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The Inspiration
Linda Ford first visited
the Copper Canyon region with her husband Phil in the Fall of 2004. She was immediately
enthralled by the abundance of wildflowers during her autumn visit. She
wanted to know more. Upon further investigation, she found that although
there were books about the area's birds and trees and wildlife, there was no
guide for the wildflowers of the region. Linda, a Master Gardener in her home
state of New
York,
decided that it was time to make one!
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The Research
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Linda returned to the Copper Canyon region in the Fall of 2005 to start the project. Hosted by the
generous and ever-encouraging Doug "Diego" Rhodes at the Hotel Paraiso del Oso in Cerocahui, Chihuahua, Linda set out on her mission. The first autumn was a great success
as Linda found and documented over 40 wildflowers in the area. Then
Linda returned to the region again in 2006 and 2007 and was joined by Ryan J. Hawkins, who was a Rotary
International volunteer in Mexico.
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He assisted her as a field technician, found
trails to explore, and navigated the rural roadways of Mexico. The total number of wildflowers that were
documented and photographed was 140. During
her time in the canyons, she utilized the expertise of local guides to
further her experience and also to learn some of the local names of the
plants.
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Field Technician Ryan Hawkins collecting data in Cerocahui
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The research had been compiled, and it was time to start on the book. Since
her return from Mexico, Linda has persistently worked on the book. She
has worked with Daniel Atha,
botanist from the New York Botanical Garden, to identify the plants she documented.
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Dr. Toutcha Lebgue, botany professor from
the Universidad Autonoma de Chihuahua, has translated the text into Spanish so that the locals can enjoy the
book too!
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Linda is thrilled that her dream is coming to fruition as this has been her
main post-retirement focus. Ms. Ford is excited to be able to share the
beauty and splendor of this spectacular region of the world
through the publication of this book and to raise awareness of this natural
resource and encourage the preservation of the wildflowers. She is providing an
easy-to-use, comprehensive wildflower field guide for all to enjoy during their visits to Copper Canyon.
Proceeds from the Book
Linda has generously
chosen to dedicate the proceeds from the sale of the book to the
Rota-Scholars program in the Copper Canyon region. The purpose of the Rota-Scholars program is to provide
educational opportunities to the youth of the region, with particular focus
on the educational opportunities of the indigenous Raramuri (Tarahumara) and
mestizo girls. Purchasing a book will help continue the education of those in
less fortunate situations.
A group of Mexican elementary students supported by Rota-Scholars.
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