One year ago, my beloved home state of New Mexico experienced its worst wildfire in recorded history. The aftermath of the fire has displaced centuries-old communities, devastated critical ecosystems and challenged how land management policies need to be refined. The road to recovery remains long and challenging even with support and resources. 

But from this catastrophic event, hope and community strength have emerged. This is why our work at Trees, Water & People (TWP) is more crucial than ever. We have the opportunity to take action by channeling our resources, expertise and expanding collaboration measures into post-fire restoration efforts. But more importantly, it gives our Tribal partners the platform to speak on (and amplify) their ancient wisdom of Traditional land management practices and engage in the restoration of their ancestral lands. 

Our current reforestation efforts with the Pueblo of Jemez (within the burn scar of the 2011 Los Conchas wildfire in Jemez Mountains) have provided us with valuable information on how to boost the survival of mixed-conifer seedlings. Monitoring and adaptive management are critical components of the overall reforestation pipeline as it depicts the successes and challenges of our work. As a respected organization in NM, the need for us to communicate these successes is imperative. The data we collect will be instrumental in re-developing reforestation work plans and increasing awareness of how project implementation needs to incorporate Traditional Ecological Knowledge. 

Being in the field recently, I could see the lush little green seedlings thriving in the burned areas. The sight of seeing life come back to this landscape was that shot of hope that the regeneration of mother earth is feasible. But we can’t slow the momentum and progress now. Together we can continue to push forward on restoring these critical landscapes and amplifying Indigenous stewardship practices along the way.