Desert Fruit Trees: Regenerative Ag at NM's De Colores Farms

This hands-on workshop by the Rodale Institute, scheduled for April 18, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM MDT at De Colores Farms (130 Sky High Rd., Anthony, NM), teaches practical regenerative agriculture methods for establishing fruit trees in arid desert conditions. Participants gain actionable skills in building soil health and resilience through guided farm tours, hands-on fruit tree planting with experienced growers, and discussions on water-smart practices. The event includes tips for year-round organic vegetable growing, making it highly relevant for permaculture and self-sufficiency in challenging environments. Family-friendly activities for kids are offered, along with locally sourced lunch and refreshments. Funded in part by the USDA Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP), the workshop emphasizes regenerative techniques that enhance soil structure, improve water retention, and support long-term orchard viability in low-rainfall areas. Attendees learn site-specific strategies tailored to desert climates, such as selecting appropriate tree varieties, optimizing planting depths, and integrating mulching or cover crops to combat evaporation and nutrient loss. This free event fosters community connections among growers, providing a supportive platform to apply these methods immediately on personal or farm-scale projects. By focusing on real-world implementation rather than theory, it equips practitioners with tools to achieve resilience against drought and climate variability, directly contributing to food security and sustainable land management in arid regions.