Desert Foods For Tomorrow: Planting the Past, Present, and Future
Desert-adapted crops are emerging as a critical tool for food system resilience in a hotter, drier future. These plants can produce reliable yields with a fraction of the water used to grow conventional crops, even under adverse heat and drought conditions, while providing numerous environmental and health benefits.
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Borderlands Restoration Network has partnered with the University of Arizona’s Desert Laboratory on Tumamoc Hill and the Southwest Center for a collaborative project, Planting a Resilient Food Future, bringing together food, culture, community, and the resources of the Sonoran Desert to explore local food systems.
Through a collaborative effort of participating organizations, Borderland Restoration Network has been awarded $14k to contribute as a partner of the Arizona Institute of Resilience, Resilience Grant, to bring more awareness to regionally distinct, ecologically appropriate foods that will engage Arizonans in solutions that promote climate-resilient local food production.
As a contributor to this project, BRN will offer a free workshop series, conduct a community assessment, and implement an edible desert food demonstration garden at Deep Dirt Farm for future educational opportunities. Workshops will take place May - July of 2021. The series will highlighting five different edible desert plants found in the Sonoran Desert including prickly pear, chiltepin, purslane, mesquite, and tepary beans.
Participants will learn about the importance of wild desert food crops and learn the skills necessary to grow, maintain and harvest wild desert foods on your own. Participants will also receive free informational resources, recipes, seeds and plants to take home to begin creating your own desert adapted edible garden.
Through a collaborative effort of participating organizations, Borderland Restoration Network has been awarded $14k to contribute as a partner of the Arizona Institute of Resilience, Resilience Grant, to bring more awareness to regionally distinct, ecologically appropriate foods that will engage Arizonans in solutions that promote climate-resilient local food production.
As a contributor to this project, BRN will offer a free workshop series, conduct a community assessment, and implement an edible desert food demonstration garden at Deep Dirt Farm for future educational opportunities. Workshops will take place May - July of 2021. The series will highlighting five different edible desert plants found in the Sonoran Desert including prickly pear, chiltepin, purslane, mesquite, and tepary beans.
Participants will learn about the importance of wild desert food crops and learn the skills necessary to grow, maintain and harvest wild desert foods on your own. Participants will also receive free informational resources, recipes, seeds and plants to take home to begin creating your own desert adapted edible garden.
DESERT FOOD FOR TOMORROW WORKSHOP SERIES
Wild Crops Relative, the Chiltepin May 15th, 2021 9AM - 11AM
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Join Perin McNelis, BRN Native Plant Program Assistant Manager for a lecture about the Chiltepin and its role as a wild crop relative and why it is most famously known as "the mother of all peppers." Participants will learn how to plant and care for chiltepins through a hands-on planting activity. Participants will receive a free chiltepin plant to take home.
Workshop Instructor: Perin McNelis, BRN Native Plant Program Assistant Manger Location: Deep Dirt Farm, Patagonia, AZ Reserve your spot by emailing Denisse Ortega Lorona at dortega@borderlandsrestoration.org. Space is limited, and COVID safety measures will be followed. Masks required. |
Propagating & Harvesting Prickly Pear in Your Backyard May 29th 9AM - 11AM
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Participants will learn how to propagate prickly pear from its pads, plant and care for them at home. Learn about different edible prickly pear varieties, their role in our environment, and why they are a great food source in our arid climate. A hands-on gardening activity will be provided to teach participants techniques for growing healthy prickly pear. You will receive a free prickly pear plant to take home. Workshop Instructor: BRN Education Program Director, Denisse Ortega Lorona Location: Deep Dirt Farm, Patagonia Sign-up by emailing Denisse Ortega Lorona at dortega@borderlandsrestoration.org. |
Tepary Beans for Monsoon Gardening June 5th, 2021 9AM - 11AM
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Did you know tepary beans are among the most drought and heat tolerant crops in the world? This wonder bean is high in protein and contains soluble fiber helpful in controlling cholesterol and diabetes. Enjoy the ride as we take you on a tour of the tepary bean’s regional food history along with tips for propagating and growing them in southern Arizona during monsoon season. Participants will receive tepary bean seeds to grow in their home gardens. Workshop Instructor: Colectivo Sonora Silvestre Location: Virtual, via Zoom Sign-up by emailing Denisse Ortega Lorona at dortega@borderlandsrestoration.org. |
Mesquite Bean Harvesting Walk June 19th, 2021 9AM - 11AM
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Join us for a walk through mesquite bosques to learn about the natural history of mesquite, its nutritional value, and how to select pods for food and beverage use. You will also learn how to harvest and store mesquite tree pods from experienced local mesquite expert, Martha Muffin. Participants will receive informational resources and mesquite recipes.
Workshop Instructor: Martha Muffin, Research Associate, Adjunct Professor Tohono O'odham Community College Location: Patagonia, AZ Meeting location will be shared once your rsvp is reserved. Sign up by emailing Denisse Ortega Lorona at dortega@borderlandsrestoration.org. Space is limited, and COVID safety measures will be followed. |
Purslane: The Sonoran Desert’s Superfood Edible Weed July 17th, 2021 9AM -11AM
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Participants will learn about Purslane’s superfood qualities and its environmental value as one of the most nutritious edible foods in the Sonoran Desert. Participants will also learn about its resiliency in arid climates, along with tips on how to grow and care for Purslane in a home garden. Participants will be provided informational resources and recipes. Workshop Instructor: Colectivo Sonora Silvestre Location: Zoom link will be provided for all registered participants To register, please contact Denisse Ortega Lorona at dortega@borderlandsrestoration.org. |
This program is brought to you in partnership with:
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