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August 2, 2022

Blessings this incredible summer time. Amidst so many challenges and sometimes heavy hearts, there is so much to be grateful for like:

Planting new trees

Working as community on legislation

In the midst of drought fruits and veggies

The monsoons

One another

This sacred place that we share.                                                       Intefaith Forest of Bliss planting                                                                                                                      trees at Feed the Hood, ABQ.

Please check out our website for many calendar events and other information.  

Here are several immediate actions for today!

I. The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 will be voted on within the week. It is not perfect. It is a compromise that we need to support. It would deliver funds for health and the biggest single climate investment thus far---$369 billion.

Call your Senators today and urge them to pass these crucial climate investments.

Here are some highlights from the $369 billion in climate investments from the bill:

• Clean energy tax credits for wind and solar, EVs, efficiency upgrades, heat pumps, and much more
• More than $60 billion for environmental justice priorities
• Up to $60 billion for domestic clean energy manufacturing
• $27 billion to speed the development of emissions reductions technologies, especially in disadvantaged communities

We still have more to do to end giveaways to the fossil fuel industry and this bill includes some troubling provisions that are a reflection of the makeup of the U.S. Senate — something we must keep working on to ensure a future where all communities are safe from the threats of fossil fuel production and false climate solutions. IPL will work with our partners to ensure that this bill is able to deliver its full potential of climate benefits.

This is the most significant climate bill in history and will put our nation on the path to cut climate pollution emissions up to 44% by 2030 compared to 2005 levels, create millions of good paying clean energy jobs, invest in environmental justice, and reduce energy bills for working families across the country. 

II. Interfaith Forest of Bliss Tree seedlings for Free---Register for September delivery

The Interfaith Forest of Bliss tree planting project (a program connected with Interfaith Power and Light) ordered small seedlings that will arrive early September. We have chosen very good varieties for our region for low water, beauty, and wildlife and pollinators. We are taking orders with a commitment to pick up the trees in Albuquerque when they arrive and that they will be cared for and loved. If you want to order through your faith community give us the order in one lot. We keep a record of all plantings. Contact Ann McCartney [email protected]. Please order by August 20:

Tree or plant type

Number of trees

Name of person

Location

E-mail and phone address

Faith community

Desert Willow

Growth Rate: Fast

Mature Height: 25 feet

Water Requirements: Low

Alkalinity Tolerance:  high

 Elevation: 3000 – 6000

Cold Hardiness: Fair-Good

Color: It has showy white and pink flowers

Suggested Uses: windbreaks, erosion control, screens, and wildlife plantings.

Pest Problems: no major pests

Tree Description: A native shrub or small tree found in washes and along roadsides. This species is tolerant of poor soils and considerable drought. The wood is often used for fence posts. It has medium calcium carbonate tolerance and low salinity tolerance. The optimum soil pH is 6.6 to 10.0 with intermediate shade tolerance. Crown width 20 feet.

New Mexico Foresteria/ NM Olive

Growth Rate: Moderate

Mature Height: 8-10 feet

Water: Low

Alkalinity: Moderate

Elevation: 4,000-7,500

Cold Hardiness: Good

Color: Small yellow flowers on female plants produce small bluish-black berry

Uses: Windbreaks, wildlife plantings, and erosion control

Pest Problems: none

Description: Also called NM Olive or Privet, this native shrub has a broad range in New Mexico. It is widely used by birds for small black olive-shaped fruit, and forms a dense thicket or small tree excellent for controlling erosion. High calcium carbonate tolerance and medium salinity tolerance. Optimum soil pH is 7.0 to 8.5. It is shade intolerant. The width is between 8 and 12 feet.

Shrubs

Growth Rate: Moderate-fast

Water usage: Low

Alkalinity Tolerance: Moderate-High

Preferred Elevation: 300-7,500

Gold Hardiness: Good

Suggested Uses: Erosion control, wildlife plantings, windbreaks

Pests: None

Description: Low water and drought Tolerant plants including Winterfat, Four-wing saltbrush, Chamisa (rubber rabbitbrush), Littleleaf sumac.