Spring
The season of regenerationInvest in our conservation and education programs
It’s Nesting Season!
We’ve assembled information to help you learn about local bird nests and nesting habits and how to identify nests of some of our common local birds.
Learn what to do if you find a baby bird
Learn about nestlings and fledglings and what to do if you find a baby bird out of its nest.
Help fight the Lirio acuático (Water Hyacinth) Invasion in the Presa Allende
RESCATEMOS LA PRESA ALLENDE
RESCUE THE PRESA ALLENDE
Lirio acuatico (Water Hyacinth) in green
We are actively fighting the infestation of Lirio acuático (Water Hyacinth ) and its exponential growth in the Presa Ignacio Allende.
This invasive plant is jeopardizing the livelihoods of the local fishing community and threatening the health of birds and other wildlife, public health (a breeding ground for mosquitos), as well as the recreational and scenic enjoyment of this precious asset. Find out more about the Lirio crisis here.
Solving our Lirio Acuático crisis will take a community effort. We invite you to bring your skills and talents to the campaign.
DONATE TO OUR LIRIO ENTERPRISE CAMPAIGN!
We have raised funds to purchase two grinders to process Lirio for compost, mulch and raw ingredients for brick making and industrial absorbents – initiatives that are creating jobs in the communities surrounding the Presa Allende and putting the lirio to productive use.
We are now in the trial and testing phase to train workers and develop protocols for best management practices.
HELP US TO THE NEXT STEP! Our ultimate goal with these enterprise projects is to develop community capacity to operate these projects on their own. Providing initial start-up funds for workers, bags, gasoline, oil, and safety equipment, which community members cannot afford, will help get us closer to the goal of self-sufficiency.
FUNDS RAISED SO FAR!
Sending out a big thank you to all of the investors in the Lirio campaign!
OUTDOOR & CONSERVATION EVENTS
Getting outside is good for you and nature
VOLUNTEER, SAVE A NATIVE TREE
MARCH: Saturday 23 and Sunday 24
Our native Mesquites and Huizaches are plagued by an air plant called Paxtle and two species of parasitic plants. Without volunteers to remove these plants, the trees will not survive. Learn more and then join us for a rewarding morning!!
Trees Cleaned!!
KAYAK OUTINGS
CANCELLED FOR THE FORSEEABLE FUTURE
Due to low water levels and the Lirio Aquatico (water hyacinth) infestation we are cancelling our kayak outings for the forseeable future. We are extremely disappointed to have lost this recreational opportunity due to the failure of land practices and our Federal water agency’s refusal to take action in safeguarding our water.
MONTHLY BIRDWALKS
Take a Walk on the Wildside!
Our monthly birdwalks take place the 3rd Saturday of every month in a countryside location.
Join our expert birders who will help you to explore and know the birds of San Miguel. Enjoy the company of others who love to get outside to enjoy nature! Open to all birders, beginning and experienced alike.
March birdwalk is full unless you have a car.
Now taking registrations for Saturday, April 20 birdwalk
VOLUNTEER FOR THE RIO LAJA TRAIL GUIDE PROJECT!
Seeking volunteers to help us update our online Rio Laja Trail guide. Help others enjoy the trail, see the Rio Laja through new eyes, and have fun in the process.
NIÑOS Y NATURALEZA PROGRAM
Developing caring connections between children and nature
Taking our students outdoors where nature lives, to learn and to engage in experiences that build wonder, curiosity and appreciation for the natural world.
Kids need healthy doses of Vitamin N(ature)
Kids who have made positive connections with Nature are happier and healthier and more empathic, mindful and empowered to shape their future. They do better in school, too!
Take a minute to read this Mexican study showing that children who grow up feeling close to nature are happier and more likely to care for the planet than those who suffer from ‘nature deficit disorder’. Read all about it.
The film “The Beginning of Life,” explores how connections between children and nature can help us tackle the greatest challenges facing humanity today and help them lead healthier and more satisfying lives. Available on Netflix. Watch the trailer now
Bringing learning to life through School Gardens
GARDENING FOR WILDLIFE
POINSETTIAS FOR BUTTERFLIES
Native to Mexico, flor de nochebuena or poinsettia (named after the man who brought it to the U.S.) grows wild in canyons and ravines. First cultivated by the Aztecs, it was used by Aztez and Mayan people for medicinal purposes.
The brightly colored structures we think of as flower petals are actually modified leaves (bracts), which attract pollinators to the tiny actual flowers at the center. In wild poinsettias, the bracts are typically bright red, but horticulturists have now bred varieties in varying shades.
In San Miguel and other warm climates this plant can be grown outdoors to attract butterflies to your garden. After the stems become leggy, prune the stems back to six inches and continue to water. When the soil begins to warm up, plant into the soil in a site with afternoon shade. Provide regular water. Within a few months you’ll have a nice little bush, keep pruned or let them grow to their native size of around 6 feet. When the days become shorter, you should see the bracts begin to show color.
Instead of throwing your poinsettia away after the holiday season,
consider growing it for food for butterflies!
Attract Birds, Butterflies & Other Wildlife to your Garden
Information about plants, planting, resources and other good things to know about making your garden wildlife friendly. Stop by our pollinator friendly garden at Parque Juarez to learn about gardening for pollinators or check out our resource section of the website!
Watch Ecologist Amanda Schnochet
An inspiring Ted Talk about how Amanda found a glimmer hope for the future by studying how bumble bees survive by navigating small urban land patches… and learned that even one passionate gardener can make a positive impact.
The Wonder of Life…
A wonderful, inspiring short to watch and share about the work of animal photographer, Tim Flach.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Our monthly newsletter will keep you up to date on our scheduled events, our work, and features monthly nature-related articles.