Hurley
While Hurley’s original buildings were brought by the Chino Mining Company, it was the railroad that most likely brought many of its trees to town, as it did throughout New Mexico. The long stretch of Siberian elm trees (Ulmus pumila) along 1st Street are a landscaping extension of the railway station to create shade. Unfortunately, this tree species is identified as a noxious weed in New Mexico and has spread throughout town. Many of these trees are aging and now require care or removal.
There are many beautiful residential tree plantings in Hurley, as well as at the elementary school and other public spaces. The community forest management plan will seek ways to build on these successful plantings and phase out Siberian elms and replace them with desert-adapted tree species.
Some potential focus areas throughout town for tree planting include:
- planting cooling landscapes for the A and E Street Parks and North Hurley Park.
- adding trees and other plants to the existing streetscaping along Diaz Avenue to draw people into the business and museum district and support community spaces.
- adding landscaping along 1st Street to buffer the residential area from the railroad tracks.
- addressing the aging trees along 1st Street from Nevada to Cortez.
- supplementing tree planting at the Hurley Cemetery to provide wind blocking and spaces for solace.
Community Leadership and Staff:
Mayor
Town Council
Town Clerk
Town Maintenance
Community Center – open for events only
Trees are cared for by Town Maintenance and by contract as needed.
Community Groups/Resources/Local Experts
Hurley Elementary School
Hurley Pride
Community Tree Overview
The railroad brought an influx of trees to Hurley many decades ago. There is a long stretch
of aging Ulmus pumila, “Siberian elm” trees along 1st Street, many of which require care or removal and may be seen as a nuisance by the community.
Public spaces initially identified for tree planting and maintenance include: Cortez Street, Carrrasco Street, 1st Street Nevada to Cortez; 1st Street A to E; A and E Street Parks; The Big Muddy; The Train Depot; Diaz Ave; the Hurley Cemetery (NMSF ReLeaf planting site); Hurley Elementary School; the empty lot across from school near Fire Department; the American Legion; and North Hurley Park.
Community Engagement Strategies
Information Hubs will be available at the Town Hall and Post Office, with materials in Spanish and English.
Bilingual Community Surveys will be sent via utility bills and the Hurley Community Letter.
Bilingual Community Surveys will be deployed In-Person at an already scheduled community event (such as a football game). Additional events may be added to meet the needs of the community.