https://padlet.com/vr_camacho78/3es4i9zc4fr5 A walk on the "wild side" en-us 2019-12-04 20:27:03 UTC 2025-10-27 16:03:10 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet.net/icons/png/26f0.png vr_camacho78 https://padlet.com/vr_camacho78/3es4i9zc4fr5/wish/419940908 also known as Xeriscaping, meaning a landscape design that needs little to no irrigation. Ideal for Desert climates, as well as to help conserve water while having a colorful landscape to enjoy.

Pictured here is a Peacock Flower, a flowering shrub used all over El Paso in commercial and residential areas. Usually paired with the Mexican Bird of Paradise. ]]> 2019-12-04 21:13:34 UTC https://padlet.com/vr_camacho78/3es4i9zc4fr5/wish/419940908 vr_camacho78 https://padlet.com/vr_camacho78/3es4i9zc4fr5/wish/419942258 A popular flowering shrub used throughout El Paso for colorful landscaping; especially for businesses looking for amazing curb appeal while conserving water usage. ]]> 2019-12-04 21:16:29 UTC https://padlet.com/vr_camacho78/3es4i9zc4fr5/wish/419942258 vr_camacho78 https://padlet.com/vr_camacho78/3es4i9zc4fr5/wish/419943457 One of the benefits of living in a city that is surrounded by the Franklin Mountains is being protected from different types of scary weather like Tornadoes. Now that could just be a myth, a way for Westsiders to make their side of town sound better. 😂
But you can't deny the view isn't gorgeous and something to cherish.]]> 2019-12-04 21:18:56 UTC https://padlet.com/vr_camacho78/3es4i9zc4fr5/wish/419943457 vr_camacho78 https://padlet.com/vr_camacho78/3es4i9zc4fr5/wish/419944269 I live at the base of the Franklin Mountains. I am always in awe of my surroundings and what the Chihuahuan Desert has to offer us. I do not have my own car, so I often walk or take public transportation. So for my outdoor project I am taking you on a walk through my neighborhood. ]]> 2019-12-04 21:20:49 UTC https://padlet.com/vr_camacho78/3es4i9zc4fr5/wish/419944269 vr_camacho78 https://padlet.com/vr_camacho78/3es4i9zc4fr5/wish/419946307 Nothing beats our desert sunsets, even on the evenings clouds are rolling in. ]]> 2019-12-04 21:25:22 UTC https://padlet.com/vr_camacho78/3es4i9zc4fr5/wish/419946307 vr_camacho78 https://padlet.com/vr_camacho78/3es4i9zc4fr5/wish/419946530 As a writer I am often inspired when sitting at Eloise and looking out at the Mountains and enjoying the cool weather. However during the Summer you will only find me inside, because of climate change our summers are getting hotter and hotter. Even with their canopy, nothing beats refrigerated air conditioning. 
http://eloiseelpaso.com/]]> 2019-12-04 21:25:52 UTC https://padlet.com/vr_camacho78/3es4i9zc4fr5/wish/419946530 vr_camacho78 https://padlet.com/vr_camacho78/3es4i9zc4fr5/wish/419946847 Thunderbird Drive is a long uphill drive that leads you to an area that has been developed by many large fancy homes. Even though the homes are pretty to look at, we can't deny how the land development has displaced local wildlife, affecting the ecoregion of the Chihuahuan Desert; which is one of the most endangered regions in the world. 
for more info: https://www.nps.gov/im/chdn/ecoregion.htm]]> 2019-12-04 21:26:43 UTC https://padlet.com/vr_camacho78/3es4i9zc4fr5/wish/419946847 vr_camacho78 https://padlet.com/vr_camacho78/3es4i9zc4fr5/wish/419947339 One of the many gems of my neighborhood is Eloise. A coffee bar that does everything it can to reduce their waste, reduce their carbon footprint, and practice sustainability by using fair trade products. 
Plus their Picacho Roasters Coffee is to die for! 
They specialize in Vegan food, hearty and delicious dishes like Vegan Chili, or my personal favorite their Hatch Green Chile Curry.

]]> 2019-12-04 21:28:07 UTC https://padlet.com/vr_camacho78/3es4i9zc4fr5/wish/419947339 vr_camacho78 https://padlet.com/vr_camacho78/3es4i9zc4fr5/wish/419947889 House coffee with cream and raw sugar. Homemade Coffee Cake (big enough for two to share). They offer some amazing pastries, but get there early to snag a scone or two because they're all delicious. 
When it comes to the foods they serve at Eloise I find that I am conscious of their ingredients and the care put into the food they serve. Though I am not Vegan, I can appreciate the effort to do what can be done to save the environment. ]]> 2019-12-04 21:29:39 UTC https://padlet.com/vr_camacho78/3es4i9zc4fr5/wish/419947889 vr_camacho78 https://padlet.com/vr_camacho78/3es4i9zc4fr5/wish/419951687 The patch of red clay that stretches out on the Franklins comes with many different folktales. 
The patch is in the shape of a large bird with its wings stretched out, head turned to the side. It's been there for as long as memory can serve most of the people indigenous to this area. 
Indigenous Peoples stories speak of a large bird of prey that lived in the mountains, and when it would fly out to hunt thunder would clap and lightning would strike.  
The Franklin Mountains are made up of sedimentary rock with igneous rock, holding some of the oldest rocks in Texas. 
for more info: http://www.lostdestinations.com/tbird.htm]]> 2019-12-04 21:39:53 UTC https://padlet.com/vr_camacho78/3es4i9zc4fr5/wish/419951687 vr_camacho78 https://padlet.com/vr_camacho78/3es4i9zc4fr5/wish/419954865 Protecting arroyos means protecting wildlife and plantlife. 
With land developers wanting to build and take away one of the many natural pathways for periods of heavy rainfall. Having nowhere for water to go, flooding happens. Much like in the Summer 2006 when we received record number of rainfall many areas that had developed in collection pond areas and arroyos found homes and businesses destroyed because a lack of drainage for water. ]]> 2019-12-04 21:48:09 UTC https://padlet.com/vr_camacho78/3es4i9zc4fr5/wish/419954865 vr_camacho78 https://padlet.com/vr_camacho78/3es4i9zc4fr5/wish/419955321 Creosote Bush is the reason we as El Pasoans can say we love the smell of Desert Rain. 
Creosote is a evergreen shrub that has small waxy leaves. Within these leaves holds the mysteries of the scent of desert rain.
Without getting technical the pores of the leaves open up, to receive the waterfall from the rain, releasing the pungent smell we know so well. A scent that can take you back to your childhood when grandparents would say, "Smells like rain." 
Creosote also has many beneficial medicinal purposes too. 
http://www.ethnoherbalist.com/southern-california-native-plants-medicinal/creosote-bush-uses/]]> 2019-12-04 21:49:06 UTC https://padlet.com/vr_camacho78/3es4i9zc4fr5/wish/419955321 vr_camacho78 https://padlet.com/vr_camacho78/3es4i9zc4fr5/wish/419955997 The building of homes for the rich within our mountains is hurting more than helping. It literally displaces wildlife, as well as risking their lifespan. With less access to food and water many will die or will venture into the neighborhoods seeking resources.
We live in one of the most diverse regions, however because of urbanization we are depleting our natural resources like water and plantlife. Being a desert region means we need to work extra hard to conserve these precious resources. ]]> 2019-12-04 21:50:44 UTC https://padlet.com/vr_camacho78/3es4i9zc4fr5/wish/419955997