Labor of love for Santa Fe River
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Group plans tree planting in recognition of World Water Day
3/21/2008 - 3/22/08
The Santa Fe Watershed Association and the City of Santa Fe are looking for volunteers to help plant 2,000 willows along the Santa Fe River from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. today at San Ysidro Park."As people experience something to do with the river, and willows are part of a river environment, they develop a kinship with the river," said association executive director David Groenfeldt. "That's part of responsible water management. They take an interest in asking the question of, 'Why isn't there water in the river?' "
The willow planting is one of a series of events the nonprofit association is sponsoring to highlight World Water Day, an annual United Nations event designed to raise awareness of the planet's water problems and water resources. "This is think global and act locally," Groenfeldt said.
Two out of every 10 people in the world lack access to safe drinking water, according to the U.N., and four out of 10 lack access to a wastewater system. World Water Day has set a goal of reducing by half the number of people without access to clean water. Problems in providing clean water, especially in developing countries, include poverty, lack of funds to build water systems and increasing populations. "Access to clean water depends on management of the big picture water resources," Groenfeldt said.
Tree planters don't need experience, just a good pair of work gloves and a willingness to get dirty. The association also has extra gloves. The trees' roots will help stabilize the riverbanks over time and prevent sediment from washing into the river. As they mature, the trees also help shade the river to reduce evaporation when only a trickle of water is flowing. Last year, the volunteers planted about 600 willows.
The watershed association also is hosting a meeting today of religious and business leaders to talk about how the city can help its river, dubbed the "most endangered river in America" in 2007 by the national nonprofit American Rivers. A summary of the discussion will be posted on the association's Web site, www.santafewatershed.org.
"Linking religion and business around the river is a novelty. It has attracted people who are spiritually inclined," Groenfeldt said. "What I'm hoping to find is that business logic leads to the same place as the spiritual logic. Every spiritual faith is concerned about rivers. I don't think any faith would be comfortable with killing the river the way we have. Businesses concerned with the long-term economic viability of the community are concerned with the river as well. It's good for the economy to have a healthy river."
The day's events will end with a benefit concert for the Santa Fe Watershed Association at 7 p.m. at Body, 333 Cordova Road. Santa Fe singer Annette Cantor, cellist Michael Kott, Native American flutist Patrick Shendo-Mirabal and percussionist Gregory Gutin will perform. Tickets, at $20 each or $10 for students, can be purchased at the door.
If you miss today's tree planting, there are more to come. WildEarth Guardians will host a volunteer cottonwood planting at San Ysidro Park on April 5. The city and the watershed association will host more willow plantings on April 26 and May 3.
For more information on the plantings, contact Pamela Dupzyk at the Santa Fe Watershed Association, 505-820-1696 or pamelad@santafewatershed.org. Information on the association is available at www.santafewatershed.org.
Contact Staci Matlock at 470-9843 or smatlock@sfnewmexican.com.
IF YOU GO
What: Tree planting along the Santa Fe River in recognition of World Water Day
When: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. today
Where: San Ysidro Park
For more information: Call the Santa Fe Watershed Association at 505-820-1696
