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Consider a year end contribution to Los Amigos so that we may continue mitigation work on areas of the Valles Caldera National Preserve that were severely impacted by the Las Conchas fire. Donations of $125 or more receive a free Morton print of the Bond Cabin. Contributions are tax deductible. Click here.

Santa Rosa Wetlands Project

October 9, 2011

Santa Rosa Creek Restoration

The Valle Santa Rosa Work Weekend and Campout, was held on September 23-25, 2011. Volunteers from Los Amigos once again worked with the Albuquerque Wildlife Federation (AWF) to accomplish valuable wetland restoration. We had a dedicated crew of 22 workers. It was a pleasure for all of us to work once again with Bill Zeedyk. Bill sets a high work standard for us and he was very pleased with the quality and quantity of our work. Steve Vrooman was also on hand to add his knowledge and creativity to the task at hand.

The weekend started on Friday evening for those hardy individuals camping on the Preserve. It was in the low 20’s both mornings so the breakfast burritos and hot coffee served were very much appreciated. Days were sunny and beautiful, in the mid to high 70’s. Grilled bison and veggie burgers were served to hungry workers at the Saturday evening potluck.

Santa Rosa Creek is a major tributary of San Antonio Creek. Because the Las Conchas fire severely burned Cerros Santa Rosa and Cerros Abrigo, headcuts and stream bank erosion had become a significant problem. With the heavy runoff from summer rain storms on the burned slopes, the erosion problems became much greater. These rains deposited an amazing amount of ash behind the structures we constructed three years ago in the Valle.

Los Amigos and AWF worked together to build structures that will aid in valuable wetland restoration. We used stone that was previously delivered to the work site and dug some sod clumps to fill in between rocks to stabilize head cuts and to plug gullies forming in the creek. The structures built this year will capture more of the ash and will provide an improved growth medium for riparian vegetation.

Work was hard and there were some wet feet but the company of jovial, dedicated workers made up for it. Bill suggests that there is work still to be done in the Valle and other locations which will assist with fire restoration. Plan on coming out next year!

Photos and Text: Peggy Gautier