NEWSLETTER

OUR MISSION:
Protect and preserve the natural and cultural heritage of Charco del Ingenio, as well as maintain a botanical garden dedicated to the conservation and study of regional flora and ecosystems, mainly oriented towards environmental education.

INDEX

Vol. XXI, No 05

• THE BOTANICAL GARDEN OPPOSES A NEW GOLF COURSE PROJECT IN SAN MIGUEL
• TEMPORARY EXHIBITION: NATURAL DYES
• SEMI-DESERT PLANTS FAIR
• WILDFIRES: A GROWING REALITY
• PARQUE LANDETA: A NATURAL COMMUNITY SPACE
• “YOUTH BUILDING THE FUTURE”: A FEDERAL PROGRAM AT EL CHARCO
• NEW VIDEO
• Birdwatching at El Charco
• THANKS CHARCO: ACQUIRE OR RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP
• NOTICE TO VISITORS OF THE BOTANICAL GARDEN
• EXPLORE OUR EDITORIAL CONTENT IN DIGITAL FORMAT
• NATURAL HISTORY TOURS:

Learning many languages is building multiple homes for our thinking. 

—Yasnaya Aguilar, Mije Indian thinker from Oaxaca

A few weeks ago, renowned golfer Lorena Ochoa announced on social media the development of a new golf course (the fourth in the municipality of San Miguel de Allende). While the golfer's announcement does not guarantee neither the project's completion nor its location, it does advance the intention of various stakeholders to make an economic investment, resulting in the bursting of an artificial landscape and the destruction of the native vegetation. 

San Miguel is supplied by an extensive underground water table, known as the Independence Aquifer, located in the northern and northeastern region of the state of Guanajuato. It is one of the most overexploited aquifers in the country, a condition that is reflected in the critical supply and quality of the water extracted from it. A business project like the one proposed for this new golf course would condemn the area to ecosystem fragmentation, biodiversity loss, groundwater contamination, disruption of the ecological balance, poverty, and water vulnerability.

From El Charco del Ingenio, we publicly reject the development of this golf course and call for restraint and common sense so that the competent authorities prevent this travesty and take action in favor of life and in accordance with the suitability of our territory.

See Note zonafranca.com.mx

By Rocío Ríos 

Through textiles and prints, pigment extraction processes, and preserved plant specimens, this exhibition invites a close look at color as a result of knowledge transmission, collective practices, and accessible, non-polluting technics. Natural dyes, the colors that have always been there, in your kitchen or garden, are presented not only as a form of artistic expression but also as a respectful relationship between nature and traditional knowledge.  

Saturday, June 20 and Sunday June 21

Reserve now! 

The plants from our region are the outcome of a fascinating process of evolutionary adaptation over millennia, occupying their specific place and function within semi-arid ecosystems. These species have developed varied and surprising strategies that have allowed them to survive water scarcity and extreme temperatures, delighting us with their natural beauty. Similar plants have accompanied the inhabitants of these lands for millennia, offering them food, healing, shelter and sustenance.

In view of the unquestionable reality of global warming, which is especially affecting the semi-arid regions of the planet --like ours--, new strategies are indispensable to face the ongoing desertification process, starting with a change of mentality regarding our gardens, as well as the parks and green areas of our cities. No more English lawns or exotic plants with high water consumption. It is time to look at the diversity and beauty of the native species of our region (trees, shrubs, grasses, succulents) perfectly adapted to resist the growing effects of the climate crisis we are experiencing --and well known to local communities.

Through this Biocultural Fair, the Botanical Garden proposes and promotes a new awareness, offering for sale specimens of various native species at affordable prices. The fair also includes workshops and talks to learn about planting, watering and care, so that the purchased plants develop strong and healthy.

We look forward to seeing you!

During past March rural areas around San Miguel were affected by several fires that devastated scrubland and grasslands, threatening to spread to residential areas. Fortunately, so far they have been contained by fire brigades, with the support of neighbors from the affected areas. The Picachos mountain range, located south of the city, registered three intense fires in March alone, something that hadn't happened in many years, threatening to reach the oak forests in its higher elevations. Likewise, El Charco del Ingenio Ecological Preserve registered several fires both in the northern reserve of the Botanical Garden, as well as in sections of Landeta Park and other properties within the municipal reserve. And so on throughout the municipality.

What is happening? How can we explain this increase of fires?

There is no doubt that the global climate crisis is exacerbated regionally in semi-arid areas like ours, causing a rise in temperature and a disruption of local weather patterns. After several years of scarce rainfall in our region, we experienced an intense rainy season that blanketed the countryside with shrubby and annual vegetation, which became the perfect fuel after the long period of drought we are currently experiencing. 

But this is only part of the explanation. The other part is social in nature. The fires are all caused, either through negligence or intentionally. Sometimes it is groups of wayward teenagers who hang around the city limits and only need a lighter or a box of matches for fun. In other cases, there are signals of deliberate actions by developers seeking to eliminate vegetation to prevent their properties from being classified as forest, thus hindering their real estate projects.

In any case, it seems that the fires will continue to occur, given the passivity of the authorities, who do not have a comprehensive and effective strategy to face this challenge that is increasing year after year.

This extensive park is located within municipal lands, on the northeastern edge of the city of San Miguel de Allende. Covering approximately 35 hectares on both sides of the Las Colonias Reservoir, it encompasses wetland areas, scrubland, and native woodlands. The park was an initiative of El Charco del Ingenio Botanical Garden, which received the land under a municipal loan agreement in 1994 and developed it as a natural park. The gradual and efficient restoration of the ecosystem allowed it to operate as an educational and recreational destination, complementing the Botanical Garden. In 2008, the loan agreement was terminated, and since then, the park has been under the management of the Municipality, with a section dedicated to the local nursery.

The whole park forms a core part of the Ecological Preservation Zone “El Charco del Ingenio and Surrounding Areas”, declared by the City Council and in force since 2006. This legal protection, as well as the persistent defense led by the Botanical Garden, has allowed the territorial and ecosystem integrity of the area to be maintained.

Over the years, this park has become a popular recreational destination, where a wide variety of people come to stroll, exercise, walk their dogs, or enjoy family gatherings. It is also the site of the annual Cruz del Charco celebration, a traditional festival that draws large crowds to the open air every July. 

Given the erratic management of the area by successive municipal administrations, Landeta Park has seen the growth of a spontaneous form of community ownership, in which diverse actors (residents, neighbors, students, athletes, artists, environmentalists) converge, united by a single purpose: the conservation, care, and improvement of the park. This interesting process began during the difficult times of the pandemic and has strengthened over the years. Today, we invite all lovers of Landeta Park to contribute ideas and actions to revitalize and nurture this magnificent natural space in San Miguel de Allende.

https://www.facebook.com/ParqueLandetaAmigos

he federal program Jóvenes Construyendo el Futuro was created by the Mexican government in recent years in order to give young people from all over the country the opportunity to gain work experience and develop professional skills in real-world work environments. At the Botanical Garden, we currently have two scholarship recipients enrolled in this program, Marifer and Mili, working in the scientific and conservation areas. They participate in curatorial and herbarium activities, such as mounting and adding specimens, as well as data entry into databases. They also collaborate on key processes at the seed bank: transplanting, seed cleaning, and scheduled irrigation.

For our young scholarship recipients, this experience represents much more than training: it is an opportunity to discover their vocation, strengthen their discipline, take on responsibilities, and acquire specialized knowledge that can boost their academic or professional future. Their participation in the Garden contributes to the formation of new generations committed to science, the land, and the conservation of natural heritage.

Si conoces a un joven en busca de una oportunidad laboral invítalo a registrarse: https://jovenesconstruyendoelfuturo.stps.gob.mx

TWO WAYS TO CONNECT WITH NATURE, ONE PURPOSE

At the Botanical Garden, we offer two monthly birdwatching sessions, each tailored to a different audience but united by a common purpose: to foster a love for birds and support the conservation of this unique natural sanctuary.

• Session in Spanish
  Designed especially for the Spanish-speaking community, this free activity aims to expand opportunities for environmental education and to promote appreciation for the birdlife that inhabits our region.
• Session in English
  Geared toward English speakers, this session directly supports the garden’s conservation, education, and maintenance efforts.
  By joining, you’ll not only enjoy a meaningful and enriching experience you’ll also be actively contributing to El Charco del Ingenio’s mission to protect the biodiversity of this remarkable place.

Both sessions take place once a month. Check our schedule and join us!

Thank you for being part of a community that observes, protects, and values winged life.

Benefits:

• Free access For the cardholder 365 days a year during the established hours.
• Discounts On special events.
• Guests: The cardholder may bring two guests.
• Contribution: To a unique project that safeguards Mexico's biocultural heritage.

If you prefer to make a bank transfer or PayPal, please contact to elcharcocontabilidad@gmail.com

Activities and private classes in drawing, painting, photography, video (use of drones), that use equipment and occupy spaces in the Garden, as well as ceremonies of any type, require advance written permission from the Direction, via email: charcodelingeniocomunicacion@gmail.com

We appreciate your understanding.

One of the most meaningful ways to experience El Charco del Ingenio—and to support our conservation project—is by joining our Natural History Tours. These guided walks have been offered for many years, thanks to the dedication and knowledge of our extraordinary volunteers. With their extensive experience, they bring to life the history, plants, landscapes, and wildlife of the garden.

We are deeply grateful to them for sustaining this activity of interpretation and learning, which continues to connect visitors with the living heritage of this remarkable sanctuary.