This ecological curriculum for grades 6-8 uses place-based learning and activities to explore concepts in ecology, botany, and social dynamics of Blue Hole Cienega in Santa Rosa, New Mexico. Blue Hole Cienega, a spring-fed wetland in an otherwise arid region, is home to several rare plant species including the Pecos sunflower (Helianthus paradoxus) and Wright’s marsh thistle (Cirsium wrightii). This curriculum was developed by the Institute for Applied Ecology in partnership with the Quivira Coalition, who works with the Santa Rosa community and the New Mexico Environment Department Surface Water Quality Bureau Wetlands Program to guide wetland stewardship in Santa Rosa. Through this effort, it became clear that educating Santa Rosa youth about the unique ecosystem surrounding them is one of the most important steps towards lasting stewardship.The curriculum is part of the Wetland Action Plan funded by the NMED SWQB Wetlands Program. See the Santa Rosa Wetland Action Plan here.
Quivira’s annual publication started out as a printed newsletter and has served as a source for on-the-ground rangeland science, a place for stories and reflections from our community, and a resource on implementation of regenerative agriculture on working lands since the start of the organization. It has since morphed into a high-quality, professionally-designed and printed literary magazine that showcases poetry, written reflections, photography, artwork, and science writing that comes from those who are working or stewarding the land; very few of the contributors are professional writers, highlighting the lived experiences that they bring. If you’re interested in contributing to a future issue, please email communications@quiviracoalition.org.
