Nature

The Original Toothpick

Acacia trees, originally from East Africa, do well here in the high desert of San Miguel and its environs.  Every part of the tree can be used. It's gum is used by both wild animals and candy manufacturers, it can be used for firewood and charcoal, and its thorns are nature's original toothpick.  These live next to the green fields of Rancho La Trinidad.

Oasis

Just outside of town, down a dusty road lined with trees hiding layers of gray grit, is an oasis of green - Rancho La Trinidad.  Here rows of organically grown chard, lettuce, fennel, brocoli bask in rich soil and late afternoon watering.  What a relief to smell the aromoa of green things growing and air with moisture, if only for a few moments. 

 In addition to all those familiar greens, there is a sun shaded hoop house where nopal paddles are lined up in tidy rows like good little soldiers, busily growing juicy babies for Saturday's market.