Living in Harmony with Urban Wildlife, Plant Care During a Dry Winter & Food Insecurity in New Mexico | 12.13.21

New Mexico in Focus (A Production of NMPBS)

Wildlife doesn’t adhere to borders – that's the message from an urban ecologist as Environment Reporter Laura Paskus explores the animal life in New Mexico cities. She asks how humans can coexist with foxes, coyotes, bobcats and raccoons, and more. This special episode features video and images from viewers around New Mexico who shared information about the wildlife they see in their neighborhoods and communities.

We’d love to hear from even more New Mexicans! Add photos and information about the wildlife you see in your neighborhood on our interactive map.

We also bring you two of our recent Facebook Live conversations. First, on the Our Land side, we catch up with a plant expert for some tips on how to care for your lawn and plant life this winter, when conditions are still so dry and temperatures are higher. And, host Gene Grant finds out what organizations are doing in New Mexico this holiday season and year round to help those struggling with food insecurity.

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham is proposing a 7% pay hike for public educators across the state. The Line Opinion Panel discusses whether or not it’s enough to compensate teachers for pandemic stresses, or to fill growing vacancies at districts around the state.

Line Opinion Panelists:

Diane Snyder, Former State Senator

Eric Griego, Former State Senator

Tom Garrity, Garrity Group Public Relations

Guests:

Zoë Rossman, Urban Ecologist and UNM Graduate Student

Ari Herring, Rio Grande Food Project

Erin Garrison, Food is Free Albuquerque

Ashley Rammeslberg, ABQ Free Fridge

Juan Suarez, ABQ Free Fridge

Carlos Bustos, water conservation program manager, Albuquerque-Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority

For More Information:

Our Land - Instagram

Wildlife Ecology & Photography – ZoeRossman.com

Details of Teacher Raise Proposal in New Mexico – Associated Press

Gov. Proposes 7% Raise for NM Educators – Albuquerque Journal

Governor Plans on 7% Raises for NM Educators – Governor's Office

Rio Grande Food Project

Food is Free Albuquerque

ABQ Free Fridge

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