Local

How do you use your National Forests? Are you a camper, hiker, equestrian, mountain biker, motorcyclist or an Off-road driver? Given that the National Forests aren't growing (in acreage) but the number of users is, there is some friction between different user groups. To address growing traffic in the woods, the US Forest Service is asking for your input on how our National Forests should be used in a new Travel Management Plan.

The Santa Fe National Forest released its

Sometimes you just have to stop and smell the flowers. But, smell carefully. The cacti are in bloom along the Dorothy Stewart trail where I saw a bee busily collecting nectar and spreading pollen on this Prickly Pear blossom. It was definitely worth taking a moment to smell the flowers to see this, despite getting drenched in a downpour later on that mountain bike ride.

More Info:

Wikipedia: Prickly Pear Cactus

Wikipedia: Bees

What: Taos Solar Music Festival
When: June 27th - 29th, 2008
Where: Kit Carson Memorial Park, Taos, NM

The 10th Annual Taos Solar Music Festival is a great chance to see some of the best live music under the Sun. The festival features national touring acts and local favorite musicians in the solar capital of Northern New Mexico. Put on your dancing shoes and sunscreen for three days of music, food, renewable energy demonstrations, environmental and wildlife protection groups, green builders, solar and wind technicians and installers, and more!

Musical Acts

What: Bike To Work Week
When: May 12 - 16, 2008
Where: Nationwide

If you're looking for a way to save money on gas this year, here's a way to get unlimited miles per gallon. Instead of a gas-guzzling car, truck or SUV, try driving a bicycle to work for a week. The League of American Bicyclists is sponsoring their annual Bike to Work Week and Bike to work Day from May 12 through 16 this year. Check out the Bike Month Special Events to see what events may be happening near you.

What: Sustainability Week and GreenBuilt Tour New Mexico
When: May 10 - 18, 2008
Where: Albuquerque, Santa Fe and Taos, NM

I've been reading about Green Building and scores of new ideas and technologies being developed. With so many possible building designs and techniques the choices can be overwhelming. I think it's time to check out some green homes and buildings to see what works and what doesn't. Just in time for Spring home improvement and house hunting season here comes Sustainability Week and the New Mexico GreenBuilt Tour.

Just thought I'd take a moment to appreciate San Antonio mountain on this Earth Day 2008. If you ever driven on U.S. 285 in northern New Mexico or southern Colorado you've seen San Antonio. It's the freestanding remnants of an ancient volcano standing in the middle of a vast grassland. San Antonio mountain is maintained as a Wilderness Study Area and is home to many species, including a large herd of elk through the winter.

'It ain't over until it's over.'

Spring in the Rocky Mountains doesn't begin precisely on the Spring Equinox. Winter can hang on for several weeks, especially among the mountain peaks. Snow storms in the spring are a common enough occurrence, yet they still manage to surprise visitors and locals. I love these spring snow storms for the water they bring, the bright white coat they give the mountains and skiing for those willing to hike for their turns.

SnowCode.org

What: Stream Team Santa Fe River Tree Planting Day
When: Saturday, April 5, 2008, 10am-3pm
Where: On the Santa Fe River near Santa Fe, NM

On Saturday, April 5th join with WildEarth Guardians' members, supporters and volunteers to become a Stream Team Activist by gathering pledges and planting trees for each pledge. These trees become restored streamside habitat for wildlife such as endangered Southwest Willow Flycatchers and beavers.

Why Do Rivers Need to Be Restored?