JMT News:
Jemez Mountain Trail – a national scenic byway – is amping up its aesthetic appeal with a more than 30 mile cleanup effort April 23, in honor of Earth Day. Volunteers are needed.
“The drive to Jemez Springs along the idyllic Jemez Mountain Trail is beautiful any time of year, so we want to ensure that the view isn’t spoiled by trash and empty bottles dumped along the side of the road,” said Margaia Forcier-Call of Jemez Sustainable Solutions. “We encourage anyone who cares about the earth and wants to pitch in on Earth Day to head up to this beautiful region, and lend a hand.”
Beginning at 9 a.m., volunteers will load litter and trash into bags which will be picked up by trucks. The cleanup starts at mile marker zero near San Ysidro Pueblo and continues through Jemez Springs and La Cueva to mile marker 36, near the Valles Caldera National Preserve. The cleanup will continue until noon.
Four stations will be setup along the route and are located at: CWW Feed Store in San Ysidro; Trail House Grill in Cañon; Stage Stop restaurant in Jemez Springs; and Amanda’s Jemez Mountain Country Store in La Cueva. Volunteers will need to sign a waiver at one of the stations, and need to pick up and wear a safety vest. Volunteers are asked to dress in layers, and are not permitted to wear open shoes or sandals.
Two volunteers will be assigned for every mile.
As part of the Earth Day event, a Farmer’s Market and plant sale is 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Jemez Springs Plaza, where locally grown plants, herbs and other items will be sold.
Also at the Plaza, in the conference room, a film will be shown at 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. that raises awareness about the health and environmental dangers of water bottles. “Tapped” exposes the bottled water industry’s role in accelerating climate change, contributing to pollution, and increasing America’s dependence on fossil fuels.
Adults can learn how to build redwood planter boxes and prepare them for planting, beginning at 9 a.m. in the Plaza. Anyone who would like to participate is encouraged to bring gloves, hat, sunscreen along with tools to aid in building the planters such as extension cords, screwdrivers, safety goggles and skill saws. Contact organizer Susanna at 575-829-4092 to sign up.
For complete information about the Jemez Mountain Trail Earth Day cleanup event, contact Margaia Forcier-Call at mfc@windstream.net or 575.829.3617.