How New Mexico is ‘building a forest’ by solving a seedling shortage
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- New Mexico Reforestation Center will build a 155,000‑sq‑ft greenhouse, more than tripling the state’s seedling production capacity.
- Hermit’s Peak‑Calf Canyon Fire burned 7 million acres and requires 17.6 million seedlings to restore the scar.
- Jennifer Auchter says the center processes over 1,500 lb of native seed and uses a repurposed chili roaster to extract seeds.
- University of New Mexico partners with New Mexico State University, New Mexico Highlands University, and the state Forestry Division to operate the center.
Why it matters: New Mexico's Forestry Division and nearby communities gain 17.6 million seedlings, cutting the projected 50‑year replanting timeline to decades, which secures water supplies and reduces flood damage.
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