Tyler and Erika Fire Recovery

On April 22, Feral Gardens was destroyed in the Calf Canyon wildfire in Northeastern New Mexico. Tyler, Erika, and their two dogs were able to escape to safety with the camper van and are sheltering nearby with the Red Cross. The three cats are missing, but there is hope that they ran and will come back.

 

All of the buildings on the land are gone -- the barn and house Tyler and Erika lived in, multiple sheds, and the well house. Somehow, the arugula survived, but the rest of the crops did not. The loss of this year's harvest, Erika's apothecary, and most of Tyler's tools and work gear means they will have little to no source of income while facing this devastating loss. We're raising funds to help provide stability and ease as they grieve and begin the process of rebuilding and stewarding the land back to good health. All funds will go directly to Tyler and Erika.

 

Of course, there are about a bazillion needs and countless things to replace. Picking a fundraising goal was a real challenge; we have no idea what this will cost, if/when there will be a settlement to build a new home, or how long it may take to replace the basic infrastructure in their area. Any amount you can pitch in will be welcomed with immense gratitude. If you can't donate funds right now but want to help, please keep an eye out here. I'll update as Tyler and Erika start to identify what will be most valuable and healing. The immediate needs, ever-evolving, are:

 

Repairs to the well

Storage shed or trailer to protect remaining belongings

Building an outhouse

Medications for Bernadette -- special needs senior wonderdog

Necessities like food, water, healthcare, gas, vehicle maintenance, etc

 

If you want to see some of the magic these two humans create on this land:

Feral Gardens on Instagram 
Tyler on Instagram 

Erika's clinical herbalism practice
The Feral Harvest -- Feral Gardens' website (paused but here for you to bookmark)

Thank you for reading and keeping Tyler and Erika and their plants and animals in your thoughts. No doubt it's a long road ahead. With the power of our communities, we can help ease the way. I'll do my best to keep everyone updated, but if you have any questions or need anything, please reach out to me here or more directly if we know one another.
 
With love,
Charly

 

 

 

PS. Gofundme says I have to tell you who I am, so... Hi. I'm Charly Welch, lifetime dance partner and raggedy co to Tyler, adoring fan and friend of Erika.