Kicking Off My Xerces Society Pollinator Habitat Restoration Project
For years, I’ve been working on land reclamation projects right here on my property in northern New Mexico. My goal has always been to transform the weedy, disturbed areas into thriving meadows of native grasses and wildflowers. It hasn’t been easy—some days it feels like I’ve barely scratched the surface—but today, I can actually see the progress.
This summer I submitted a proposal to the Xerces Society for their New Mexico Pollinator Habitat Restoration Program and was awarded an Upland Restoration Kit. The kit included 98 seedlings across seven different native plant species. These plants are already filling in bare patches and helping me expand my existing meadow into an area that had previously been overrun with invasive weeds.
Why Native Plants Matter in New Mexico
Living in New Mexico, I know how precious water is. That’s why I focus on cultivating a native landscape—plants adapted to thrive in our arid climate without excess irrigation. By planting natives, I’m not only conserving water, but also:
- Building a bioregional herbal apothecary that connects people to the plants that have always grown here
- Supporting local pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds
- Honoring the land-based traditions of my culture and community
Gratitude for Support
Projects like this don’t happen alone. A huge thank you to the Xerces Society for trusting me with this restoration effort. And of course, gratitude to my husband Cory, my ever-patient hole digger. Over the past year, I’ve planted over 200 seedlings and I don’t think I could have done it without his help – we have very clayey and rocky soil, so it’s quite a workout to dig that many holes!
This work is part of my long-term vision: to create a reclaimed native landscape that provides critical habitat for pollinators while serving the community as a source of traditional herbs and ecological inspiration.
