Community Education

The Desert Oasis Teaching Gardens are a community education and experiential learning space where we explore the possibilities and potential for growing food in the arid Southwest. Our two acres have designated areas for testing new technologies and solutions, and holding classes and workshops that impart skills and knowledge to people of all ages. Community members can engage in hands-on learning opportunities which equip them with tangible skills to make changes in their own lives.

The Desert Oasis Teaching Gardens provides a place for our community to join together to learn, laugh, and relax. We work according to the principles of stewardship and resilience. We must thrive with our limited resources and care for the land so that it can continue to support us in the face of drought and other climate uncertainty. The Desert Oasis Teaching Gardens draws inspiration from the natural high desert landscape as well as the agricultural traditions of the regional Pueblo, Hopi, and Navajo peoples; the Spanish, Moorish, and Jewish families that settled here; and other arid farmers around the world. The garden is a space for sharing those histories as well as hopes for the future through storytelling, visual arts, and performance.

workshops

Workshops

Throughout the year, we offer several specialty workshops which allow in depth learning opportunities on specific topics. Whether you’re interested in the particulars of pruning or installing a cistern, or want to learn how to build bat boxes or recycled drip-tape baskets, we’ve got a class for you!
To find out about upcoming workshops, visit our Events page.

learnworkdays

Learn-Work Days

Learn-Work Days provide hands-on learning opportunities in the garden, while contributing to garden maintenance and growth. From transplanting and raised bed construction, to irrigation installation and rain water catchment, these work days help us educate our community while meeting the needs of the garden. Learn-Work days occur nearly every month and are open to everyone.
To find out when our next work day is, check out our Events page.

teacheroutreach

Teacher Outreach

Recognizing the need for teacher specific resources, the DOT Gardens offer workshops, curriculum, and networking opportunities for teachers throughout the Southwest. We provide desert adapted gardening knowledge and curriculum and hands-on training for educators.
For more information, contact our Garden Manager, Tiana Baca at bacat@aa.edu.

watersmartgardening

Water Smart Gardening Classes

Working in collaboration with the ABC Water Utility Authority, the DOT Gardens host a series of Water Smart Gardening classes throughout the year. These specialized classes provide Albuquerque residents with tangible solutions to water conservation and desert food production. Plus, attendees earn a water rebate from the city!
To find out when the next Water Smart class is, check out our Events page.

communitylectures

Community Lectures

Throughout the year, the DOT Gardens host a series of professional speakers. These community lectures are open to the public and provide interested community members with in-depth knowledge on topics ranging from environmental stewardship and organic farming, to the lore and lure of the world’s hottest peppers.

Learn more about Community Education through our Blog!

 

Eco-Friendly Gardening Checklist

For many people, gardening is a quiet, relaxing hobby that helps them feel closer to nature. However, many gardening practices don’t positively affect nature to the extent we may believe ...
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Eat the Desert: Elderberry

Written by: Emma Jones Elderberry is a plant closely rooted to human development. With several varieties found across the globe, many communities have used its flowers and berries for medicinal ...
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Homegrown Gourmet: Garden Snails

Written by: Vilheim Piwowarek If you are a farmer or gardener, you have likely encountered snails, and they can sometimes be a problem. Snail infestations often need to be controlled ...
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Cricket Flour Cookies

Written by: Vilheim Piwowarek Many of us Westerners find the very idea of eating insects distasteful but we're in the minority. Insects are eaten in 80% of the worlds countries ...
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Bug of the Day: Riddle of the Sphinx (Moth)

Written by: Vilheim Piwowarek Hornworms are a problem many who grow tomatoes will encounter. Many people loathe them for their habit of eating loads of plant material at a time ...
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Growing & Processing Garlic

Written by: Diego Moore Garlic is amazing! Along with being delicious to eat and great to cook with, it also has many benefits other than its tasty insides. For example, ...
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