Neighboring communities could be more involved with the waterways that make up their environment.

As a graduate student in the School of Architecture at the University of Virginia, Haynsworth studied a systems approach to landscape architecture and design. She explains, “We are tied to these natural systems. Think of the site for development as layers of history, both human and natural, the processes of erosion, sedimentation and water flow, and inhabitation of animals, people and machines – all these forces are at play pushing each other. When you insert your design into those natural systems you change everything. High concentrations of development has had a huge effect on arroyos – impervious roofs, impermeable pavements, retaining walls that don’t consider the direction of the flow of water, create barriers – there is no place for the water to go. At high speed it floods arroyos and damages and erodes the banks. Instead of a wider, larger arroyo with a gradual slope they become these dark cavernous spaces.”

Haynsworth is hopeful about the role humans can play. “We are part of these systems. A community could take ownership of an arroyo, could be aware of their watershed – where their water is going, how it affects other plants and animals and the land.”

Besides offering affordable and market-rate condos for seniors, and training stewards of the land, ElderGrace intends to be a green community. The group wants to live lightly and efficiently. Energy and water efficiency are a priority. In addition, ElderGrace homeowners live in walking distance of stores, services and public transportation. Haynsworth emphasized the importance of long-term livability. “We don’t want to add affordable housing that people can’t maintain. We must care about maintenance costs, and health and safety of living. Everyone should have clean indoor air quality, good ventilation and universal design that allows easy conversion to accessibility if needed.”

Working with Earthworks, the residents of ElderGrace will learn about the nearby arroyo’s natural habitat, will be able to identify the tracks of animals, provide eco-tours to the community and help to create an oral natural history of Santa Fe, restoring it physically and through the oral tradition. They hope to work with youth groups to rebuild and replant the arroyo with native trees and plants and bring the arroyo back to health. This is an intentional green development community. People are interested in water conservation and conservation of community and how they go together.

Haynsworth asserted, “Standards can be set but unless there are people in the community to follow through, it means nothing. Stewards are needed. The green movement is missing people.” She added, “Working with Earthworks is the most exciting piece of this development for the City of Santa Fe.”

Dorothy S. Nelson, a writer and teacher, sojourns yearly in Santa Fe and teaches land-centered writing and literature at UMass/Boston. She has also taught at UNM in Albuquerque. Email: dorothy.nelson@umb.edu For more information on ElderGrace: www.eldergrace.org
Spencer Haynsworth:
shaynsworth@housingtrustonline.org