Cecilia Fischer
If you want to try cooking at home, try eating local from producers. You can visit the ranches or you can order to have produce fresh, cut brought to your doorstep. If this is your first time in Loreto, please know many ranchers in the Sierra La Giganta are producing veggies and fruit that has no pesticides, use local water from oasis (artesian wells), and there is variety. Here are some recommendations that are local, organic and open range grown:
The "Nopolo Market" has also a wonderful variety of things but these are not farmers selling and not necessarily organic or even local produce. Still, its a very good resource if you live in Nopolo or close to it. It might be more pricy and thats okay too.
- Attached are pictures from the community supported agriculture CSA from San Javier, via lead farmer Luis Bastida. His cell is 612 117 2165. I am one of the volunteers that assist him with orders and deliveries. You can contact him direct too, sometimes he takes time to answer. He does prefer to have lead time to plan the delivery, preferably by Wed because he delivers on friday from 10.30am to 11.30am to your doorstep. He represents about 4 to 12 ranches that in the year all produce at different times their produce. His family owns the restaurant La Palapa in San Javier, facing Mission of San Javier, to the right. You can order a basket from the restaurant there if you visit before a Wed. The weather in San Javier is almost 10' cooler than Loreto so broccoli grows there.
- Ricardo Salome Fuerte Dominguez has amazing citrus and I mean truly juicing sweet oranges. In times where north america if facing shortages and plagues in citrus, the oasis of Baja California peninsula provide a heaven for well protected citrus and other fruit from trees. He posts on is his face book page his different offers. His cell is 613 111 0002 and he speaks some english. I will attach on the commentary pictures just how much juice those amazing trees produce. Weather in Rancho Tiombo is tempered (middle Sierra), good for growing so many different things. Weekends are better for him at Rancho Tiombo.
- Francisca Fuerte: has quality turkey, chicken, eggs, amazing tea from Sierra, produce and all sorts of dairy products. She is from Rancho San Felipe (also middle sierra). She sells at the Saturday market on plaza Benito Juarez, in front of Bancomer Bank. She also does special orders. Friday she travels to Loreto, Saturday is her big day of sales. I LOVE HER CHEESE! See her picture in the comments.
- Jorge Magdaleno Acosta has been growing fresh leafy greens for as long as I can remember. He has a great eye for connecting with other farmers that do organics and get a diversity of items brought into Loreto and sells direct from his beautiful gardens found at level of Loreto proper, not in the Sierra. His cell is 613109 2301 and he post on his facebook page. He has eggs, chicken too.
- Super mercado El Pescador and Big Marts: Are owned by the Familia Amador and they own Rancho Las Parras. They will note when produce is fresh from the ranch in their entrance store. And did I mention they always give back to the community, meaning every single month for at least the last 38 years since I have lived in Loreto. Silently without looking for recognition they always help. Always. If you want to go to Las Parras, make a reservation at Hacienda Suits hotel, owned also by the family.
- Mercado Aguilar between Ley and Bodega: The family has their own ranch and they sell amazing meat and dairy products. Well worth the visit.
- Veterinaria Juan Cortes: Is one of few places that sells year round local eggs. Loreto has had tough time with chicken diseases so you are not allowed to see the chicken but eggs are sold upfront by checking counter.
- Jennifer A Rix: Fresh sprouts greens. Oh sooooo good! I dream of these sometimes. We are so very lucky she grows them. You can reach out to her direct or go to La Sirena Cafe where they are sold too.
- Check with Tim Yarborough: he has different produce too in town of Loreto behind Santa Fe Hotel.
The "Nopolo Market" has also a wonderful variety of things but these are not farmers selling and not necessarily organic or even local produce. Still, its a very good resource if you live in Nopolo or close to it. It might be more pricy and thats okay too.
Vegetables from our Sierra La Giganta Fresh, local and by our farmers. Many say today you don't pay anything with 400pesos. Well, I inform you that our farmers are cheaper and that the money you pay to local entrepreneurs stays in Loreto. There are no tariffs, vegetables are not cut before ripe, it has more nutritional property because it is fresh (no pesticides, chemicals) and it is delicious! Be encouraged to shop local. The difference is remarkable. Here are photos of the San Javier production. You can communicate with Luis Bastida at 613 117 2165 or if you have difficulty communicating with him, I can help you connecting because sometimes he doesn't see his whatsapp. I'm one of the volunteers helping at Community Supported Farming.
Ricardo Fuerte de Rancho Tiombo has a very good production
Jorge Magdaleno has already started his market from home.
Bless them, they sure are organic!
There are delicious options from Loreto!
Against inflation, the best option is to buy local and/or grow your own vegetables and fruits! Cheer up!
Ricardo Fuerte de Rancho Tiombo has a very good production
Jorge Magdaleno has already started his market from home.
Bless them, they sure are organic!
There are delicious options from Loreto!
Against inflation, the best option is to buy local and/or grow your own vegetables and fruits! Cheer up!
One Morning in the Marine Park of Loreto:
Every single shot was seen inside the Marine Park. Just one day and all this happens in our marine and land reserve, Parque Nacional Bahia Loreto. Orcas, red-sand verbena plant, a trail to the top of the volcano, hummingbird with head full of polen, barrel cactus, rattle snake, and hard working people that protect the marine park.
If you are a resident with a mexican visa permanent, you dont need to have a park pass but any support to the park is welcomed. If you have family visiting, they do have to purchase a marine park pass to go swimming, kayaking, SUP, diving, boating, island visiting, fishing, etc. These can be obtained at the Marine Park offices with a prior visit to the bank to pay for passes. Daily passes cost $97pesos per person. There is also annual passes. This small amount of money is stretched out to do supervision, biological monitoring, environmental education, and ensure our present and future generations can continue to experience a healthy ecosystem. The Marine Park facebook page is
Enjoy the 3 min video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xG3ESX-0a9Y
Every single shot was seen inside the Marine Park. Just one day and all this happens in our marine and land reserve, Parque Nacional Bahia Loreto. Orcas, red-sand verbena plant, a trail to the top of the volcano, hummingbird with head full of polen, barrel cactus, rattle snake, and hard working people that protect the marine park.
If you are a resident with a mexican visa permanent, you dont need to have a park pass but any support to the park is welcomed. If you have family visiting, they do have to purchase a marine park pass to go swimming, kayaking, SUP, diving, boating, island visiting, fishing, etc. These can be obtained at the Marine Park offices with a prior visit to the bank to pay for passes. Daily passes cost $97pesos per person. There is also annual passes. This small amount of money is stretched out to do supervision, biological monitoring, environmental education, and ensure our present and future generations can continue to experience a healthy ecosystem. The Marine Park facebook page is
Enjoy the 3 min video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xG3ESX-0a9Y
Hiking with guiding for free to learn about flora, fauna, local medicinal plants, local ranchers, watersheds and actions to protect them, draught tolerant crop growth, and how to get to know ranchers with limited access to great trails with permission from ranchers.
26th March - saturday 7.00 am - Rancho Tiombo
27th March - sunday 7.00am - Rancho Tiombo
28th March - monday 7.00 am - you pick where with prior notification to me please by March 20th so I can find farmer and get permission. First groups to tell me gets their wish. I will do more hikes.
DYI of hiking is possible: meet rancher, get contact for future and plan ahead your hike. I am happy to get you going but you need to come on hike first so introductions can be made.
All of the ranches I go to will ask for an entrance fee from 200pesos to 400pesos per person. I will let you know with prior notification how much for each rancher. Please be prepared to wear a facemask when next to ranchers as they may not have their vax or boosted. Also for protection of their livestock. Food is usually offered with the entrance fee. Any compact car can come, 15 min drive to trail, 4 to 8kms of hiking roundtrip, usually flat walking, some optional inclines, lots of show and tell (thats I what I do) about nature, please wear covered shoes, bring water, and be prepared to feel amazed of how much life our desert has and the struggles linked with global climate change.
Departure times are from Loreto Bay/Nopolo, south exit. If you are coming from town of Loreto, we agree to meet by highway and/or you can ride with me. I have room for 4 people (all car seats with seat belt).
Hiking is a beautiful venue to meet the custodians of our watershed, the essence of how life is possible in this desert. You can contact me via: [email protected] I will be away from wifi until 17th March 4pm. Read you then. Have a great time out in the water! Its so great this AM. By the way, I picked days for hiking that are cloudy for except this weekend.
Hasta la pasta! There is also "Que pasa, calabaza?" Local fun in the sierra.
26th March - saturday 7.00 am - Rancho Tiombo
27th March - sunday 7.00am - Rancho Tiombo
28th March - monday 7.00 am - you pick where with prior notification to me please by March 20th so I can find farmer and get permission. First groups to tell me gets their wish. I will do more hikes.
DYI of hiking is possible: meet rancher, get contact for future and plan ahead your hike. I am happy to get you going but you need to come on hike first so introductions can be made.
All of the ranches I go to will ask for an entrance fee from 200pesos to 400pesos per person. I will let you know with prior notification how much for each rancher. Please be prepared to wear a facemask when next to ranchers as they may not have their vax or boosted. Also for protection of their livestock. Food is usually offered with the entrance fee. Any compact car can come, 15 min drive to trail, 4 to 8kms of hiking roundtrip, usually flat walking, some optional inclines, lots of show and tell (thats I what I do) about nature, please wear covered shoes, bring water, and be prepared to feel amazed of how much life our desert has and the struggles linked with global climate change.
Departure times are from Loreto Bay/Nopolo, south exit. If you are coming from town of Loreto, we agree to meet by highway and/or you can ride with me. I have room for 4 people (all car seats with seat belt).
Hiking is a beautiful venue to meet the custodians of our watershed, the essence of how life is possible in this desert. You can contact me via: [email protected] I will be away from wifi until 17th March 4pm. Read you then. Have a great time out in the water! Its so great this AM. By the way, I picked days for hiking that are cloudy for except this weekend.
Hasta la pasta! There is also "Que pasa, calabaza?" Local fun in the sierra.
Cecilia Fischer & Tim Yarbrough
Have you had a chance to watch "Kiss the Ground" on netflix? Well, in San Javier located in the Sierra La Giganta, there are several vegetables gardens that have nourished the way to improve soils by not taking local native grasses and plants while they are seeding. This has also allowed the Sierra families to have heirloom seeds, creating healthy, robust crops for many years to come here in the desert. San Javier gardens are nestled between a canyon, running water from artesian wells, as well as collected rain water from mini check dams where frogs, birds and fish release their urine to help crops receive nitrogen diluted in the irrigation water. Therefore avoiding the use of pesticides for locally grown crops. This November we celebrate the 2nd season of the harvest of community supported agriculture in "Jardin Jesuita" with the support of the lead farmer, Luis Martin Bastida Higuera (I love that one of his last name means he is from the fig tree ranch). I am so excited that more ranchers in San Javier are reaching out to him with their prepared crops so they can be sold. In time of covid19 and of economical downturn, the Sierra La Giganta community is showing its resilience to live with what our region can grow, give jobs and a sustain future for their families and children.
This is all possible because each season more of us want to consume fresh, local and non pesticides veggies, fruits, grains, and open range meat. Our consumer choices create more entrepeneurs, protect the soil, water, and air. Thank you for being part of this effort. Loreto has several options of local organics: Jorge Magdaleno Acosta and Rancho Quest with Mayte Svestka, and the Saturday market in the Plaza Juarez, and Nopolo Market. Love Jennifer A Rix greens! Ricardo Salome Fuerte Dominguez and María Elba Lombera Romero have La Regional by the highway from different ranches and particularly from Rancho Tiombo. Tim Yarbrough also has lots of goodies. In the last 4 years we have come a long way. I still remember Dec 2016 when we met in Loreto Bay Community Center with more than 70persons in the room and people waiting outside to help begin the first community supported agriculture. Thank you Eve Giovenco Lisa Wagner and so many more for being there to create the bridge for delicious healthy flavourful food.
If you want to receive veggies/fruits/grains/dairy products/meats/sustainably caught sea food from San Javier CSA, "Jardin Jesuita" please let me know by [email protected] You can pay in cash or online. We made our first delivery of the season yesterday, friday. You can purchase as many weeks as you like, pre payment is preferred for the rancher so he can plan his harvest. Deliveries to your doorstep, from 11am to 12noon each friday. Varieties are from 12 to 17 options. This week basket included: spinach, bok choy, large basil, nopal, radishes, green onions, 2-3 types of chiles, zucchini, cucumber, carrot, green cabbage, cantelope, orange, grapefruit, sweet lemons, limes, cilantro, pomegranites, tomatoes. The price is very reasonable and better (more quality less cost) than what you pay at the local stores - price is also not affected by inflation. You are welcomed to visit gardens with prior notice and wearing a fask mask.
In the season there will also be fava beans, regular beans, regular peas, sweet peas, potatoes, red beats, swiss chard, butter lettuce, large onions, jicama, cherri tomatoes, guava fruits, many different type of citrics. There is also eggs, sustainably caught sea food products, and open range chicken, open range meat, dates, honey, wine. Checking on the winter squash, eggplant, different herbs, kale, garlic, kumquat, tangerine, chinese orange (for marinade), mandarine, papaya.
This project is sponsored by Keep Loreto Magical www.keeploretomagical.org Thank you to all you have donated - it makes a measureble difference!
What makes Mexico less corrupt? Good journalist with strong voices and a strong community willing to unite around important change. Today the community of Baja Ca Sur suffers an enormous loss. Independent journalist and award winning author, Ezequiel Lizalde has died from covid19. He covered social causes everything from education, water protection, problems with toxic mining in BCS, human rights, women rights, the right to free speech (in a country that murders their journalist), covering law making in BCS (the latest one being the right same sex marriage) and making sure we hear all side of the issue in a relaxed and coherent forum. That was Ezequiel, who had the nickname of El Cheke. He didnt know when he would get his next pay check but he worked his body off which lead to his death. I was his fan. He took my calls to cover the issues that affected Loreto. He took many calls from different stakeholders and covered them on his written column, on his radio program and on his social media. That caused immediate reactions and caused change, some times in desperate times. Attention to human rights and the environment is always urgent in Mexico. He chose to raise his voice on how many journalist sold out in the peninsula and that in itself caused change from within the coverage of news and how it was covered. For example, Loreto doesnt have a single independent reporter. The local reporters are paid by the government to be their spoke persons. So there is no critical analysis on any written government article unless you go search out a reporter who cares and who will put their skin on the fire just as much as the people and issues being covered. These reporters our found outside of Loreto.
Attached is an article written by Ezequiel on everything he chose to cover "Escribir es una Chinga" - "Writing is difficult" Actually the exact translation is "Writing is f_cking difficult".
I will miss his voice and how it gave light to the important issues of our Baja California community so we may know we are connected in our struggles and aspirations for a better community and planet.
Attached is an article written by Ezequiel on everything he chose to cover "Escribir es una Chinga" - "Writing is difficult" Actually the exact translation is "Writing is f_cking difficult".
I will miss his voice and how it gave light to the important issues of our Baja California community so we may know we are connected in our struggles and aspirations for a better community and planet.
Sat 2/22/2020
Hello everyone!
Hoping this message reaches you with good health and doing great projects. Today 22nd Feb, saturday, we have an update meeting on the work of Keep Loreto Magical. Last year in March 2019, you all helped us fundraise 44,000usd during Noche Magica and I thought you would like to know where your money went and what was achieved. Please join us today at the community center at 3pm for 45min. Hope to see you there!
Here is the announcement of the meeting published on Facebook page called Voices of Loreto:
"22nd Feb: Saturday: 3pm - 45 min update meeting on environmental work by Keep Loreto Magical. Updates will be given on: 1. proposed Nopolo park, 2.Sand dune restoration & collaborative work with federal government to protect 7km of shoreline 3. trail marking, making, mapping inside the proposed Nopolo park within the Sierra La Giganta, 4. activities of collaboration with Marine Park, 5. updates on local citizen action to protect water & watersheds from mining actvities 6. Community supported agriculture in San Javier. 7. Support to local recycling center run by Cesar Diaz, 8.Collaborative work to increase neighbourhood watches, ensure civil liberties, options for citizen participation, and increase transparency in local governance (this last point is only shared at the meetings never online)). This meeting will be at Loreto Bay Community Center.
Keep Loreto Magical was created by a group of neighbors both local and expats wanting to protect our limited fresh water in the desert. Every activity done is lead, advocated or suggested by a neighbour. We are a collective of VECINOS -neighbours pulling together our expertise, our time and passion (in spanish we call it "pasion" too) to have Loreto be a place better for nature and its people. For example, this last summer, it was thanks to more than 20 volunteers that together we were able to stop a sewage dump by City officials into an arroyo, wetland and Marine Park of Loreto in only 5 days. We choose activities that have a mesureble result. We hope you will join any of these activities to learn about nature and have fun. Thank you for caring for Loreto by so many of you who already do so much on so many fronts. In the end, it does not matter where we are from, it only matters that we care. Muchas gracias!"
Hello everyone!
Hoping this message reaches you with good health and doing great projects. Today 22nd Feb, saturday, we have an update meeting on the work of Keep Loreto Magical. Last year in March 2019, you all helped us fundraise 44,000usd during Noche Magica and I thought you would like to know where your money went and what was achieved. Please join us today at the community center at 3pm for 45min. Hope to see you there!
Here is the announcement of the meeting published on Facebook page called Voices of Loreto:
"22nd Feb: Saturday: 3pm - 45 min update meeting on environmental work by Keep Loreto Magical. Updates will be given on: 1. proposed Nopolo park, 2.Sand dune restoration & collaborative work with federal government to protect 7km of shoreline 3. trail marking, making, mapping inside the proposed Nopolo park within the Sierra La Giganta, 4. activities of collaboration with Marine Park, 5. updates on local citizen action to protect water & watersheds from mining actvities 6. Community supported agriculture in San Javier. 7. Support to local recycling center run by Cesar Diaz, 8.Collaborative work to increase neighbourhood watches, ensure civil liberties, options for citizen participation, and increase transparency in local governance (this last point is only shared at the meetings never online)). This meeting will be at Loreto Bay Community Center.
Keep Loreto Magical was created by a group of neighbors both local and expats wanting to protect our limited fresh water in the desert. Every activity done is lead, advocated or suggested by a neighbour. We are a collective of VECINOS -neighbours pulling together our expertise, our time and passion (in spanish we call it "pasion" too) to have Loreto be a place better for nature and its people. For example, this last summer, it was thanks to more than 20 volunteers that together we were able to stop a sewage dump by City officials into an arroyo, wetland and Marine Park of Loreto in only 5 days. We choose activities that have a mesureble result. We hope you will join any of these activities to learn about nature and have fun. Thank you for caring for Loreto by so many of you who already do so much on so many fronts. In the end, it does not matter where we are from, it only matters that we care. Muchas gracias!"
Cecilia Fischer Founding Member · 2/15/2020
Activities & Updates on Keep Loreto Magical, a project of The Ocean Foundation:
19th Feb - Wed: Beginners hike: Soft walk, into the proposed Nopolo park to learn of new trails, status of work for park, learn about local flora/fauna/history of place. This year has been exceptional to learn about herbs. Leave 5pm from south exit of Nopolo back by 7pm. Distance by car is only 4km to get to start of trail. Any compact car can enter.
20th Feb - Thursday: Visit Jardin Jesuita in San Javier: Learn how the ecosystem of San Javier volcano has contributed to the richness in soil and water to grow healthy crops and help do some weeding too! In exchange be rewarded with some delicious appetizers. Leave 8am back 12noon. Roundtrip by car 64kms, nice paved road. Any compact car can do it. We will stop to do the eco in 3 different directions.
20th Feb - Thursday: Late evening hike inside of proposed Nopolo work to learn about local criters, plant behavior at night time in the desert and overall enjoy the desert at night. Beginners hike. Leave at 6pm back at 8pm. Distance by car is only 4km to get to start of trail. Any compact car can enter. We will see sunset - fire red colors on Sierra La Giganta.
21st Feb - Friday: Visit Rancho San Felipe and learn about all the changes goat herds go through with changes in plants diversity and plant abundance this rainy season. We will combine visit to ranch with a short hike prior to arriving to the ranch to learn of the different access being done to a new trail. Level of difficulty of hike: Intermediate. Leave 11am back 2pm. We will have a light lunch at Rancho San Felipe.
21st Feb - Friday: Beginners hike to learn to the 3 fresh water wells that feed water to Nopolo homes, located inside of Nopolo watershed. This section of Nopolo has a wonderful view, a micro watershed and high abundance of native desert grasses - it is a must see, beautiful and usually not visited trail. Leave at 5pm back at 7pm.
22nd Feb: Saturday: Show bike route from Nopolo-Loreto-Nopolo. We will depart at 8am back 12noon. We will have 2 cars for support to bikers. When we have to cross highway, local police will give assistance. The majority of the time we will be around estuaries, flat zones, dry marshes and behind airport on the road known as the "Salinita". Any bike can actually do this trail. I have even seen a huffy bike (not professional).
If you need a ride, please email at [email protected] or private message me. Lets not overuse this publication. All departures for outing are from south exit of Nopolo by street of Wine Cellar. All hikes are for free. You may choose to buy something from the local rancher so bring some dinero (cash) to pay. For all the hikes please do let me know you are coming, so we can plan well. Thank you!
22nd Feb: Saturday: 3pm - 45 min update meeting on environmental work by Keep Loreto Magical. Updates will be given: 1. proposed Nopolo park, 2.Sand dune restoration & collaborative work with federal government to protect 7km of shoreline 3. trail marking, making, mapping inside the proposed Nopolo park within the Sierra La Giganta, 4. activities of collaboration with Marine Park, 5. updates on local citizen action to protect water & watersheds from mining actvities 6. Community supported agriculture in San Javier. 7. Support to local recycling center run by Cesar Diaz, 8.Collaborative work to increase neighbourhood watches, ensure civil liberties, options for citizen participation, and increase transparency in local governance (this last point is only shared at the meetings never online)). This meeting will be Loreto Bay Community Center or a local home of Loreto Bay (will update announcement prior to meeting once I know).
23rd Feb: SUNDAY: Visit Rancho Tiombo, to learn about changes to farm after the soft rains, the fresh goat milk now delivered to buy fresh everyday to Loreto, and the unique ecosystem of the upper watershed of Nopolo. Leave at 7am back 12noon. Food will be served. Only high-clearance vehicles.
Keep Loreto Magical was created by a group of neighbors both local and expats wanting to protect our limited fresh water in the desert. Every activity done is lead, advocated or suggested by a neighbour. We are a collective of VECINOS -neighbours pulling together our expertise, our time and passion (in spanish we call it "pasion" too) to have Loreto be a place better for nature and its people. For example, this last summer, it was thanks to more than 20 volunteers that together we were able to stop an sewage dump by City officials into an arroyo, wetland and Marine Park in only 5 days. We choose activities that have a mesureble result. We hope you will join to any of these activities to learn about nature and have fun. Thank you for caring for Loreto by so many of you who already do so much on so many fronts. In end it does not matter where we are from, it only matters that we care. Muchas gracias!
Activities & Updates on Keep Loreto Magical, a project of The Ocean Foundation:
19th Feb - Wed: Beginners hike: Soft walk, into the proposed Nopolo park to learn of new trails, status of work for park, learn about local flora/fauna/history of place. This year has been exceptional to learn about herbs. Leave 5pm from south exit of Nopolo back by 7pm. Distance by car is only 4km to get to start of trail. Any compact car can enter.
20th Feb - Thursday: Visit Jardin Jesuita in San Javier: Learn how the ecosystem of San Javier volcano has contributed to the richness in soil and water to grow healthy crops and help do some weeding too! In exchange be rewarded with some delicious appetizers. Leave 8am back 12noon. Roundtrip by car 64kms, nice paved road. Any compact car can do it. We will stop to do the eco in 3 different directions.
20th Feb - Thursday: Late evening hike inside of proposed Nopolo work to learn about local criters, plant behavior at night time in the desert and overall enjoy the desert at night. Beginners hike. Leave at 6pm back at 8pm. Distance by car is only 4km to get to start of trail. Any compact car can enter. We will see sunset - fire red colors on Sierra La Giganta.
21st Feb - Friday: Visit Rancho San Felipe and learn about all the changes goat herds go through with changes in plants diversity and plant abundance this rainy season. We will combine visit to ranch with a short hike prior to arriving to the ranch to learn of the different access being done to a new trail. Level of difficulty of hike: Intermediate. Leave 11am back 2pm. We will have a light lunch at Rancho San Felipe.
21st Feb - Friday: Beginners hike to learn to the 3 fresh water wells that feed water to Nopolo homes, located inside of Nopolo watershed. This section of Nopolo has a wonderful view, a micro watershed and high abundance of native desert grasses - it is a must see, beautiful and usually not visited trail. Leave at 5pm back at 7pm.
22nd Feb: Saturday: Show bike route from Nopolo-Loreto-Nopolo. We will depart at 8am back 12noon. We will have 2 cars for support to bikers. When we have to cross highway, local police will give assistance. The majority of the time we will be around estuaries, flat zones, dry marshes and behind airport on the road known as the "Salinita". Any bike can actually do this trail. I have even seen a huffy bike (not professional).
If you need a ride, please email at [email protected] or private message me. Lets not overuse this publication. All departures for outing are from south exit of Nopolo by street of Wine Cellar. All hikes are for free. You may choose to buy something from the local rancher so bring some dinero (cash) to pay. For all the hikes please do let me know you are coming, so we can plan well. Thank you!
22nd Feb: Saturday: 3pm - 45 min update meeting on environmental work by Keep Loreto Magical. Updates will be given: 1. proposed Nopolo park, 2.Sand dune restoration & collaborative work with federal government to protect 7km of shoreline 3. trail marking, making, mapping inside the proposed Nopolo park within the Sierra La Giganta, 4. activities of collaboration with Marine Park, 5. updates on local citizen action to protect water & watersheds from mining actvities 6. Community supported agriculture in San Javier. 7. Support to local recycling center run by Cesar Diaz, 8.Collaborative work to increase neighbourhood watches, ensure civil liberties, options for citizen participation, and increase transparency in local governance (this last point is only shared at the meetings never online)). This meeting will be Loreto Bay Community Center or a local home of Loreto Bay (will update announcement prior to meeting once I know).
23rd Feb: SUNDAY: Visit Rancho Tiombo, to learn about changes to farm after the soft rains, the fresh goat milk now delivered to buy fresh everyday to Loreto, and the unique ecosystem of the upper watershed of Nopolo. Leave at 7am back 12noon. Food will be served. Only high-clearance vehicles.
Keep Loreto Magical was created by a group of neighbors both local and expats wanting to protect our limited fresh water in the desert. Every activity done is lead, advocated or suggested by a neighbour. We are a collective of VECINOS -neighbours pulling together our expertise, our time and passion (in spanish we call it "pasion" too) to have Loreto be a place better for nature and its people. For example, this last summer, it was thanks to more than 20 volunteers that together we were able to stop an sewage dump by City officials into an arroyo, wetland and Marine Park in only 5 days. We choose activities that have a mesureble result. We hope you will join to any of these activities to learn about nature and have fun. Thank you for caring for Loreto by so many of you who already do so much on so many fronts. In end it does not matter where we are from, it only matters that we care. Muchas gracias!
Activities of Keep Loreto Magical, a program of The Ocean Foundation in Loreto. This is the third year of the program and the 4th season since October 2015. We exist because community members come together to protect the environment and improve the lives of Loretanos. Neighbors helping neighbors doing actions that make a measurable difference in this special place.
26th Nov: Nature walk inside the proposed Nopolo park to learn about the changes in the ecosystems particularly after this summer during "canicula" - the 40 hottest days from 20th July to 23rd Aug. We will meet at south exit of Nopolo - same street of Wine Cellar right by the highway. We will learn about changes in flora and some fauna. The trail is downward and upward and any beginner hiker can use the trail. We will leave at 8am back at 11am. We car pool, I can take 3 persons. Please confirm your interest by [email protected] so I can make sure you have a ride if you don't want to drive. The distance from Nopolo exit to site for hiking is about 4kms, half way on dirt road that any compact car can enter. No. charge, free hike, just to have fun and learn of the precious environment. The watershed of Nopolo gives water to Nopolo, and it is important to know what we can do from our homes to protect it and enjoy it.
30th Nov: Sand Dune Restoration workshop: Thanks to generous donors during Noche Magica - March 2019 fundraising event we have been able to secure funds to help restore the sand dune between Marine Park of Loreto and the urban areas of Loreto. We are starting in Nopolo, by removing buffel (invasive grass from Africa) and allow salt grass and other native species to grow. We will meet at house FN 100 (behind lap pool) in front of the beach. From 11am to 1pm. Lunch is included and it has amazing appetizers that include native edible plants grown on the test site. We have limited space on this day so please do reserve to [email protected] There will be more opportunities to be part of this effort. The sand dune serves as a buffer to filter toxins into the marine park, a barrier to protect the urban area from hurricanes and is an important biological corridor for wildlife of our ecosystem. Please join us and learn hands on what the restoration entails. We have been very lucky to have the assistance of Jon Rebman in identifying natives species, particularly grasses that may be best suited for the sand dune. Learning about behaviors of local natives plants may blow your mind away. Hope to see you there! Anyone can come but please do reserve.
30th Nov: First delivery of "Jardin Jesuita", a new community supported agriculture by Luis and Erika Bastida, residents of San Javier. We have a couple of memberships still available if you are interested. Bastida family harvest includes olives in the delivery as well as heirlooms such as sweet peas, green peas, peas (ejotes), green bean, and fava beans among many other varieties of veggies and fruits. Location of delivery will be across Azul Restaurant in Nopolo.
6th Dec: If you are interested in purchasing by the week veggies or by the bushel - the new CSA of Jardin Jesuita will have options available beginning 6th Dec, across Azul Restaurant at 11am.
If weather allows (including a little rain) I will probably do guided hikes during 27, 28, and 29 Nov. - apparently it will be cloudy with chance of rain. I can't see myself staying indoors! So if you are up for a little adventure, going for a flat hike to listen to frogs and see plants absorbs the first droplets of water, this may be your thing. Its definitely my style. I will announce on 26th Nov in the afternoon where hike will be and how long it will take. I will probably check messages until tomorrow late afternoon.
Saludos and blessing to all.
26th Nov: Nature walk inside the proposed Nopolo park to learn about the changes in the ecosystems particularly after this summer during "canicula" - the 40 hottest days from 20th July to 23rd Aug. We will meet at south exit of Nopolo - same street of Wine Cellar right by the highway. We will learn about changes in flora and some fauna. The trail is downward and upward and any beginner hiker can use the trail. We will leave at 8am back at 11am. We car pool, I can take 3 persons. Please confirm your interest by [email protected] so I can make sure you have a ride if you don't want to drive. The distance from Nopolo exit to site for hiking is about 4kms, half way on dirt road that any compact car can enter. No. charge, free hike, just to have fun and learn of the precious environment. The watershed of Nopolo gives water to Nopolo, and it is important to know what we can do from our homes to protect it and enjoy it.
30th Nov: Sand Dune Restoration workshop: Thanks to generous donors during Noche Magica - March 2019 fundraising event we have been able to secure funds to help restore the sand dune between Marine Park of Loreto and the urban areas of Loreto. We are starting in Nopolo, by removing buffel (invasive grass from Africa) and allow salt grass and other native species to grow. We will meet at house FN 100 (behind lap pool) in front of the beach. From 11am to 1pm. Lunch is included and it has amazing appetizers that include native edible plants grown on the test site. We have limited space on this day so please do reserve to [email protected] There will be more opportunities to be part of this effort. The sand dune serves as a buffer to filter toxins into the marine park, a barrier to protect the urban area from hurricanes and is an important biological corridor for wildlife of our ecosystem. Please join us and learn hands on what the restoration entails. We have been very lucky to have the assistance of Jon Rebman in identifying natives species, particularly grasses that may be best suited for the sand dune. Learning about behaviors of local natives plants may blow your mind away. Hope to see you there! Anyone can come but please do reserve.
30th Nov: First delivery of "Jardin Jesuita", a new community supported agriculture by Luis and Erika Bastida, residents of San Javier. We have a couple of memberships still available if you are interested. Bastida family harvest includes olives in the delivery as well as heirlooms such as sweet peas, green peas, peas (ejotes), green bean, and fava beans among many other varieties of veggies and fruits. Location of delivery will be across Azul Restaurant in Nopolo.
6th Dec: If you are interested in purchasing by the week veggies or by the bushel - the new CSA of Jardin Jesuita will have options available beginning 6th Dec, across Azul Restaurant at 11am.
If weather allows (including a little rain) I will probably do guided hikes during 27, 28, and 29 Nov. - apparently it will be cloudy with chance of rain. I can't see myself staying indoors! So if you are up for a little adventure, going for a flat hike to listen to frogs and see plants absorbs the first droplets of water, this may be your thing. Its definitely my style. I will announce on 26th Nov in the afternoon where hike will be and how long it will take. I will probably check messages until tomorrow late afternoon.
Saludos and blessing to all.
Via a the Loreto Guide Association: https://bit.ly/2VjxFpo and its President Rodolfo Palacios Castro and the representative of 10 ranch collective Ricardo Salome Fuerte Dominguez in Loreto, and with help of Mary Kay Kerbel and Bob Bailey we are inviting anyone interested in hiking in the Sierra La Giganta, and getting to know who the owners of the different trails are, to come to a hike! We shall meet at 9am next March 6th Wed on the south exit of Nopolo. The location of the hike will probably be within the proposed Nopolo Park which is begginers hike. The distance to the trail from Nopolo is only 3 miles by car. We car pool. Any car can enter - also compact. We are not going far. I have 2 cars so if you need a ride please let me know via [email protected] or by inbox. This is a great opportunity to make direct contact with people doing amazing things for the Sierra and thus for the places we all love. You can get some questions answered about ownership of land, who are the specific owners of certain trails, and perhaps find some great hiking folks. We will talk about the local flora, flora and medicinal plants of the area. But the primary purpose of the hike is to meet our neighbors in the Sierra - start a relationship while hiking. At the end, Ricardo Salome Fuerte Dominguez would like you to meet his new upcoming restaurant/store of ranchero goods located next to highway. We should be done by 11.30am. The Sierra La Giganta is a diverse wondrous place to explore and I find it has more value after you meet the stewards of it. Hope to see you there! Saludos!
Please know I have been receiving complaints from ranchers about tourists entering the Sierra La Giganta properties without permission. If you are interested in entering a trail within any land in the Sierra please request permission PRIOR to entering. Plan ahead your hiking trip so this can happen. For example, for the Thursday free hiking group may I suggest that for you to request permission from the ranchers that you wish to visit their land prior to entering their land? For example, the land of the familia Fuerte (4 different ranches are found there) they usually want to know visitors are present because they have had prospectors taking soil samples while acting like tourists but really being mining prospectors. This has happened in other ranches. Also, realize all the land in Baja has an owner. To assume anyone can enter someone elses land is the wrong assumption. Ranchers go at great length to build their roads, and upkeep them and may want to be monetarily compensated for the use of the road or entrance to their land. I realize the Lonely Planet guidebook or the recently published DeeDee Kellyhiking book may not state this information but that should not be a reason not to apply common sense that if you enter a land that is not yours the owners will ask for money to enter it or simply not allow access (which is now the case for several trails because of this behavior). The arroyos are federal zones, but hardly anyone stays on an arroyo as we all know - the land is so beautiful to see! So, the best common sense here is to ask for permission because the ranchers are our neighbors and deserve our respect. For example, you can contact directly Ricardo Salome Fuerte Dominguez for reservations of the Familia Fuerte land or at his email: [email protected] He is bilingual. Please also know that Loreto used to have about 400 ranches and now it barely has 150 of them precisely because the owners struggle to maintain their ranches and transform them into self sustaining economic units. To them, you passing without the minimal outreach goes against common courtesy, is denigrating and economically unviable. What we don't want here is for a few to ruin it for the majority for future hikes (for the ones who do ask for permission and work it out with the land owner prior to entering their private property). Please also know you should not be hacking any plants under the guys of creating new trails or "improving" the trails. Think how you would feel if someone came hacking at your plants in your garden. Please know you should not be taking rocks or anything from their land - this is considered stealing - even though in some eyes the land looks like the wild west. I have received complaints regarding these issues from ranchers and posted about it on year 2018. Now I have to announce it again. If you are to take a dog, it should be on a leash. Inside of canyons with limited space it should not be found at all - this has been the complaint of the people of Ligui and Ensenada Blanca community after seeing pictures on facebook where their drinking water has had the presence of dogs. Please notice how we now have more fences and locks where we didn't before in Sierra La Giganta. Im sure no one intended to be disrespectful by not getting permission or giving payment but it can be easily seen that way. Hope this is of use for everyone who likes exploring the peninsula. For more information on guides for hiking in Sierra La Giganta, please contact the Loreto Guide Association and its President: Rodolfo Palacios Castro
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Update environmental meeting of Loreto on Keep Loreto Magical program: this Sunday 17th Feb 2019 at 3pm at Loreto Bay (it will be at Community Center or a home) just waiting for confirmation. Topics: Nopolo Park, Work with Ranchers - what we are doing collectively with our choices to eat good food; heavy metals study finished (English and Spanish versions); mining concessions vs protection of water supply; lots of work behind the scenes to keep Loreto downtown recycling AND helping our local authorities on issues of human rights violations and due diligence of law in judicial system of Loreto. Next steps include testing of lead in children, sand dune restoration throughout coast from Nopolo beach to Loreto and the challenges of cycling route along the coastline (but doable!). We continue to make a measurable difference in our shared environment. Please know that all activities have support from local residents or businesses and/or a branch of the government. We all need to be invested - its the only path of a sustainable change. Neighbors coming together, all volunteers, no office, no overhead. We will have limited space at the meeting. Please send me an email to [email protected] or private message if you wish to come. We will have tasty treats if you arrive on time :)
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Planting Party 15th January at Rancho Tiombo:
Would you like to start the new year by planting life with the ranchers of the Sierra La Giganta and in the same watershed of Nopolo? Rancho Tiombo invites you to help plant Jamaica tea plant, squash, tomatoes and some chiles. In exchange you will be given breakfast (rancho coffee, rancho eggs, tortillas, low salt goat cheese and fresh cut oranges and orange juice). Some of you helped in this task two months ago planting 220 papaya trees. Thank you Anne Fletcher Elaine Harvey and family and many others. Rancho Tiombo is an important neighbor to Nopolo and Loreto Bay development because its at the top of the same watershed as Nopolo. Together as neighbors of the same watershed we look after the most important resource in our area, water. Replanting edibles is an important part of the ecosystems of our the Sierra in order to keep water alive. Finally, according to owner Ricardo Salome Fuerte Dominguez, the original passage to San Javier was through the mountains of Tiombo. See the map showing San Javier just through the back - west of peak Tiombo. Helping to keep Tiombo is an important part of the heritage of Loreto. Also, you can purchase sweet delicious limas from Ricardo too.
Logistics: The soil is prepared and ready to receive the seedlings. If you have a small shovel, please bring it. The terrain is flat and we will be planting on the lower terrace - there are 3 terrance at Tiombo with beautiful views. We leave at 7.30 am from south exit of Nopolo and if you are coming from down town Loreto, we meet at 7.45am from power station next to propane station on highway. We will probably return around 11am. If you must return by 11am, we can have a designated car give you a ride back. From highway to ranch its 10kms (at least 4km are difficult but doable. Ricardo just resurfaced the road). We car pool. I have 2 cars, if you need a ride, please do let me know. We give an optional donation of $100 pesos per person to rancher which is put into road used by all of us when exploring around his ranch. Please let me know if you want to go via [email protected] or by private message to Cecilia Fischer or 612 153 3752 cell Best to not overuse this publication. Thank you for caring for our shared environment and watershed. (recall we had to cancel this trip last week due to rains)
Would you like to start the new year by planting life with the ranchers of the Sierra La Giganta and in the same watershed of Nopolo? Rancho Tiombo invites you to help plant Jamaica tea plant, squash, tomatoes and some chiles. In exchange you will be given breakfast (rancho coffee, rancho eggs, tortillas, low salt goat cheese and fresh cut oranges and orange juice). Some of you helped in this task two months ago planting 220 papaya trees. Thank you Anne Fletcher Elaine Harvey and family and many others. Rancho Tiombo is an important neighbor to Nopolo and Loreto Bay development because its at the top of the same watershed as Nopolo. Together as neighbors of the same watershed we look after the most important resource in our area, water. Replanting edibles is an important part of the ecosystems of our the Sierra in order to keep water alive. Finally, according to owner Ricardo Salome Fuerte Dominguez, the original passage to San Javier was through the mountains of Tiombo. See the map showing San Javier just through the back - west of peak Tiombo. Helping to keep Tiombo is an important part of the heritage of Loreto. Also, you can purchase sweet delicious limas from Ricardo too.
Logistics: The soil is prepared and ready to receive the seedlings. If you have a small shovel, please bring it. The terrain is flat and we will be planting on the lower terrace - there are 3 terrance at Tiombo with beautiful views. We leave at 7.30 am from south exit of Nopolo and if you are coming from down town Loreto, we meet at 7.45am from power station next to propane station on highway. We will probably return around 11am. If you must return by 11am, we can have a designated car give you a ride back. From highway to ranch its 10kms (at least 4km are difficult but doable. Ricardo just resurfaced the road). We car pool. I have 2 cars, if you need a ride, please do let me know. We give an optional donation of $100 pesos per person to rancher which is put into road used by all of us when exploring around his ranch. Please let me know if you want to go via [email protected] or by private message to Cecilia Fischer or 612 153 3752 cell Best to not overuse this publication. Thank you for caring for our shared environment and watershed. (recall we had to cancel this trip last week due to rains)
Cecilia Fischer
Dec.8 post · I had asked questions about what is happening with the Loreto Bay Village Voice and Loreto & Loreto Bay Ads, here is the answer from the past administrators. I will proceed to delete to publication where I asked about it on this Facebook wall. Any further questions please ask Maryanne Austin .
"Regarding both Loreto Bay Village Voice and Loreto & Loreto Bay Ads being archived. Thank you for the years of support and those particular comments and messages that have been accurate, respectful and positive. We spent months working on solutions to ongoing issues, seeking new admin and then training potential admins and thereafter a new admin which quickly went south. As a result, we have decided the best course of action is to archive the sites as the time has come to not be further involved in the administration or training of someone new nor having an unending timeline as to handling inevitable issues or seeing the site we worked so hard on failing. This has not been a 'quick' or 'light' decision. Opening a Facebook group is very easy and anyone can do this to support the community. We appreciate everyone's comments and suggestions but after WE started the site six years ago, it's simply time for a new name, a new group. There is a new group with a different but similar name currently being formed and we wish them the best of luck."
Dec.8 post · I had asked questions about what is happening with the Loreto Bay Village Voice and Loreto & Loreto Bay Ads, here is the answer from the past administrators. I will proceed to delete to publication where I asked about it on this Facebook wall. Any further questions please ask Maryanne Austin .
"Regarding both Loreto Bay Village Voice and Loreto & Loreto Bay Ads being archived. Thank you for the years of support and those particular comments and messages that have been accurate, respectful and positive. We spent months working on solutions to ongoing issues, seeking new admin and then training potential admins and thereafter a new admin which quickly went south. As a result, we have decided the best course of action is to archive the sites as the time has come to not be further involved in the administration or training of someone new nor having an unending timeline as to handling inevitable issues or seeing the site we worked so hard on failing. This has not been a 'quick' or 'light' decision. Opening a Facebook group is very easy and anyone can do this to support the community. We appreciate everyone's comments and suggestions but after WE started the site six years ago, it's simply time for a new name, a new group. There is a new group with a different but similar name currently being formed and we wish them the best of luck."
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After Christmas Hike: Next Wed, 26th Dec 2018 going to a peak in southern limit of Nopolo reserve. Meeting place is south exit of Nopolo (by golf course). Terrain: flat in the beginning (clay floor) and then a steep incline on a trail (some rock and clay) to view the Sierra La Giganta and the Bahia de Nopolo (Nopolo beach). You will be able to see the Nopolo development and beach all together. We have not gone on this hike before and its not on the hiking book of Loreto. Bring good tenis shoes, or shoes with good tread or hiking shoes. Don't forget Water and a hat. The hike is about 3 kilometers round trip. To get to hiking area we may use cars for 2 miles or decide we can walk from the meeting place (south exit of Nopolo) Car can be a compact car. If you need a ride, just let me know via [email protected] or by private message. I have twelve kilos over weight due to Eriks wonderful cooking! So Im going! 7.30am departure time, return by 9am. Hope to see you there! Remember all these hikes are for free and anyone con come. We go to learn about the flora, fauna and have fun! You just need to let me know you are interested in going. Feliz Navidad! Rodolfo Palacios Castro te animas?
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Cecilia Fischer
Visual Storyteller · at Loreto Bay Community Center (located in Nopolo) I will give an Environmental News presentation for the Keep Loreto Magical program of The Ocean Foundation Mark Spalding. The meeting will have updates and news on "Parque Natural Nopolo", heavy metals testing study finished for the Municipality of Loreto (see attachment pictures of introductory page and map of location of samples). Also upcoming workshops in 2019 for sand dune restoration on the coastline of Loreto and for learning about diseases that affect cardon cactus. We have done studies of water within two popular canyons of the Sierra La Giganta given concerns of harmful of organisms. We have supported three upcoming veggie farmers, and have advance on the cycling route from Nopolo to Loreto. Finally, a small report on how are we closing the year on protecting the peninsula of Baja California and the Sierra La Giganta from open pit mining. Please let me know you are interested in assisting to [email protected] or by private message as I will have handouts of studies, and delicious delights from Erik. I apologies I was absent of the hiking scene the last two weeks - I was assisting friends dealing with burglaries and other spontaneous stuff. By the way, out dear friend Ricardo Salome Fuerte Dominguez is getting married today - hard working man that is transforming our Sierra La Giganta community. I hope you get to meet him and know him more. Mariana Malbicho por si te interesa. Please also know that thanks to Lilisita Lucero Orozco and the amazing group of volunteers of "Frente Comun por la Defensa de Loreto AC" work continues to protect our fresh water.
Visual Storyteller · at Loreto Bay Community Center (located in Nopolo) I will give an Environmental News presentation for the Keep Loreto Magical program of The Ocean Foundation Mark Spalding. The meeting will have updates and news on "Parque Natural Nopolo", heavy metals testing study finished for the Municipality of Loreto (see attachment pictures of introductory page and map of location of samples). Also upcoming workshops in 2019 for sand dune restoration on the coastline of Loreto and for learning about diseases that affect cardon cactus. We have done studies of water within two popular canyons of the Sierra La Giganta given concerns of harmful of organisms. We have supported three upcoming veggie farmers, and have advance on the cycling route from Nopolo to Loreto. Finally, a small report on how are we closing the year on protecting the peninsula of Baja California and the Sierra La Giganta from open pit mining. Please let me know you are interested in assisting to [email protected] or by private message as I will have handouts of studies, and delicious delights from Erik. I apologies I was absent of the hiking scene the last two weeks - I was assisting friends dealing with burglaries and other spontaneous stuff. By the way, out dear friend Ricardo Salome Fuerte Dominguez is getting married today - hard working man that is transforming our Sierra La Giganta community. I hope you get to meet him and know him more. Mariana Malbicho por si te interesa. Please also know that thanks to Lilisita Lucero Orozco and the amazing group of volunteers of "Frente Comun por la Defensa de Loreto AC" work continues to protect our fresh water.
Posted Dec.4
Cecilia Fischer
Conversation Starter · 12 hrs Next Tuesday 11th Dec, Rancho Tiombo invites you to enjoy its ranch to help do replanting of edible plants. In exchange you will be given breakfast (rancho coffee, rancho eggs, tortillas, low salt goat cheese and fresh cut oranges and orange juice). There are more than 100 small plants, everything from chiles, tomato, Jamaica and papaya. Some of you helped in this task last year planting olive trees and other fruit trees. Gracias Mary ScribnerAnne Fletcher, and so many others. Rancho Tiombo is an important neighbor to Nopolo and Loreto Bay development because its at the top of the same watershed as Nopolo. Together as neighbors of the same watershed we look after the most important resource in our area, water. Replanting edibles is an important part of the ecosystems of our the Sierra in order to keep water alive . Also, according to owner Ricardo Salome Fuerte Dominguez, the original passage to San Javier was through the mountains of Tiombo. See the map showing San Javier just through the back - west of peak Tiombo. So helping to keep Tiombo is an important part of the heritage of Loreto. We will take the time to learn of the native local edibles of Tiombo: cordoncillo herb, tomatillo green, and wild grape vines. You can purchase oranges and sweet delicious limas from Ricardo too.
Logistics: The soil is prepared and ready to receive the seedlings. If you have a small shovel, please bring it. The terrain is flat and we will be planting on the lower terrace - there are 3 terrance at Tiombo with beautiful views. We leave at 7.30am from south exit of Nopolo and if you are coming from down town Loreto, we meet at 7.45am from power station next to propane station on highway. We will probably return around 11am. If you must return by 11am, we can have a designated car give you a ride back. From highway to ranch its 10kms (at least 4km are difficult but doable for low clearance vehicles). We car pool. I have 2 cars, if you need a ride, please do let me know. We give an optional donation of $100 pesos per person to rancher which is put into road which we all use when we are exploring around his ranch. Please let me know if you want to go via [email protected] or by private message or 612 153 3752 cell Best to not overuse this publication. Thank you for caring for our shared environment and watershed - in 3 years we have come very far. Jill Clark Jackson was remembering you today.
Cecilia Fischer
Conversation Starter · 12 hrs Next Tuesday 11th Dec, Rancho Tiombo invites you to enjoy its ranch to help do replanting of edible plants. In exchange you will be given breakfast (rancho coffee, rancho eggs, tortillas, low salt goat cheese and fresh cut oranges and orange juice). There are more than 100 small plants, everything from chiles, tomato, Jamaica and papaya. Some of you helped in this task last year planting olive trees and other fruit trees. Gracias Mary ScribnerAnne Fletcher, and so many others. Rancho Tiombo is an important neighbor to Nopolo and Loreto Bay development because its at the top of the same watershed as Nopolo. Together as neighbors of the same watershed we look after the most important resource in our area, water. Replanting edibles is an important part of the ecosystems of our the Sierra in order to keep water alive . Also, according to owner Ricardo Salome Fuerte Dominguez, the original passage to San Javier was through the mountains of Tiombo. See the map showing San Javier just through the back - west of peak Tiombo. So helping to keep Tiombo is an important part of the heritage of Loreto. We will take the time to learn of the native local edibles of Tiombo: cordoncillo herb, tomatillo green, and wild grape vines. You can purchase oranges and sweet delicious limas from Ricardo too.
Logistics: The soil is prepared and ready to receive the seedlings. If you have a small shovel, please bring it. The terrain is flat and we will be planting on the lower terrace - there are 3 terrance at Tiombo with beautiful views. We leave at 7.30am from south exit of Nopolo and if you are coming from down town Loreto, we meet at 7.45am from power station next to propane station on highway. We will probably return around 11am. If you must return by 11am, we can have a designated car give you a ride back. From highway to ranch its 10kms (at least 4km are difficult but doable for low clearance vehicles). We car pool. I have 2 cars, if you need a ride, please do let me know. We give an optional donation of $100 pesos per person to rancher which is put into road which we all use when we are exploring around his ranch. Please let me know if you want to go via [email protected] or by private message or 612 153 3752 cell Best to not overuse this publication. Thank you for caring for our shared environment and watershed - in 3 years we have come very far. Jill Clark Jackson was remembering you today.
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Posted Nov.23
Once upon time (prior to 1975), the majority of Nopolo was an estuary filled with mangroves (salt tolerant species). Although many things have changed, important parts of the ecosystem are still intact. I have been asked to share the benefits of our mangroves (which serves as a nursery for fish and other marine wild life) and the different native species surrounding the development. There is also interesting information to learn about the original settlers of this area. Loreto Bay Company did do an archeological dig and learned interesting information (we will visit said site). Join me next Wed 28th Nov 9am on bike ride from the estuary to the old hotel and surrounding non development lots to learn about this lovely habitat. We meet at corner of the Wine Bar of Loreto Bay in Nopolo at 9am. We should end around 10.30am. If you don't have a bike, I can try to borrow one for you. Please tell me in advance. This tour is free.
On Thursday 29th Nov at 9am we will dedicate to only talk about the Bay of Nopolo, the sand dune, medicinal and edible plant species found close to the marine edge and the work done by several volunteers to restore this habitat. Notice the sand dune continues for 3 kms north! We should end our walking tour at 11am. Please meet at the El Corazon Cafe with a hat at 9am. Please advise you are joining us at [email protected] or private message. Best to not overuse this publication. Thank you for all the requests to do hikes. I absolutely love being immersed in nature. This tour is free.
Also, Im looking for volunteers drivers for a hike Im doing with locals on 1st Dec Saturday. I need 4 drivers with their cars (any car can go) for car pooling. Departure is early 6am (I promise I will get you a powerful coffee). Thank you in advance for your consideration. The purpose of this hike is to explain to our residents Loretanos the performance of our desert watershed. Fun stuff!
Once upon time (prior to 1975), the majority of Nopolo was an estuary filled with mangroves (salt tolerant species). Although many things have changed, important parts of the ecosystem are still intact. I have been asked to share the benefits of our mangroves (which serves as a nursery for fish and other marine wild life) and the different native species surrounding the development. There is also interesting information to learn about the original settlers of this area. Loreto Bay Company did do an archeological dig and learned interesting information (we will visit said site). Join me next Wed 28th Nov 9am on bike ride from the estuary to the old hotel and surrounding non development lots to learn about this lovely habitat. We meet at corner of the Wine Bar of Loreto Bay in Nopolo at 9am. We should end around 10.30am. If you don't have a bike, I can try to borrow one for you. Please tell me in advance. This tour is free.
On Thursday 29th Nov at 9am we will dedicate to only talk about the Bay of Nopolo, the sand dune, medicinal and edible plant species found close to the marine edge and the work done by several volunteers to restore this habitat. Notice the sand dune continues for 3 kms north! We should end our walking tour at 11am. Please meet at the El Corazon Cafe with a hat at 9am. Please advise you are joining us at [email protected] or private message. Best to not overuse this publication. Thank you for all the requests to do hikes. I absolutely love being immersed in nature. This tour is free.
Also, Im looking for volunteers drivers for a hike Im doing with locals on 1st Dec Saturday. I need 4 drivers with their cars (any car can go) for car pooling. Departure is early 6am (I promise I will get you a powerful coffee). Thank you in advance for your consideration. The purpose of this hike is to explain to our residents Loretanos the performance of our desert watershed. Fun stuff!
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Sand dune is a protected ecosystem according to Mexican environmental law. This sand dune in particular continues north, passed the old hotel, passed the arroyo and almost reaches the back end of the airport of Loreto. This is a picture of the sand dune section in front of FN 100 - home of Lorene Archdekin and Alex Vandenham prior to its restoration. |
Loreto on TV now: "1000 Days of the Planet" on Nat Geo Wild. Program is about Blue Whales in the Atlantic but the pictures are from within the Marine Park of Loreto Parque Nacional Bahía de Loreto aboard Fernando Arcas' vessel. Small world! Hope we will see blue whales soon.
Posted Nov.14
As per your request, I will be doing hikes again. The 1st hike (before many of you leave) will be next Friday 16th Nov to go see the Proposed Parque Natural Nopolo and Rancho Tiombo. Both are 10 kms away on a dirt road right next to the propane station. Many exciting things have happened with the Park initiative (an upcoming creation) and with Ricardo Salome Fuerte Dominguez who owns Tiombo and directs a collective of 10 goat ranchers. We will meet south exit of Nopolo (BY THE GOLF COURSE) at 6.30am, do a small hike of 2 miles, then off to Rancho Tiombo to see how the avocados, guavas, and delicious citrus trees are doing. We will enjoy some coffee, goat cheese and fruit. You can also buy small trees or fruit directly from Ricardo (he has tangelos!). His oranges are well known to produce lots of good juice. Just ask Peter Boddy. Type trail is majority flat walking. If you don't want to go up hill on Rancho Tiombo you can stay in the bottom terrance under the mango trees.There are three terraces overlooking the sea. We are allowed to enter the ranch for free and you can leave a donation to the rancher (any amount is aceptable) that will go into fixing the road and the many expenses the ranch has. Cash only, usually limited change for purchase of goods. The road is doable for any compact car, preferably high clearance from ground to car (but not necessarily), no 4x4 car needed. We car pool, no charge for hike, just to have fun and learn about flora, fauna, medicinal plants, Nopolo park work, trails, and jesuit missionary techniques used in agriculture for ranches. I have 2 cars - if you want to ride with, please tell me. We are back by 9am. I know 6.30am departure is early. The desert is best seen alive in the morning. Hope to see you! Best to confirm your assistance via private message, or by cell 612 153 3752 or by email [email protected] Please do not overuse this publication. Saludos and blessing to all.
As per your request, I will be doing hikes again. The 1st hike (before many of you leave) will be next Friday 16th Nov to go see the Proposed Parque Natural Nopolo and Rancho Tiombo. Both are 10 kms away on a dirt road right next to the propane station. Many exciting things have happened with the Park initiative (an upcoming creation) and with Ricardo Salome Fuerte Dominguez who owns Tiombo and directs a collective of 10 goat ranchers. We will meet south exit of Nopolo (BY THE GOLF COURSE) at 6.30am, do a small hike of 2 miles, then off to Rancho Tiombo to see how the avocados, guavas, and delicious citrus trees are doing. We will enjoy some coffee, goat cheese and fruit. You can also buy small trees or fruit directly from Ricardo (he has tangelos!). His oranges are well known to produce lots of good juice. Just ask Peter Boddy. Type trail is majority flat walking. If you don't want to go up hill on Rancho Tiombo you can stay in the bottom terrance under the mango trees.There are three terraces overlooking the sea. We are allowed to enter the ranch for free and you can leave a donation to the rancher (any amount is aceptable) that will go into fixing the road and the many expenses the ranch has. Cash only, usually limited change for purchase of goods. The road is doable for any compact car, preferably high clearance from ground to car (but not necessarily), no 4x4 car needed. We car pool, no charge for hike, just to have fun and learn about flora, fauna, medicinal plants, Nopolo park work, trails, and jesuit missionary techniques used in agriculture for ranches. I have 2 cars - if you want to ride with, please tell me. We are back by 9am. I know 6.30am departure is early. The desert is best seen alive in the morning. Hope to see you! Best to confirm your assistance via private message, or by cell 612 153 3752 or by email [email protected] Please do not overuse this publication. Saludos and blessing to all.
Facebook post February 11 at 7:02am
The details to support the heavy metals testing for Parque Nacional Bahía de Loreto are finally done and now I have time to publish the hiking schedule. Im so sorry I did not share this before.
7. Monday 19th Feb - Cycling from Nopolo to Loreto and back. Depart El Corazon Cafe at 8am back at 11am at the latest. There is a route via the beach to down town Loreto -goes behind the airport. Folks have done route with street bikes, cruisers, hybrids and mountain bikes. We take 2 cars for support with additional water and radios. We may use 1 km of the highway with police presence. In the past we have done 1.5hrs roundtrip going moderate pace (or you can just jump inside 1 of cars with your bike) We also want to show you 1 km of a route we would like to create together by taking out exotic and invasive buffell grass (comes from Africa). Janet Grachal ,Manny Davis and myself are working on what that would like now. Folks who have gone on this route before with myself and Erik are Susan Suggs, Glenn H. Procter Ash, Eve Giovenco, Lief, Mr. Levine. Our purpose is to have Nopolo-Loreto connected through a small cycling route without interrupting the 3 estuaries and sand dunes located next to coastline.
8. Tuesday 20th Feb - 8am Meet at south exit of Nopolo to do walk around Loreto Bay and Nopolo to learn about the ecosystem of the area (used to be all an estuary), and the medicinal and harmful plants found in our own backyard. Done by 10am. The two arroyos, water ways in Agua Viva and Gulf Course, protected estuary as per Parque Nacional Bahía de Loreto regulations, and 2 watersheds that surround Nopolo (in Guaycura tongue means "low land") have created a unique environment. Come learn about it! Did you know you could make tea from bugambilia? Palo de Arco? How about eating certain seeds? Can the sap of certain plants burn skin? What are the benefits of the sand dune by beach? We will walk and use car to go to ramp area of Nopolo - we can car pool. All flat walking - all welcomed. Margreet Beekman-Heepke Tracey Lane Delaplain
9. Wed 21st Feb - Environmental meeting: Updates on Keep Loreto Magical - Program of The Ocean Foundation - place and time to be announced. Meeting will only be 30min. Short and sweet.
As always, I am thrilled to see so many of us interested in hiking. If you look back 15 years ago in Loreto, we didn't see advocacy for hiking. We mostly did visits to San Javier/Tabor as a collective. Our choice to be surrounded by a healthy nature (hopefully treading softly) does put the importance of biodiversity and a planet with abundance. Please do confirm you are interested in coming on a hike by emailing: Cecilia_fischer@yahoo.com.mx or cell 612 153 3752. Please don't overuse this publication so I don't get in trouble with admin. - thank you In advance! Also, I can't comment much on this publication - so my replies will be by private message or email. Here is a new video by Erik, celebrating the Sierra La Giganta-hopefully the view from your window too :) Buenos dias!
All these projects are possible via Keep Loreto Magical - a program of The Ocean Foundation - Mark Spalding its president. We have an upcoming fundraiser 20th March 2018 at FN 100 in Loreto Bay - House of Lorene Archdekin - tickets with Anne Fletcher.
The details to support the heavy metals testing for Parque Nacional Bahía de Loreto are finally done and now I have time to publish the hiking schedule. Im so sorry I did not share this before.
7. Monday 19th Feb - Cycling from Nopolo to Loreto and back. Depart El Corazon Cafe at 8am back at 11am at the latest. There is a route via the beach to down town Loreto -goes behind the airport. Folks have done route with street bikes, cruisers, hybrids and mountain bikes. We take 2 cars for support with additional water and radios. We may use 1 km of the highway with police presence. In the past we have done 1.5hrs roundtrip going moderate pace (or you can just jump inside 1 of cars with your bike) We also want to show you 1 km of a route we would like to create together by taking out exotic and invasive buffell grass (comes from Africa). Janet Grachal ,Manny Davis and myself are working on what that would like now. Folks who have gone on this route before with myself and Erik are Susan Suggs, Glenn H. Procter Ash, Eve Giovenco, Lief, Mr. Levine. Our purpose is to have Nopolo-Loreto connected through a small cycling route without interrupting the 3 estuaries and sand dunes located next to coastline.
8. Tuesday 20th Feb - 8am Meet at south exit of Nopolo to do walk around Loreto Bay and Nopolo to learn about the ecosystem of the area (used to be all an estuary), and the medicinal and harmful plants found in our own backyard. Done by 10am. The two arroyos, water ways in Agua Viva and Gulf Course, protected estuary as per Parque Nacional Bahía de Loreto regulations, and 2 watersheds that surround Nopolo (in Guaycura tongue means "low land") have created a unique environment. Come learn about it! Did you know you could make tea from bugambilia? Palo de Arco? How about eating certain seeds? Can the sap of certain plants burn skin? What are the benefits of the sand dune by beach? We will walk and use car to go to ramp area of Nopolo - we can car pool. All flat walking - all welcomed. Margreet Beekman-Heepke Tracey Lane Delaplain
9. Wed 21st Feb - Environmental meeting: Updates on Keep Loreto Magical - Program of The Ocean Foundation - place and time to be announced. Meeting will only be 30min. Short and sweet.
As always, I am thrilled to see so many of us interested in hiking. If you look back 15 years ago in Loreto, we didn't see advocacy for hiking. We mostly did visits to San Javier/Tabor as a collective. Our choice to be surrounded by a healthy nature (hopefully treading softly) does put the importance of biodiversity and a planet with abundance. Please do confirm you are interested in coming on a hike by emailing: Cecilia_fischer@yahoo.com.mx or cell 612 153 3752. Please don't overuse this publication so I don't get in trouble with admin. - thank you In advance! Also, I can't comment much on this publication - so my replies will be by private message or email. Here is a new video by Erik, celebrating the Sierra La Giganta-hopefully the view from your window too :) Buenos dias!
All these projects are possible via Keep Loreto Magical - a program of The Ocean Foundation - Mark Spalding its president. We have an upcoming fundraiser 20th March 2018 at FN 100 in Loreto Bay - House of Lorene Archdekin - tickets with Anne Fletcher.
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Today is the next to the last activity of the 9 options posted to learn about our local flora, fauna and our bi-cultural habitat. Description: Tuesday 20th Feb - 8am Meet at south exit of Nopolo to do walk around Loreto Bay and Nopolo to learn about the ecosystem of the area (used to be all an estuary), and the medicinal and harmful plants found in our own backyard. Done by 10am. The two arroyos, water ways in Agua Viva and Gulf Course, protected estuary as per Parque Nacional Bahía de Loreto regulations, and 2 watersheds that surround Nopolo (in Guaycura tongue means "low land") have created a unique environment. Come learn about it! Did you know you could make tea from bugambilia? Palo de Arco? How about eating certain seeds? Can the sap of certain plants burn skin? What are the benefits of the sand dune by beach? We will walk and use car to go to ramp area of Nopolo - we can car pool. All flat walking - all welcomed.
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Hello everyone! Apparently no one saw the posting of Eric's delicious Community Supported Agriculture recipe served last Friday for free (and he is very upset that Im just sharing it - oops - no one say anything given he is not on Facebook!) Here is the delicious Torta de Patata - Española style! Hope you enjoy! Makes for great appetizers!
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Feb.14, 2018 Rancho Tiombo (Avocado Farm) Ricardo Salome Fuerte Dominguez,Cecilia Fischer, Martin and group A wonderful,insightful look at this amazing Ranch Avocado Orchard,Citrus Orchard, Guava Orchard and more. If you have the opportunity to take this trip,take it. If you weren’t already in love with this beautiful place, you will be after a day at Ricardo’s Ranch Muchas Gracias to Ricardo,Cecilia,Martin for a wonderful tour and yummy lunch |
Cecilia Fischer
Foods of Loreto
At the suggestion of Shirley Tuinenga and others, I thought you all would find some of this info useful: What food is being provided by local farmers and local ranchers (organic efforts vs with pesticides) 1.James and Marilyn Sue Monroe-Needham I believe come to Loreto Bay on Wed and on Sat to Organic Plaza in downtown Loreto. I know veggies season has been weird for most farmers so I don't know the amount they actually have. Hopefully Mai will see this post and reply - they live in San Javier region and have limited internet. 2.The Community Supported Agriculture CSA (clean, fresh and no pesticides) started Dec 15th 2017 and end May 11 2018 (24 weeks and we are in the 4th week). Jorge Magdaleno, the main provider does have extras now (the 1st 2 weeks he didn't). It all depends how the weather is doing. It now feels like summer and I was hoping we would see carrots and bell peppers - don't know... Currently 70% of CSA veggies are local and the rest is from 1 farm that is organic certified. For more info contact Eve Giovenco 3. The farmers in San Javier will soon be coming down to Loreto with their produce - don't know with what produce yet - usually they go on Saturday to down town plaza by the bank. Saw green beens and beets growing 3 weeks ago behind San Javier. These farmers may be using pesticides. 4.The Sunday Market is mostly paying the middle man not the farmer. This market was born out of necessity for better prices and more diversity in veggies (that was before Walmart and Ley came into Loreto). There are 2 to 4 small farmers there that are well worth the visit. One large provider claims to bring some produce from organic farm, i.e. he sells beautiful red bell peppers (they are only $35pesos/kilo and its hard to believe that price is organic and they taste absolutely delicious) 5. The Saturday Organic Market in down town plaza by the bank does its best to have organic veggies, but only 1 or 2 providers at this time (until more folks from San Javier come). Francisca Fuerte from Rancho San Felipe is doing some interesting things with her Nonni plants - I would stay tuned to her next steps. She is the sister of Ricardo Salome Fuerte Dominguez Salome. Her cheese is low in salt and she provides different dairy items through out the year. Right now most of her goats are nursing kids and yeaning so limited supply of most dairy products. 6. Ricardo Salome Fuerte Dominguez from Rancho Tiombo is providing good quality organic oranges, very juicy and fresh cut. He is coming to the end of the season of citrus but he will soon have other things. So stay tuned. 7. Enrique Grajeda is now providing non-caged, grain fed local chicken. He takes orders by Facebook and is coming to the CSA on Friday at Pepe Gina Carrillo and to Sat market at plaza - right on! 8. I learned recently that Alma Tripui is starting or has already some sort of Tianguis in Tripui? Sounds exciting! I don't promote the fish truck purchase because I believe the management of the fish destroys the flavor (thats just my opinion though) and as for the shrimp and lobster both are ilegal to catch inside the Marine Park of Loreto Parque Nacional Bahía de Loreto so they had to bring it from the Pacific side and current the pacific coast of BCS has bann on these products. More info -hopefully - on how we as consumers can get better options will soon be available. I think the more local food we have, the better for all the community. Hopefully with good practices for the earth is the way to go! Thank you for caring and asking! Hope that helps. Please lets not overuse this publication so I don't get into trouble. If you have a question for me or those names just private message them please.
Foods of Loreto
At the suggestion of Shirley Tuinenga and others, I thought you all would find some of this info useful: What food is being provided by local farmers and local ranchers (organic efforts vs with pesticides) 1.James and Marilyn Sue Monroe-Needham I believe come to Loreto Bay on Wed and on Sat to Organic Plaza in downtown Loreto. I know veggies season has been weird for most farmers so I don't know the amount they actually have. Hopefully Mai will see this post and reply - they live in San Javier region and have limited internet. 2.The Community Supported Agriculture CSA (clean, fresh and no pesticides) started Dec 15th 2017 and end May 11 2018 (24 weeks and we are in the 4th week). Jorge Magdaleno, the main provider does have extras now (the 1st 2 weeks he didn't). It all depends how the weather is doing. It now feels like summer and I was hoping we would see carrots and bell peppers - don't know... Currently 70% of CSA veggies are local and the rest is from 1 farm that is organic certified. For more info contact Eve Giovenco 3. The farmers in San Javier will soon be coming down to Loreto with their produce - don't know with what produce yet - usually they go on Saturday to down town plaza by the bank. Saw green beens and beets growing 3 weeks ago behind San Javier. These farmers may be using pesticides. 4.The Sunday Market is mostly paying the middle man not the farmer. This market was born out of necessity for better prices and more diversity in veggies (that was before Walmart and Ley came into Loreto). There are 2 to 4 small farmers there that are well worth the visit. One large provider claims to bring some produce from organic farm, i.e. he sells beautiful red bell peppers (they are only $35pesos/kilo and its hard to believe that price is organic and they taste absolutely delicious) 5. The Saturday Organic Market in down town plaza by the bank does its best to have organic veggies, but only 1 or 2 providers at this time (until more folks from San Javier come). Francisca Fuerte from Rancho San Felipe is doing some interesting things with her Nonni plants - I would stay tuned to her next steps. She is the sister of Ricardo Salome Fuerte Dominguez Salome. Her cheese is low in salt and she provides different dairy items through out the year. Right now most of her goats are nursing kids and yeaning so limited supply of most dairy products. 6. Ricardo Salome Fuerte Dominguez from Rancho Tiombo is providing good quality organic oranges, very juicy and fresh cut. He is coming to the end of the season of citrus but he will soon have other things. So stay tuned. 7. Enrique Grajeda is now providing non-caged, grain fed local chicken. He takes orders by Facebook and is coming to the CSA on Friday at Pepe Gina Carrillo and to Sat market at plaza - right on! 8. I learned recently that Alma Tripui is starting or has already some sort of Tianguis in Tripui? Sounds exciting! I don't promote the fish truck purchase because I believe the management of the fish destroys the flavor (thats just my opinion though) and as for the shrimp and lobster both are ilegal to catch inside the Marine Park of Loreto Parque Nacional Bahía de Loreto so they had to bring it from the Pacific side and current the pacific coast of BCS has bann on these products. More info -hopefully - on how we as consumers can get better options will soon be available. I think the more local food we have, the better for all the community. Hopefully with good practices for the earth is the way to go! Thank you for caring and asking! Hope that helps. Please lets not overuse this publication so I don't get into trouble. If you have a question for me or those names just private message them please.
[email protected] or cell 612-153-3752