July 17, 2009, Wildflower scene at El Charco, By Richard Cretcher, Measure your carbon footprint, By Emily Hendricks

The early bloomers and some of the wildflowers coaxed by recent rains are now beginning to blossom at El Charco del Ingenio botanical gardens. The large white flowers, sometimes confused at a distance, are the toloache (Chinese thornapple) and the cola de caballo (pink throat morning glory).

These flowers have been booming for some time and will continue throughout the season. A brilliant early bloomer is the bright red trompetilla (firecracker bush), seen in the area of the conservatory. Two blue flowers along the paths are the alfombrillo (Dakota mock vervain) and the hierba del pollo (day flower). The most prominent in the early season is the agritos (wood sorrel) with its beautiful 10-petal leaf. With luck, the mayito (rain lily) may still be near the water, particularly on the east side of the presa. This plant normally blooms in May and June but is still popping up this July. Another plant growing along the presa is the cocoyol (craglily). To round out some of the early sightings are two plants near the
Four Winds area, the hierba del zorrillo (clammyweed) and the uña de gato (mimosa). Pink and white balls among the thorns easily identify this bush, often seen along the highways leading into the city.

More details including the scientific names of these plants can be found in the pocket guide Flores Silvestres . To enjoy the beginning of the wildflower season, you won’t have to go farther than El Charco.

Richard Cretcher published the wildflower pocket guide Flores Silvestres that is available at the Biblioteca’s La Tienda, El Charco, El Tecolote, Border Crossings, La Conexión and Terra.

______________________________________________

Measure your carbon footprint
By Emily Hendricks

Expresión en Corto’s theme this year is Green, in support of Mexico hosting the international 2009 World Environment Day celebrations. The NEUTRALIZATE carbon footprint station is one activity Expresión en Corto has implemented to encourage its audience to be more environmentally conscious.

This year Expresión en Corto teams up with Televisa Verde and Pronatura to bring the NEUTRALIZATE Carbon Footprint Station to San Miguel de Allende and Guanajuato. The station consists of eight computers which are designed to measure the environmental impact that each individual, household or business has on the earth. NEUTRALIZATE can be found in the San Miguel’s Jardín between July 24 to 26. In Guanajuato, the station will be located in the State Auditorium from July 29 to Aug 1. The station opens daily from 10am to 7pm and is free to the public.

NEUTRALIZATE is a joint venture between Pronatura and Televista Verde to help people know the extent of their “carbon footprint.” NEUTRALIZATE runs people through a series of questions about their consumption levels, means of transportation and daily habits so they can better understand their own carbon footprint and environmental impact on the earth.

Visitors can use NEUTRALIZATE’s computers to fill out a questionnaire. From how many refrigerators people own to how much red meat they consume on a regular basis, this program analyzes everything in daily life that negatively harms the environment. Aside from daily habits, NEUTRALIZATE also questions means and frequency of transport. From using public transportation such as buses to whether or not your tire pressure is sufficient, this program leaves no stone unturned. To fill out the questionnaire, guests also need an accurate idea of how frequently and how many miles they fly.

After filling out this extensive survey, guests receive a report of their “carbon footprint” along with a breakdown of areas that cause the most damage. With the numerical damage of how many tons of CO2 used, the program shows guests how to cut down their emissions and have a more positive impact on the earth.

NEUTRALIZATE is built on the concept that people need to see their individual impact on the environment and be informed of how to change their habits for its benefit. Simple changes like eating less red meat, using public transport instead of private, and recycling whenever possible are small but crucial changes that most people can make.

Expresión en Corto is highly unique in that, unlike most film festivals around the world, it does not charge admission to any of its screenings, conferences, workshops or tributes. The festival brings concerts, special programming, recycling programs and much more to support green practices during the week of July 24 to Aug 2. For information on where to purchase tickets for this event and for complete listings of the official programming in both cities, please consult: www.expresionencorto.com.