Caitlin Weber: I am thrilled to join the team this fall as a Sustainability Specialist!

From hiking in the mountains to sleeping under the stars, my interest in sustainability stems from my love of the outdoors and desire to protect natural resources for future generations.

I have enjoyed exploring different aspects of the environmental field over the course of my career. I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree in Environmental Studies and a Master of Science degree in Natural Resources. As a student, I conducted field research in New Zealand and Greece to understand how invasive species impact island ecosystems. I went on to serve as an Environmental Policy Analyst for an environmental nonprofit organization in Florida where I carried out policy research and presented the organization’s recommendations to elected leaders and community members.

Addressing environmental issues is a collaborative process that benefits from different perspectives and ways of knowing. My work in environmental science and policy led me to develop an interest in public engagement. Prior to joining Santa Fe County, I served as the Program Manager for a science communication and engagement program at the University of Utah where I deepened my understanding of public engagement practices.

I am excited to build on my experience in science, policy, and public engagement to support sustainability initiatives in Santa Fe County. I look forward to learning from my new colleagues and community members.

Adeline Murthy: I joined the Sustainability Office as a Sustainability Specialist at the start of the pandemic, in March of 2020. I love working in the field of sustainability because it is so integral to all facets of life. It's a diverse, constantly evolving field that requires continuous learning, openness to new ideas, and nimbleness in the face of changes in technology, policy, and zeitgeist.

After graduating from the University of New Mexico with a Bachelor of Science in Biology, I spent several years roaming the west doing biology-related field jobs. I spent three summers in the Alaskan arctic at a remote field station and two seasons in Utah's canyon country. I then went on to pursue a Master of Science in Biodiversity Conservation.

Prior to joining the County, I worked at a sustainability nonprofit in Oakland that pioneered the idea of the "ecological footprint." My experience there, along with my education, provided me with a strong analytical background that I enjoy applying to my work in the Sustainability Division through projects such as greenhouse gas emissions accounting and data-driven climate action planning. I love serving my community and am very happy to be a part of the team!

Jacqueline Beam: I joined the County as a Sustainability Specialist a little over two years ago, and have had the honor of managing the Division for the past nine months. Born and raised in rural and agricultural areas throughout Indiana, I have long since traveled, worked and lived abroad in remote, culturally rich, and diverse communities worldwide, before landing in the beautiful high deserts of Santa Fe thirteen years ago. In service at a young age, for the US Army, Military Intelligence, I was a signal interceptor and linguist in the 98G MOS. Attached to the Special Forces overseas with assignments in the field from deserts to jungles for a number of years, I consider these disciplined, early, and formative raw life experiences of dependence upon my environs, strategic applications, and strength of the team, to be the foundation for my calling, modeling, and mission of service now; for the planet and the communities that depend upon her.

My past professional track serves to tie the health of the planet directly to the health of our communities and spans a diverse range of projects to include ecotourism in Central and South America, community mental health and nature based resiliency, adventure therapy, grant writing and management, as well as green job skill development. Prior to coming to the County, I served as a Planner for the City, focused upon housing and community development. My training includes environmental reporting and assessments. I hold a Bachelors of Arts in Organizational Management, and a Master of Science in Sustainable Design with an emphasis on architectural studies and sustainable urban development. I also hold a Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling and Art therapy.

Leaning heavily toward the interrelated languages of nature and community, health and wellness, in all that I do, both personally and professionally, I seek to expand upon these integrated approaches within the County and our team. Together we invite everyone to strive to co-create more sustainable systems, solutions and an ever increasingly resilient community!

Public Safety goes Solar!

Santa Fe County's Public Safety complex is now producing renewable energy! The Sustainability team wrapped up the installation of a 135 kW DC rooftop photovoltaic (PV) system in September. This is the largest solar installation on a County-owned facility to date. The array will produce 235,000 kWh per year. The amount of clean energy produced each year is equivalent to the CO2 emissions of nearly 185,000 pounds of coal and 18,750 gallons of gasoline, and the carbon sequestered by 204 acres of U.S. forests in one year. The PV system will offset 30% of the facility's energy use. More renewable energy will power the facility when PNM's Solar Direct array goes online later this year. Learn more about the County's solar projects on our Green Leaders page!

What Can I Do?

Put the Beds to Bed Properly!

As green turns to brown in your garden, there are a number of steps that you will want to take to ensure healthy soil and thus, harvest for next season.  It's important to trim dry and decaying foliage, yet do not disturb the root systems in the ground. Use the leaves and green waste as compost and build a thick layer to blanket the beds. Doing so will feed your soil with rich nutrients. While maintaining a moist environment is vital, it's just as important to provide a microbe rich ecosystem that facilitates the breakdown and transportation needed for the the building blocks of life.

To find out more ways to say "sweet dreams" to tomatoes, broccoli, beans, and kale, sign up for a local gardening class!