Santa Clara
Santa Clara and the adjacent Fort Bayard, now a National Historic Landmark, have a fascinating history that was populated with trees. Native cottonwoods along Cameron Creek provided a lush riparian corridor throughout town. Rows of trees were planted in lawns that lined the streets of Fort Bayard. Unfortunately, with a decrease in water and the retirement of Fort Bayard, most of these trees are near the end of their lives and are in some cases hazardous. Invasive species, primarily Siberian elm (Ulmus pumila) and Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima) have moved in and created a nuisance and risk.
The focus of the Santa Clara community forest plan will be to turn the tables on the perception of trees in the community, returning tree benefits to Santa Clara and minimizing current negative impacts, while making sure changes can be sustained.
Focus areas could include:
- Utilizing trees and landscaping at the three entrances to Santa Clara village, attracting people into the village and improving community pride.
- Adding and maintaining trees along Fort Bayard Road and Prescott Street to create a district of public spaces, municipal buildings, schools, and businesses.
- Evaluating the trees along the Cameron Creek riparian area for management and replacement opportunities.
- Assessing long term solutions for the trees at Fort Bayard to support its long term revitalization plans.
Community Leadership and Staff:
Village of Santa Clara Mayor
Village Administrator
Village Council
Fire Department
Community Groups/Resources/Local Experts
Santa Clara Action Committee
Community Tree Overview
Santa Clara has many invasive tree species, primarily Siberian elm (Ulmus pumila ) and Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima ) that are unwanted, unmaintained and starting to pose a risk. Native cottonwoods along Cameron Creek are aging out contributing to the risk. Municipal leadership would like to increase tree cover and beautify their main street and three entrances to the village. They also have a longer-term plan to revitalize Fort Bayard, where there have been massive tree die-offs since water is no longer available through the state. There are considerable maintenance and tree removal needs at that site. Existing trees are watered by the fire department while testing local fire hydrants.
Public spaces initially identified for tree planting and maintenance include: Fort Bayard St., parks, senior center, Central Elementary School, Mercado area, Bradley Hotel, Cameron Creek, Fort Bayard, and the walking path to Bayard.
Community Engagement Strategies
Information Hubs will be available at the Mercado and Village Hall, with materials in Spanish and English.
Bilingual Community Surveys will be deployed In-Person alone or in combination with already scheduled community events and via water bill inserts and Information Hubs. Additional events may be added to meet the needs of the community.