This overhead photo of the Church at Bueyeros was taken in the 1930's.
Large trees and bushes landscaped the two-story frame Rectory where
the diocese priest and a housekeeper lived. Note the wide streambed
in Bueyeros Creek and the absence of Salt Cedar.
Approaching my sixth decade brought reflection and contemplation. It seemed a large number hard to roll off the tongue when spoken. It raised the question, "what have I done with my life…..what am I leaving behind?" Without doubt Libby and Ted are major contributions to the Universe, as is a quilt I made for my parents in honor of their 50th Wedding Anniversary. Giving up smoking 38 years ago counts and so does my daughter’s wedding gown made by hand several years ago. Those were all good things that I'm proud of, but again the question nagged of what am I leaving behind?.
Jack and I have returned to the ranch and saved the tiny one hundred and ten year-old adobe and landscaped the yard. We’ve built working corrales of pipe (and painted them turquoise). They’ll last long after we have passed on. Almost thirteen miles of new fence has been installed to restore riparian areas and remove the infestation of high water-using Salt Cedar so Ute Creek can again flow year-round. This year we plan to drill a new well and add three miles of pipeline to water four pastures….all together they are huge accomplishments and we feel very proud. I decided I wanted to create something living that would grow and last; something that Bella and Seth and Bennet could carry on. The idea for the Tuda Libby Crews Wild Bird Sanctuary became a reality this summer when our dear friend, Cindy Knutson, gave us a generous $100 gift “to buy something for the land.” It was that gift which became the seed money for the Wild Bird Sanctuary project.
As a long-time steward of the land and lover of wildlife, it seemed natural to focus on creating habitat for the quail, hummingbird, turkey, eagle, hawk and New Mexico’s other numerous native species. In addition, the habitat can provide a resting place for wild birds during seasonal migration. We’ve watched Blue Heron and Sand Hill Crane, and early in the spring we had three brilliant colored parrots. In March, hundreds of Blue Birds came through, although they did not nest. Now we have put up eight beautiful Blue Bird houses, which hopefully this year will entice a few of them to raise their families at Bueyeros.
Presently in the planning stage, the Tuda Libby Crews Wild Bird Sanctuary is forming partnerships with the New Mexico Game & Fish, the New Mexico Audubon Society, the Sierra Club and the Natural Resources & Conservation Service. Thanks to our many loving, generous friends, we received over twenty five hundred dollars toward the advancement of the wild bird sanctuary. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Having worked in the non-profit sector in a previous life, it seems appropriate that you, as dear friends and donors, receive an accounting from time to time. I shall do my best to update you as we proceed. I believe that we can restore wild bird habitat in Bueyeros much to what it was a hundred years ago. I envision trees for shelter, shade and nesting, accessible water, feeders, a variety of berry producing bushes, some protective fencing and cover for breeding areas. In addition, I dream that the Sanctuary can become an educational center for school children, and a haven for bird watchers. Again, I extend my love and deepest thanks for helping to make this possible. I remain forever grateful and forge into my sixtieth year with renewed energy, and a passion to create a lasting legacy for all to enjoy.