The Pecos River is a cleaner and healthier place thanks to the dedicated efforts of Environmental Geology students and faculty from New Mexico Highlands University.
Several students and faculty participated in the Pecos River Cleanup Day, an impactful event, highlighting the importance of community engagement and environmental stewardship.
Visiting Professor of Environmental Geology, Marine Foucher, said: “This year’s cleanup was particularly significant as it encompassed the entire Pecos River basin and involved volunteers from Pecos, New Mexico, to Pecos, Texas. This effort connected communities across state lines that share water compacts, highlighting the importance of collaboration in preserving our shared natural resources.”
The Pecos River, a vital waterway and main tributary of the Rio Grande, originates high in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. It flows southeast for more than 900 miles where it converges with the Rio Grande near Del Rio, Texas.
As the river flows southward, it passes through several notable towns, including Santa Rosa, Fort Sumner, Roswell, Artesia, and Carlsbad in New Mexico, before crossing into Texas.
In Texas, the Pecos River continues to foster connections among communities as it flows near Fort Stockton and Balmorhea and finally reaches its namesake city, Pecos, Texas.
The event served not only to help the clean the river, but also to make people aware of important issues involving the Pecos River.
Mary Bibb, a graduate student pursuing a Master of Science in Natural Science with a concentration in Geology, said: “Cleanup events like this are fundamental for raising awareness about environmental issues, water is a critical resource, and ensuring its cleanliness and safety is essential for everyone. It’s not just about our local issues; it’s about a larger commitment to environmental responsibility that affects many communities.”
Volunteers from various backgrounds came together to clean up waste and debris along the riverbanks, demonstrating a collective commitment to restoring the beauty and health of the Pecos River, Bibb said.
Dr. Jennifer Lindline, Professor of Geology, Environmental Science, and Water Resources Program Coordinator at NMHU, helped organize the event.
“I am proud to serve on the Upper Pecos Watershed Association and to have played a role in organizing this momentous event,” she said. “What truly inspired me was the dedication of our NMHU student volunteers who chose to spend their Saturday cleaning up debris and safeguarding our precious natural resources. They not only contributed to the community but also experienced the profound impact of service.”
Throughout the day, students and faculty engaged in meaningful conversations with residents, who expressed their gratitude and appreciation for the volunteers’ hard work.
The event not only helped to beautify the river but also served to strengthen community ties, highlighting the importance of collaboration in addressing environmental challenges, Lindline said.
“This was a lovely day for all involved, and it underscored the impact that community involvement can have on our environment,” she continued. “The event was a reminder that we all share a responsibility for our natural surroundings, and by working together, we can create a cleaner, healthier environment for future generations.”
The event included educational components where volunteers learned about the ecological significance of the Pecos River and the threats it faces.
For more information about NMHU’s Environmental Geology program, future community initiatives, and how to get involved, please contact Dr. Jeniffer Lindline at lindlinej@nmhu.edu.
About New Mexico Highlands University
New Mexico Highlands University is committed to providing quality education while promoting community engagement and environmental stewardship. The university’s Environmental Geology program prepares students to address pressing environmental challenges through hands-on experience, community involvement, and a focus on sustainable practices.