Planting Seeds of Hope

These are difficult times for everyone. But even as we face threats to our land, waters, and skies, we do our best to balance fierce advocacy efforts with taking time to create and plant spaces that remind us of the generosity of Nung Ochuu Quiyo—our Earth Mother—and our connection to each other.

Thanks to community support, we continue to steward the Healing Foods Oasis in downtown Espanola. The garden is meant to be a resource and refuge for all community members, and you are always welcome to visit! The EHFO is located behind the Española City Hall, on the slope leading down to Valdez Park. Parking is available at the Española Public Library/Lucero Center lot, or on Vietnam Veterans Memorial Road adjacent to the park. 

Our on-site seed library is also open to the public on most Thursdays from 2 – 4 pm. It’s a good idea to contact one of our EJ staff to confirm that they’ll be here if you’d like to come for a visit.

In July, our Environmental Justice Program Coordinators Chenoa Scippio and Ryan Ramaker participated in the Indigenous Sustainable Community Design Course organized by the Traditional Native American Farmers Association (TNAFA). The group built 16 Hek’ko:we — Zuni waffle beds — at Tewa Women United’s nest.

We have more plans for the demo garden space next to our Environmental Justice building, which also includes amaranth and sunflowers. Chenoa is working on a garden design, and we’re developing a composting system.

During these challenging times, Indigenous lifeway such as planting, harvesting, and seed collection and storage are more important than ever. We look forward to sharing more with you as the seasons unfold, and inviting you to be involved in various ways.