Programs > Social Justice > Earth Web

Earth Web Group

First Unitarian's Earth Web group is committed to caring for the Earth. We are interested in both study and action in this endeavor.

We are open and welcoming to all. We focus attention on environmental issues, and we study the global and local background on these issues. We select work projects and advocate appropriate local action to our members. We present our ideas and opportunities for action to the wider church community, to other concerned citizens, and to public officials. Our current special study focus is the threat of global warming.

History

Earth Web is an outgrowth of the Northwest Earth Institute discussion courses and of the Green Sanctuary Committee. Green Sanctuary is a project of the Unitarian-Universalist Ministry for Earth (formerly the Seventh Principle Project), which certifies congregations who meet its seventeen standards as Green Sanctuaries. First Unitarian became one of the first congregations to be so cited in July 2002. Further inspiring us were two yearlong New Mexico Conference of Churches projects, Stewards of Creation, during which some of our members and people of various faith communities traveled to many parts of New Mexico and studied environmental justice issues in the state.

Study Subject

We meet regularly at 12:15 on the second Sunday of each month in the Cooper Lounge. Our current study subject is the threat of global warming, which is the 2004-2006 Study/Action Issue of the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations. Because we meet at the noon hour, right after church, we each bring a snack to share.

Our church is a Green Sanctuary, so we work on projects that help the church and its members make progress in the four Green Sanctuary Program Areas.

Rio Grande Bosque Restoration Action Project

An Open Year-Round Invitation to All Church Members

For the past ten years the Church’s Earth Web group has been taken care of ten acres of the Rio Grande Bosque that was severally burned in a wildfire. The objective is to, as much as it is possible, return the bosque to its natural state. This means cutting back the invasive exotics and encouraging the native plants. We try to put in two hours every 6th Saturday the year round.

1.) Come see an actual restoration project in progress.
     a.) Enjoy time walking around the land.
     b.) Make a photo record of your time spend restoring the bosque.
     c.) Show your kids how important restoration of the land is.
2.) Come see the problems a few invasive species can cause.
3.) Come see the troubles a few healthy beavers can create.
4.) Come see how fast cottonwood trees can grow if given the chance.
5.) Just come hang out along the river bank on a beautiful New Mexico morning!
6.) Or, just come join us at Flying Star afterwards to visit about the environment and other things.

What we are suggesting is--just give it a try! If most church members gave just one day, we could make some real progress. And, because we work year-round you can choose your season.

 Any questions, call or write Ed Wallhagen 293-3981; ewallhagen@comcast.net