THE PECOS SUNFLOWER

Spirit of the Ciénega

The Pecos sunflower is the spirit of the Southwest’s ciénegas. It represents this unique and rare ecosystem that faces many threats and deserves protection. Listed as federally threatened, this wildflower is known in only seven locations: the alkaline ciénegas of New Mexico and Texas where for one month of the year this beautiful native plant turns these wetlands into a sea of gold. 

Saving Beauty

Learning to Live with the Rare Ones Among Us

Dotted across the American Southwest, arid-land wetlands are home to endangered animals and plants found nowhere else on earth like the Pecos sunflower. However, 150 years of development, overgrazing, and climate change have made “ciénegas” the most endangered ecosystem of the Southwest. New Mexico State botanist, Daniela Roth, has taken up the challenge to engage city government, landowners, schools, and the community of Santa Rosa in conserving these unique wetlands and rare plants as part of the natural heritage and future tourism of the community. The 62-minute documentary puts ciénegas and the rare and endangered species that live there on the map, before its too late.

Premiered at the Regenerate Conference on November 5, 2020.

Sign up for our newsletter to get announcements about future screenings!