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Newsletter June 2022

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. XVII, No. 06

THE NEW RECEPTION OF THE CHARCO

With great satisfaction we inform all the visitors, members and friends of the Botanical Garden that, finally, after a long and eventful construction phase, the new Charco del Ingenio reception unit has been inaugurated. This includes a new Interpretive Room, which offers, in an entertaining and substantial way, relevant content on the Charco del Ingenio ecological reserve, on the conservation project and on the hydrographic basin where the Botanical Garden and the city of San Miguel are located. . The new interpretive module, open to all audiences, is part of the educational mission of our organization, aimed at building a culture of love and care for the natural world, with special attention to the youngest population in our society.

The inaugural acts were sealed with the ceremonial presence of the mayordomías of Ojo de Agua and Valle del Maíz, indigenous communities of San Miguel de Allende that preserve ancient traditions and that have supported for more than 30 years the biocultural heritage that El Charco del Ingenio represents. . Likewise, members of the scientific and artistic communities of our municipality and other origins of the country attended, endorsing the confluence of science and art in the triple mission of the Botanical Garden: biocultural conservation, environmental education and scientific research.

The new reception of El Charco has been possible thanks to the confluence of many wills: architects, engineers, museographers, editors, designers, gardeners, blacksmiths, carpenters, etc., gathered in various work teams, as well as the contributions of numerous contributors that made this relevant project a reality. To all of them, infinite thanks (and an apology in advance for any possible omission).CREDITS:

ARCHITECTONIC PROGRAM
Peter Alvarado · Marco Barrera Bassols · Jose Maria Bilbao · El Charco del Ingenio

ARCHITECTURAL PROJECT
Peter Alvarado · Studio 15B

ENGINEERING AND WORKS
Hyacinth Estrada · EMAG Engineering

MUSEOGRAPHY
Marco Barrera Bassols · MUSEUM

GARDENING
El Charco del Ingenio · louis franke ·
Maguey Nursery

SCULPTURAL FOUNTAIN
Eduardo Olbes

STORE (FURNITURE)
Francisco Motta

DONORS:

Montemiro · Gillian & Peter Neumeier Foundation · Community Foundation for Monterey · San Miguel Community Foundation · Hernan Drobny

Kahren & Michael Arbitman · Mark Deutschmann · Regine & Francois Sicart · susan edelstein · Unitarian Universalist Fellowship · Vanguard Charitable · Maria & Goerdt Abel · Ronald Thomas

William Peters · Terry & Jack Reinhart · Francisco Rios Jimenez · Richard Gullan · Linda Whyman · Barbara Erickson · Honey Sharp · Fisher-Weisman · Andy Blair · William Lee Ginager · Carolyn Stutts · C Jobe · Guilt King · Christopher Hixson · Monica Gerez · carol jackson · Margot Dufrene Ketz · Eduardo Adame · QR Minerals

Kenneth L. Hillenburg · Leon Horowitz · Stephen Livingstone · Michael Pope · Marilyn Link · Christine McReynolds · Jimena Gimenez Cacho · Ray Miles · John Chapman · William Lipsey · Steven Goldstein · Joshua Ehrlich · Rod & Glenna Copeland · Alfredo Alcantara · Phyllis Pitluga · Ed Laun · Richard Mason · Joy Levine · Victor Hackl · Matthew Carroll · Daniel Neuspiel · David Zi Enterprises · Richard Plewa · Luke Rich · Dale Braiman · Robert Merchasin · Gregory Diamond · klaus schmidt · Weston Young · Deborah Chlebana · George Yatskyevich · Alberto Gonzalez Varela · Emiliano Sanchez · Kathleen Shepherd · naomi zurcher

EL CHARCO DEL INGENIO: MEMBER OF BOTANIC GARDENS CONSERVATION INTERNATIONAL

El Charco del Ingenio is part of the largest network of botanical gardens and plant conservation experts in the world: BGCI (the largest network of botanical gardens and plant conservation experts in the world. Based in London,), an organization representing botanic gardens in more than 100 countries. Its mission is to link members to create global participatory strategies to ensure plant diversity for the well-being of people and the planet.

FIRST SYMPOSIUM OF PLANT FAMILIES IN MEXICO WITH ETHNOBOTANICAL IMPORTANCE

From June 1 to 3, 2022, El Charco del Ingenio, as part of the Ethnobiological Gardens of Mexico, organizes together with Campeche, Mexico City, Durango and Veracruz the First symposium on “Plant families in Mexico with ethnobotanical importance”. Everyone is invited to follow a program of 16 conferences where leading specialist botanists tell us about the country's plant diversity.

Follow the conferences through fb Live: https://www.facebook.com/elcharcodelingenio

EL CHARCO’S NEW VISITORS GUIDE

The new design of this guide allows the visitor to explore and discover the wide space of the Botanical Garden and access magnificent views of the natural monument of El Charco. The guide contains a suggested tour and shows a network of trails, accessible and guarded, as well as offering information about the various points of interest of the reserve: plant exhibits, viewpoints, bird sanctuaries, historical ruins...

OF FLOWERS AND ETHNOBOTANY: Ferocactus histrix

The common or better known names of the Ferocactus histrix in Guanajuato they are huamisha, biznaga or borrachita. This cactus is slow growing and can reach a height of up to 1.50 meters. Its structure is globular. It is made up of ribs, its spines are strong and it is very resistant to drought. Refreshing drinks such as water, ice cream or popsicles with an acid flavor are made from the fresh fruits. Do you know another name for this plant?

BIOCULTURAL HERITAGE OF THE GUANAJUATENSE SEMI-DESERT: DOCUMENTARY

We have received several invitations, mostly from educational institutions, to screen the documentary at their facilities.

This month it will be presented at the Technological University of San Miguel de Allende, as well as the Technological University of the North of the State.

How are 5 communities of the Guanajuato semi-desert related to the native plants of their region? Find out in this documentary; An audiovisual summary of participatory research over a year for the conservation of Mexico's biocultural heritage. It was carried out thanks to the collaboration between El Charco del Ingenio and the National Council for Science and Technology, within the Project: “Establishment of an Ethnobotanical Garden in the State of Guanajuato”

HUNTING PATIENTS: Pitangus sulphuratus or Luisbienteveo

Although it is from the flycatcher family, it seems to like a more varied diet, as we have seen it not only feeding on flying insects, but also waiting patiently in ponds and pools to hunt small fish and FROGS! Identify it by its mysterious mask, its bright yellow chest, its pincer-like beak and above all by its loud call that will make you turn around to see it.

KIND REMINDER TO OUR MEMBERSHIP

We ask all members to carry their credential and register in the entrance book each time they visit the Botanical Garden. We also ask you to attend to the entry health protocol.
Thanks for your support!

NATURAL HISTORY TOURS IN ENGLISH ARE BACK

Every Tuesday and Thursday at 10am

Ticket: 150 pesos per person / 100 pesos members

Don't forget your mouth cover!

ROUTE FOR FRIENDS OF THE CHARCO: ETHNOBOTANICAL COLLECTIONS

Saturday June 18 / 9:00am / Group closing at 9:10am

Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes

 Free admission

In the company of an expert, visit the new ethnobotanical collections, learn about the native plant species of the state of Guanajuato, stories of people and plants, their uses and benefits, their ecological importance and enjoy nature in El Charco del Ingenio.

To participate, simply register on the entry list.
Don't forget your hat and a thermos with water.

Soul gifts, musical gifts: Thank you, Michael Hoppé

It is very moving to see the ways in which people and sectors of our community support El Charco del Ingenio, a territory that has given peace, joy and nature to its users and visitors during the months of the pandemic.

Michael Hoppé is a recognized composer and musical producer, born in the United Kingdom and inhabitant of San Miguel since the 80s. He is an active member of the Botanical Garden, who recently has offered a lovely gift to El Charco, inspired by the daily walks he realizes on the trails of the reservation, in the company of his wife Monica. The work, Under Mexican Stars is a musical piece that takes you back to the most beautiful landscapes of Mexico or a night walk through the cobblestone streets of San Miguel. Beneath Mexican Stars (Under the Mexican stars), is a musical piece that can take us back to the most beautiful landscapes of Mexico or to a night walk through the cobbled streets of San Miguel. Beneath Mexican Stars (Under the Mexican stars), is a musical piece that can take us back to the most beautiful landscapes of Mexico or to a night walk through the cobbled streets of San Miguel.

Listen here:

ART AND SCIENCE IN THE BOTANICAL GARDEN
NEW SET OF 12 POSTCARDS: BUTTERFLIES AND MOTHS OF EL CHARCO

Graphic work of four creative women from San Miguel de Allende:

Marijose Marín, Marisol Guerrero, Paquina Langenscheidt and Rocío Ríos

Available in our gift shop: 300 pesos