Looking Back, Looking Forward
Happy New Year, friends!
We are a little more than two weeks into 2024 and already the new year is shaping up to be an important one for the preservation of the landrace Churro sheep and their role in climate change solutions. And every sign shows me that this will be a transformational year for Rio Milagro Foundation. As we stand on the threshold of a new year, I am filled with gratitude for the incredible support we have received by everyone we have talked to and from individuals like you who have given support throughout the past year. Your interest in our cause and generosity has not only fueled our mission but has also been a beacon of hope for the future. Thank you!
In 2023, Rio Milagro Foundation set out to accomplish 5 lofty goals; they encompassed big dreams years in the making, new ventures and blooming partnerships, and the steady continuation of our ongoing work. All with our mission to conserve landrace Churro sheep front and center, prioritizing research with our new wool lab, education on climate resilience, through example, all the while working to create collaborative win-win solutions for the environment, sheep, shepherds, producers, and their communities.
Our goals for 2023-24 --
Learning more about the best ways to use adaptive grazing to support both plant and insect communities.
Ongoing understanding about the partnership between landrace Churro sheep and microbial soil and plant ecology preservation in the west.
Research and test the unique kemp fiber, seen only in the most primitive Churro fleeces, as a soil microbial boost.
Research and implement Churro’s grazing habits to quantify their ability to support Biocrust rangeland health.
Establish a coalition of Churro shepherds, new shepherds, and interested folks, that will join us in protecting the old type churro. These meaningful collaborations are an essential part of the solution in protecting biodiversity, our soils, and rangelands.
Reflection and Gratitude
2022 was a beginning for us in the foundation. Our first year was about connecting with people, educating about the role landrace species have in sustaining us, meeting other like-minded shepherds, learning about their desires to do what is right in our changing world. I am overwhelmed by the caring for our planet.
I met with leaders and worked in collaboration on primarily women-led projects to not only share my knowledge and skills, but to observe and deepen my understanding around the challenges and solutions for creating healthy rangeland habitat and preservation of biodiversity across the West.
Friendships were made, grown, and deepened and collaborations were solidified over shared meals and deep discussions – paving the way for projects that will kickoff in 2024 - and continue for years to come.
Our fundraising efforts are still ongoing to ensure that this crucial work can continue, and we genuinely need your support now more than ever. It has undeniably been a challenging year for many nonprofits, and this is especially true for women-led environmental organizations, which receive only a fraction of a percent of global giving. That's why your generous gift in 2024 will hold an immense amount of meaning and impact for us.
We don’t have much time left.