Fresh Dirt: Scoop #4

Hey Soil Soldiers, 🫡 

Between federal funding freezes, aging infrastructure, and the whiplash of advocating for conservation in chaotic times, New Mexico and the West’s working lands need us more than ever. Here’s the dirt on where we stand—and how you can help turn the tide. 🌊 

Quick Links to Dig Into:

🎯 Field Notes:  Behind the Scenes at Catena HQ

• “Conservation in the Crosshairs” 

  The whiplash is real. As a government contractor, I’ve spent this month pivoting from IRA-funded watershed projects to fire drills for basic soil health programs. The mission hasn’t changed—helping people help the land—but the path? It’s got more switchbacks than the Rio Grande Gorge.  Why we’re still your best bet: 

• We’re nimble: When federal $ stalls, we tap state/local partnerships

• We’re prepared: Our team has shovel-ready plans for urban ag hubs, dam safety assessments, and drought-proofing acequias. We just need the greenlight. 

• We’re stubborn: Our new hires might be in limbo, but we’re still answering every landowner call. (Need help? [Email us] anyway—we’ll find a way.) 

• In the meantime, Meet Joy—Our Beacon of Light and Sound, and New Executive Director of Programs and Engagement. In this new role, Joy oversees the heartbeat of our conservation work.

 🌎️ Real Dirt: Latest in Soil Science Updates

As members of the American Society of Agronomy (ASA), Crop Science Society of America (CSSA), and Soil Science Society of America (SSSA), we’re not just researchers, educators, or certified professionals—we’re the bridge between science and survival. 

Why Advocacy Matters Now More Than Ever 

1. Research funding fuels solutions: From drought-resistant crops to practical soil practices, federal dollars drive the innovations that sustain our food systems.  

2. Certified professionals = trusted voices: Policymakers need technical expertise to craft laws that protect working lands and communities.  

3. The stakes are rising: Extreme weather, soil degradation, and water scarcity demand urgent, science-backed action. 

💧 The Bigger Picture: Water Woes & Working Lands 

🦳 Aging infrastructure = ticking time bomb 💣️ Failing dams and levees along the Rio Grande? 100-year-old acequias crumbling? We’re racing to secure grants before the next flood/mudslide/drought that wipes them all out.

💸 Historic opportunity, stalled: The IRA’s $30M for NM conservation could’ve been a lifeline for small ranchers and urban farms alike. Now? We’re piecing together scraps.  

🥨 But here’s the twist: New Mexico’s SWCDs and conservation partners are used to doing more with less. Tell your representatives to support them to keep the momentum alive!  

🚨 Call to Action: Flood the Roundhouse (With Emails, Not Mud) 

March 5 is SWCD Day at the New Mexico Roundhouse—and we’ll be there, hugging friends and handing legislators a shovel (metaphorically). You can join from home: 

✉️ Script to Email Your Reps (Copy, Paste, Go!):  

Dear [Legislator],  

New Mexico’s soil and water are our lifelines. With federal conservation funding frozen, I urge you to:  

1. Fund SWCDs to keep technical assistance flowing to farmers/ranchers.  

2. Support mutual domestic water systems repairing aging infrastructure.  

3. Allocate state $ to dam/levee safety—we can’t wait for D.C.  

Our land can’t wait for mañana. Vote like community health and safety depends on it. (because it does).  

—[Your Name] 

The Toolbox: Resources for Smarter Soil Stewardship

🪴 Stuck waiting to plant? So are our working lands.
While IRA funding for erosion control and dam safety hangs in limbo, $30M in farmer/rancher assistance for New Mexicans sits idle. The cost? Eroded soil, unsafe drinking water, and lost generations of land stewards.

Are you stuck in funding limbo for your conservation project? Hesitant to move forward with a local government program? Here’s a quick guide to help you soothe the burn from bureaucratic delays: [Click here]

📚️ Roots in the Community: Spotlight on Local Soil Heroes 📚️ 

This week, the City of Boise shared a post on Instagram about staff being antsy to plant but instead, opted for potting indoors and attending the upcoming Water-Wise Workshop Series happening at the library with the Ada Soil and Water Conservation District until frost passes. Sound familiar? Does your local library connect you to gardening resources? Share programs offering gardening resources for your area!

Your takeaway:  

Urban/rural divide? Not here. Whether you’re in ABQ or Abiquiú, your local library and Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD) has resources. [Find yours here].  

🌱 Seeds of Knowledge: Tips to Help You Grow

From Ditch Mowing to Grant Growing—Don’t Let Deadlines Wilt Your Plans. 🥀 

💧 March 1st, 2025: The official start to the irrigation season begins (on paper) for Middle Rio Grande Valley irrigators.

• Do you know your ISO?

• Is your irrigation system ready for the growing season?

• Do you need land-leveling or field planting?

• Ditch/field mowing?

• Problem trees/debris blocking irrigation?

  Find out about all things Middle Rio Grande irrigation and river-flood control via the MRGCD website. 

Questions? Click here to contact us.

💰️ March 19th, 2025: NMDA Healthy Soil Grants Due.

• Pre-plans and approvals are required by Feb. 21st.

• Check out previously funded projects. [Click here]

Questions? Click here to contact us.

🌪️ Why This Moment Matters ⌛️ 

Chaos Has Consequences

Learn which elected officials represent your interests when it comes to agriculture, natural resources, and conservation at the state and local levels.

The time to democratize the dirt is now.

• Landowners: Stalled projects = lost crop production, water and energy efficiency.

• Contractors: Unpaid invoices = layoffs, shuttered businesses.

• All of Us: Tax dollars fund dysfunction instead of protecting critical resources and communities.

Register to vote. Call your representatives. Be heard. 📣 💬 

⏰ Call to Action 🚨 

1. Forward this email to someone who cares about clean soil, air, water, and food.

2. Reply with your story: How has recent funding freeze hurt your work? We’re lifting every voice.

3. Support Fresh Dirt: Donate to keep digital resources free.

🔥 With dirt under my nails,🔥 

-gabby

Gabriella Coughlin  

Founder, Catena Environmental & Commons  

“The mission hasn’t changed. The stakes just got higher.” 

P.S. See you at SWCD Day on March 5! Bring a jar of dirt for a show and tell! 🌱