A monumental recovery effort is underway in northern New Mexico following the devastating Hermit's Peak/Calf Canyon wildfire, the largest in the state's recorded history. Spawned by botched prescribed burns in 2022, the fire left large areas reduced to ash, prompting a dedicated team of volunteers to take action.
Recently, a group of volunteers spent hours planting nearly 400 ponderosa pine seedlings in areas identified as high priorities by the U.S. Forest Service due to the severity of the burn. The goal is to create islands of trees that will help regenerate the forest over time.
The Nature Conservancy and New Mexico Highlands University have donated thousands of seedlings for the project. Researchers are experimenting with drought-hardening some seedlings to prepare them for the warmer, drier conditions they may face in the burn scars.
The planting efforts are ongoing, with volunteers working daily through early October to get the seedlings in the ground before the first freeze. The team aims to bolster the infrastructure needed for seed banks, seedling growth, and post-fire planting to address the increasing wildfire devastation across the U.S.
In the last two years, extensive reseeding and mitigation efforts have been made in the burn scar area, including seeding, mulching, and building flood control structures. While some areas are showing signs of recovery, others require more time and funding to address severe damage.
Despite the challenges, there is hope as ground cover improves, with new growth observed in certain areas. The resilience of nature and the dedication of volunteers offer a beacon of hope for the recovery of the fire-ravaged landscapes in northern New Mexico.
