Plant a tree and commit to reversing climate change
Santa Fe, NM – Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has proclaimed March 2023 as Arbor Month in New Mexico. The second Friday in March is also recognized as Arbor Day in the Land of Enchantment. This year it will be March 10, 2023.
New Mexico finds itself in the midst of warming temperatures and a drier climate that puts stress on our watersheds and urban forests. Drought-weakened trees have become more susceptible to pest infestations and threats from wildland fire. Planting new trees helps decrease pollutants and beautify our landscapes. But it’s important to know just which kinds of trees will thrive in specific areas.
To highlight the importance of New Mexico’s urban trees and forests, the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department’s (EMNRD) Forestry Division will be providing tree seedlings to cities and higher education institutions that have been recognized as a Tree City or a Tree Campus in the past or are currently pursuing certification. Interested communities can apply here; campus applications are available here. Or you can email Alyssa O’Brien at Alyssa.obrien@emnrd.nm.gov.
During the month of March, New Mexico residents can also do their part to help reverse climate change by planting and caring for trees in their own communities.
This state’s unique plant hardiness zones vary largely depending on where you live. If you are thinking of planting a new tree in an urban area, consider a variety that’s water-efficient and drought-resilient. To help decide just what to plant, the Nature Conservancy has created a Climate-Ready Tree List for Albuquerque full of innovative and drought-tolerant trees and shrubs. A state-wide version of this list will be forthcoming later this spring.
“Urban forests provide benefits that are important to all communities. They reduce air and noise pollution, improve mental and physical health, prevent soil erosion, cool off hot pavement, and save energy,” said Alyssa O’Brien, Urban and Community Forestry (UC&F) Program Manager. “Trees can even help contribute to a community’s economy by drawing more visitors to businesses and lowering crime rates.”
The Urban and Community Forestry Program helps communities to develop and sustain healthy urban forests. For more information on the Urban and Community Forestry Program go to https://www.emnrd.nm.gov/sfd/urban-forestry-program/ or email Alyssa O’Brien at Alyssa.obrien@emnrd.nm.gov.
