Fall Updates
October has brought a good soaking of rain, cooler mornings, and a lot of gratitude around here. Here’s what we’ve been up to.
$40,000 for outdoor education
We’re thrilled to announce that Taos Land Trust has received $40,000 from NMORD’s Outdoor Equity Fund to support our education programs. This funding also helps sustain our farm and other programs, so it’s felt across the whole organization. Thank you to everyone who helps get Taos kids and families outside.
E.M.B.E.R. is officially underway
Our new E.M.B.E.R. curriculum (Ecological Monitoring & Biological Exploration for Resiliency) has kicked off with students at Arroyos del Norte, and we’ll be starting soon with Anansi Charter.
E.M.B.E.R. is a youth-focused, long-term study of how forest thinning and fire mitigation affect lower montane forest habitat. It’s centered on the 144 acres we acquired in El Salto last December, bordering Carson National Forest and the Wheeler Peak Wilderness. This land is in the highest-priority area for wildfire mitigation in the Taos County Community Wildfire Prevention Plan, and it’s also critical habitat for the threatened Mexican Spotted Owl.
Students will take part in real ecological monitoring and learn about ecology, land management, and statistics, while younger students explore healthy habitats, animal biology, and food webs. Our summer interns have already completed the baseline monitoring, so the students are building on real data.
Meet our summer interns and apprentices
When the rain kept us indoors this past month, we asked our interns and apprentices to reflect on their time with us. We’re proud to share their words:
Andrea Montoya, Healthy Soils Intern, a proud Norteña and sophomore studying Environmental Science at the University of Chicago, wrote: “The highlight of my internship was not just the fieldwork, it was the people.” From noxious weed trials in the wetlands to working alongside “mischievous goats and silly turkeys,” she shares what environmental science looks like in real life. Read Andrea’s full post →
Diego Salazar, Garden Apprentice, spent seven months learning organic and regenerative gardening, from early spring bed prep to fall harvest. He wrote: “I was amazed at how with the proper sustainable and regenerative techniques we were able to overcome [one of NM’s driest years on record] and have a largely successful season.” He also tells the story of guiding a group of TISA kindergarteners as they planted two 50-foot rows of green beans, and of the regulars who stopped by the garden to chat. Read Diego’s full post →
Volunteer shoutout: Caroline Dechert
A big thank-you to Caroline Dechert, who has helped with goat care and the greenhouse, volunteered with us every week, and mentored community gardeners. We’re so grateful for her time and generosity.
Join us: weekend goat care volunteer needed
We’re looking for one more volunteer to help care for our goats on Sunday nights. It takes about 20 minutes each time. You’ll feed the goats, and you’re welcome to head inside for free goat cuddles. We’re looking for someone who can commit to helping every week. Interested? Email avery@taoslandtrust.org.
Help us keep growing
Everything you read about here, from students monitoring owl habitat to kindergarteners planting green beans, happens because this community shows up. Grants like the Outdoor Equity Fund get us started, and gifts from neighbors and friends are what keep these programs going season after season. If you’re able, please consider making a donation to support our education programs, our farm, and the land we all share. Every gift, big or small, helps us get more Taos kids outside and care for the places we call home.
Thank you for being part of this community. We’re glad you’re here.
Upcoming events
Teacher Training with SEL4NM: Social-Emotional Learning in an Outdoor Classroom
Free for local educators. November 4, 9am–1pm, location TBD. Sign-up required: email wicks@taoslandtrust.org or call 575-751-3138.
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