New Mexico’s forests provide 50% to 75% of the water used by municipalities and agriculture statewide. However, forest fires, drought, and inadequate forest management pose significant risks to these critical resources.

Efforts by researchers from New Mexico State University (NMSU) and other institutions, alongside state and national initiatives, aim to address gaps in the reforestation pipeline. These efforts will be highlighted during NMSU’s John T. Harrington Forestry Research Center field day on Thursday, Sept. 12, from 9 a.m. to noon at 3021 Highway 518 in Mora, New Mexico.

The event is free and open to the public.

Last year, New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham signed a spending bill allocating $8.5 million for the development of the New Mexico Reforestation Center and $1.5 million for revegetation needs within the state. Additionally, a formal agreement between the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service and the center was established to address growing reforestation needs in the region.

“Research in reforestation is critical to continued success,” said Owen Burney, research director of the John T. Harrington Forestry Research Center. “Science-based reforestation has the single greatest potential for climate change mitigation compared to all other land management activities. However, the backlog of reforestation needs across the United States continues to grow each year in direct response to disturbances such as those caused by fire, insects and disease.”

The John T. Harrington Forestry Research Center is unique in focusing its research efforts along the reforestation pipeline within the four corner states and is one of only five programs nationwide dedicated to this area of study. Research topics include assisted migration and seed transfer guidelines in response to climate change, seedling-based aspen restoration, planting strategies that promote long-term improvements to water resources, and drought-conditioning seedlings during nursery production.

“The climate is changing faster than trees can migrate and adapt through both natural regeneration and conventional tree planting practices,” Burney noted. “It is fundamental that researchers understand how to build climate resiliency for future forests by examining genetic sources, nursery cultural practices, and planting methods that influence morphological and physiological traits that promote tolerance to drought, heat, insect and other stress factors that ultimately lead to greater seedling survival after planting.”

To register for attendance at the event, visit https://rsvp.nmsu.edu/rsvp/moraforestry or call 575-387-2319 for more information.

PHOTO CAPTION: Rolando Flores Galarza, dean of the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences at New Mexico State University speaks with visitors during last year’s field day at John T. Harrington Forestry Research Center in Mora, New Mexico. This year’s field day will take place on Sept. 12 at the same location.

IMAGE DESCRIPTION: A man wearing a hat speaking with a man and a woman.