More than 100 Trees Planted via Interfaith Forest of Bliss Campaign

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By Ann McCartney

Trees are getting planted!

In a broad interfaith effort, up to a 100 trees have been planted by faith organizations and individuals in support of the Sikh Gudwara’s plan to plant 550 trees in honor of the birth of their founder 550 years ago.

The original planting for this Interfaith Forest of Bliss campaign took place in Alvarado Park in Albuquerque in spring 2019. The COVID-19 pandemic slowed down our efforts but we are back to getting some trees planted.

A few trees were planted last fall as part of the Front Yard Garden program run by Bernalillo County. And our Forest of Bliss group also participated in the AbqCiqlovia event in October 2020 to promote planting of trees in the International District of Albuquerque.

New plantings

Currently, we are planning to plant a few trees in Albuquerque on February 23, 2021 to honor the 400,000 Americans who have passed from COVID- 19. We also have an opportunity to plant a group of fruit trees in the Tiny Homes Village Garden in the International District.

Forest of Bliss is also exploring other opportunities to continue planting fruit trees in front yards and trees in Albuquerque city parks. There are plans to help with wetland restoration projects with Rio Grande Return, a non-profit which specializes in wetland restoration and has projects in Bernardo, the Canadian River up north and the sacred spring on Kirtland Air Force Base.

Meanwhile, the Sikh Gudwara has the possibility of a large planting in Bosque wetland on state trust land adjacent to Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge.

We are always in need of donations for trees and often can use help with planting as our plans develop and come to fruition – and we love the participation of people from all faiths and walks as we pray and gather to bless and support the trees being planted.  Donate here via PayPal or send a check to New Mexico Interfaith Power & Light, PO Box 27162 Albuquerque, NM 87125-7162

We are keeping track of trees planted by individuals and congregations as part of the Forest of Bliss campaign.  Here is a list.

Watch for upcoming Forest of Bliss events and projects via our online calendar.

Virtual Town Hall Examines Oil & Gas Issues in SE New Mexico

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Community members from Citizens Caring for the Future (CCFF) in Southeast New Mexico shared their experiences on bringing their voices to statewide policy discussions on oil and gas – addressing air emissions, waste issues and lack of publicly accessible information.

National Geographic: Drilling Threatens NM Water, Caves

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A National Geographic investigation has found that Permian Basin energy exploration could taint residential aquifers with pollutants—as well as Carlsbad Caverns and other cave systems.

Here are excerpts of an article by Jennifer Oldham (February 3, 20201)

“A National Geographic investigation found that the Trump Administration’s push to open these public lands for energy exploration puts Carlsbad Caverns, scores of other caves in New Mexico, and aquifers that supply drinking water to tens of thousands of homeowners at risk of contamination.

What’s more, the threat to the region’s unique cave ecosystems and aquifers isn’t likely to recede during President Joe Biden’s administration.

As he promised during his campaign, Biden on January 27 paused new oil and natural gas leasing on federal lands, in order to undertake a ‘comprehensive review’ of the nation’s fossil fuels program. The pause only affects new development, however. It does not stop companies from drilling on existing leases, and it allows agencies to continue to approve permits for additional drilling there.”

Read full article