In September, TWP delivered dozens of native plant species to their new home at the Kwiyagat Community Academy (KCA) in Towaoc, Colorado. Grown by Tribal partners within the Santa Ana Native Plant Nursery, these plants will be integrated into KCA’s efforts to develop culturally-relevant education and sustain Native stewardship values.

For over 25 years, our home base has been in Fort Collins, Colorado. But as our work in New Mexico grows, we’ve been reminded of the power of simply being there. And being there can mean so much – it’s knowing the landscapes, it’s knowing the people, and it’s investing in close relationships with both.

As we watched smoke from the Alexander Mountain fire fill the skies last month, and remember other devastating wildfires in Colorado and New Mexico over the past years, it’s easy to see fire as only a destructive force. Wildfires are spreading faster, lasting longer, and burning hotter than ever before.

On August 10, 1680, the Pueblo nations of New Mexico rose up against the Spanish colonizers. For over eighty years, the Pueblo people suffered violence, cruelty, and hunger; exploitation of labor and resources; harassment and persecution for practicing long-held religious traditions that are interwoven in daily life; and psychological and physical stress. Pueblo leaders realized negotiations with the Spaniards was useless.

SANTA FE, N.M. July 29, 2024 – On July 24th, 2024, Trees, Water & People (TWP) signed two separate agreements with the Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF) to build upon successful collaborations between TWP, SFNF and local Pueblos on reforestation, watershed improvement and forest restoration within the Jemez Ranger District of SFNF.

Indigenous lands are ancestral lands. Ancestral lands are all lands.

This is an echo of the survival and resiliency of our ancestral lineage from the elders to the youth. In New Mexico there are twenty three sovereign Tribal nations that steward the land for preservation, restoration, protection, education and peace. These are the same beliefs our ancestors upheld and passed on through generations.

One of the questions we get most often at Trees, Water & People from well-meaning donors of all sizes is, “So… how many trees can we plant for this many dollars”?

Prior to the 19th century, these gentle giants roamed the Earth freely and abundantly, with population estimates ranging anywhere from 10 million to over 100 million at their peak. It’s harrowing to learn the history of how European settlers drove this species to near extinction; by 1889, only a few hundred remained.

Summer is in full effect for us at Trees, Water & People (TWP). Summer is filled with beautiful weather giving us the opportunity to have family gatherings, explore the outdoors, relax and rejuvenate. But amongst these long-summer days, we remain committed to the importance of our work during this season.

It’s true that April showers bring May flowers. My April was filled with exciting travels and attending in-person conferences. These travels showered newly planted seeds of partnerships and innovative ideas that have now begun to sprout this month.

Originating from Pueblo-led forest restoration projects in New Mexico, the collaboration of Trees, Water & People and The Nature Conservancy was developed to share vision, experience, determination, and our Pueblo connections, in order to further the efforts of stewarding valuable Tribal forests.

In the midst of media chaos, uncertain climate futures, and economic instability, our youth are facing both complex and unprecedented challenges. Our Tribal partners have always known the importance of cultivating and empowering youth to be future leaders through knowledge sharing, cultural immersion, and granting opportunities.

Santa Ana - In a groundbreaking gathering from January 29th - February 1st, 2024, the inaugural Tribal Forest and Fire Summit convened at Santa Ana Pueblo, NM uniting over 175 participants from 22 pueblos, tribes, and native nations. This catalyzing event also welcomed a broad spectrum of agencies and nonprofits from across the state, fostering a vibrant forum for exchanging ideas on land management, conservation, and forest fire mitigation.

In the last two decades, wildfires have ravaged Tribal lands and its protective boundaries. As the fires were suppressed and recovery plans started to percolate, one key restoration item was never brought up - replacing and updating the pre-existing fence line.

Stories of hope and adversity have echoed through the livelihoods of Indigenous voices for time immemorial. There are times for humilIty during a storm and times for resilience. Those stories show us when to have humility and when to have resilience.

The American Bison is a keystone species that was almost eradicated from the landscape in America in less than 80 years by the United States and its citizens. The number of bison on the ground in North America was estimated to be between 20-60 million between the 1600’s and 1800’s.

Trees, Water & People (TWP) was honored to co-host Fort Collins’ 2023 Indigenous People’s Day Celebration at the site of the new mural painted to honor the ancestral homelands of Arapahoe, Cheyenne, Pawnee, Lakota, Ute and other Plains and Rocky Mountain Tribes.

Trees, Water & People (TWP) was honored to participate in a convening of New Mexico Foundation grantees just outside of Albuquerque this past July.

Trees, Water & People shares the grief felt by all mourning the tragic death of David Bartecchi. Dave was a longtime friend, peer, and collaborator of TWP’s, and was the Executive Director of Village Earth, a global educational organization based here in Fort Collins, CO.

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. Even with support and resources, the road to recovery remains long and challenging.