great extent. Cultural change seems to have accelerated, pulled toward some far-off magnet where its energy will finally dissipate into the life cycle of another, unknown realm. The inevitability of my own demise allows for a melting of my consciousness into that of the cycles I observe. I feel stronger knowing that I am part of a process that involves me in it, too. I am closer to being one with what I see.

What cycles help you explore your place in the world? Does the epic of evolution or the story of our universe expand your sense of identity or help you trust time and nature, evolution and ecology? Does understanding the rise and fall of previous civilizations assist you in accepting our fate? To see how 77 different environmentalists and futurists have responded to the issues of climate doom, I suggest going to the website www.postDoom.com and joining the discussion.   

[1] PostDoom website

[2] Victoria Loorz, Church of the Wild: How Nature Invites Us Into the Sacred (Broadleaf Books, 2021).

[3] Quoted on PostDoom Website