The Rio Grande & Biodiversity in NM

The Rio Grande, which starts in Colorado and runs into the Gulf of Mexico, is a very diverse river with plenty of water flow and capacity - but due to over appropriation and severe drought, there is very little water available to help the biodiversity of the life that surrounds the Rio in NM.

For my project, I hope to create a unique model of NM biodiversity which relies on the water of the Rio Grande - showing how the slightest change can greatly affect an ecosystem: positively and negatively alike. I also hope that with the visualization of this crucial topic, that we can begin to understand and analyze various solutions to preserve the river, and help its nutrients reach those in need of them. I plan to analyze what is already being done for the river, new ideas, and improvements to old ideas to further our progress and access to water as a state.

By creating an terrestrial ecological model, along with the insight of dedicated local scientists, I want to provoke others’ thoughts about what can be done to preserve and improve our river and the life around it.