PAULA GARCIA HAS SPENT more than 20 years advocating for the preservation of the traditional irrigation waterways, water sovereignty policy, and land and water education. Since the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire in 2022 and subsequent flooding, she focuses on disaster recovery and restoring the health of local watersheds.
ROOTED IN TRADITION. Garcia grew up on a 100-acre ranch in Mora, where her family instilled a strong sense of justice and compassion for others. “It was a magical way to live,” she says. “My work around land and water was a way to bring those together to honor our land-based culture.”
HEALING WOUNDS. When the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire and flooding damaged more than 80 acequias across 60 square miles in a dozen watersheds, Garcia and the association immediately dove in to help. “I feel like we’re in the unique position to help with recovery, because we know what needs to be done,” she says.
HOPE FLOATS. Garcia’s long-term vision is to create conditions for future generations to thrive and sustain themselves. “I hope that the work we’ve been doing advocating for land and water policy will inspire young people to continue to be good caretakers,” she says. “Community-based agriculture and water management and watershed restoration are acts of hope and vision.”
ENCOURAGING OTHERS. “Women bring a style of leadership that is collaborative, supportive, and uplifting of others,” she says. “Listen to your instincts. Be fearless. Be fierce advocates for justice.”