The Friends of the Santa Fe River, a 501-c3 organization, is committed to removing invasive and non-native plants as well as trash from the Santa Fe River corridor that runs from St Francis Blvd to Camino Cabra in downtown Santa Fe. These actions and ongoing maintenance create a natural balance that promotes the growth of native trees, plants, grasses and flowers, turning the river from a neglected and overgrown riverbed, to a corridor of beauty for the community and visitors to enjoy.
By healing the river, we help unite Santa Fe's diverse communities and provide healthy green spaces for recreation, social connections and contemplation. This in turn encourages better living, from connection to nature to improved mental and physical well-being to connection with each other. This work teaches us all to strive to be better stewards of the environment and ourselves.
The restoration of this stretch of the Santa Fe River is the results of a grass-roots effort sustained by Michael Smith since 2014. His vision was to return the river to its natural state and to provide a focal point for the community to meet and enjoy in this beautiful part of Santa Fe. Seeing the benefits to the city and the community, the City of Santa Fe is not only granting permission but also financially supporting the restoration and continued maintenance of the project.
The transformation of the Santa Fe River has created a place for neighbors to meet while out on a walk, a place to read a book, a place for children and pets to splash in the water and enjoy the shade on a sunny day. Since 2013, the River has gone through a metamorphosis which is drawing people from all walks of life; contributions have been coming from local and from afar. Because of its beauty and meaning to so many, the Santa Fe River corridor has started to become an oasis for people to find quiet and peaceful contemplation, to stroll with their pets, to create relationships and a place for memorializing their loved ones with benches, stones and trees planted.
This work would not be possible without the generous support of our Donors. Your donations have demonstrated grass-roots community-based support for the renewal of the Santa Fe River corridor. Continued support makes the difference between what the river was, what it is now and how we continue to grow and maintain it. We can’t do it without your help.
At the same time, we are delighted to announce that because of the difference we have made, the City of Santa Fe is now investing in the project as well. This relationship offers exciting possibilities. With this partnership and Donors like you, The Friends of the Santa Fe River can continue to create and maintain a beautiful City Sanctuary for all of us to enjoy and be proud of.
Friends of the Santa Fe River is a 501c3 designation (87-3031513). All donations are fully tax deductbile.
For donation payment, checks and Paypal are accepted. Accepting Venmo payments is in process. Checks can be made out to "Friends of the Santa Fe River" and mailed to:
"Thank you for all your efforts in making the Santa Fe River the most beautiful place in town."
-Kim Meadows
"For your visionary hard work to renew and sustain the river as a community oasis of beauty and peace. Thank you and all who have helped you."
-Eda Gordon
