November 1, 2021
Later this month, visitors to the Garden will begin to see a lot of activity in the Piñon-Juniper Woodland (PJW). The Garden has contracted with Watershed Artisans to establish rock-lined meandering waterways, including Zuni bowls, to capture water and improve groundwater recharge in this section of the Garden. Next spring, the company will return to create limestone and sandstone outcroppings on the east-facing shelf of the Woodland. This conservation work will both beautify and stabilize the eroding arroyo shelf.
The Piñon-Juniper Woodland, which opened in June 2021, will continue in site improvements and developments including:
- Interpretive signage
- Plantings (additional plantings in Spring 2022)
- Work with the National Park Service for an interpretive panel regarding the Historic Santa Fe Trail
- Two phases of work to conserve and preserve the PJW from erosion,
Watershed Artisans, will complete its work in two phases during the Garden’s slower winter season. For two weeks in November, surface water run off areas will be addressed from the west to east across the PJW using rock lined meandering waterways, including Zuni bowls for capture and groundwater recharge.
Later in March/April 2022 for five weeks, Watershed Artisans will create, using limestone and sandstone, sculptured outcroppings on the east facing shelf of the PJW as it descends towards the arroyo. This work is designed to beautify and stabilize the PJW shelf. This enhancement represents a long-term commitment by the Garden to restore and conserve the land it is honored to lease from the Department of Cultural Affairs.
Considerable design and planning work has been conducted to prudently control costs while maximizing the Garden’s return on investment. Funding was secured from private sources, including several Board members.
We appreciate every Garden stakeholder and look forward to revealing future similar visitor experience enhancements in 2022 and beyond. Many thanks.
