Tree Farmer - March/April 2011 - (Page 24)

Contemplating the Role of Trees in new Mexico Land of Enchantment: Mary by stuever The evening is remarkable. everything about the moment – enchanting. for only a few precious moments the mountains to the east are illuminated, painted rose by the setting sun’s rays. limestone outcrops frame the crest of sandia Peak, and in this light easily form the “rind” of the Watermelon Mountains. There is a fierce group of new Mexicans who will insist the sandias are named for these magic sunset moments when the mountains turn the deep pinkish red of the fruit. yet the spanish word “sandia” can also refer to the gourds that the farmers from the sandia Pueblo grow, and the pueblo could have been named for the gourds, and then the mountain named for the pueblo. The path before me heads down to the river – the Rio Grande. I am heading toward this river, yet, before I get there, I will first wander through a very special forest called the bosque. Yet another Spanish word, bosque means forest, but in the Southwest the word is mostly reserved to describe the forest that grows along the major waterways. This particular bosque has an amazing story. I walk toward these woods filled with a sense of awe and expectation. This evening, my mission is one of preparation for summer 2011, a time when my friends and colleagues will welcome Tree Farmers and their fami- lies from across the country to New Mexico for the 18th Annual National Tree Farmer Convention: “Connecting Land and People.” Behind me, the Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort and Spa, the convention hotel, looms several stories high. One of New Mexico’s premiere retreats, the 24 International Year of Forests, 2011 Tree Farmer MARCH/APRIL 2011 Photo credits: MarbleStreeStudio.com and www.morimotophography.com http://www.morimotophotography.com http://www.MarbleStreetStudio.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Tree Farmer - March/April 2011

Tree Farmer - March/april 2011
Contents
Cover Story
A Farm Bill Progress Report
West Point Tree Farm Profile
Ties to the Land
Land of Enchantment
2011 National Tree Farmer Convention
Wildlife Matters
Sharing Your Experiences

Tree Farmer - March/April 2011