Agave Planting Party
June 10 @ 8:00 am - 1:00 pm MDT
Agave Planting Party!
Saturday, June 10
8 AM – 1 PM
Planting over 400 agave, cacti, cholla and desert spoon!
Lunch Provided for all Volunteers!
Painting of Mayhuel, Aztec Goddess of Agave, by Mi Corazon Mexica
Learn about dryland cropping and habitat restoration in New Mexico by helping plant 240 agave plants (6 different species); 75 dasylirion wheeleri (“desert spoon,” which makes sotol), as well as 100+ cholla and cactus.
The project is part of an overarching effort at Chelenzo Farms to restore soil health, control soil erosion, re-introduce native plants and drought -resistant crops, cultivate pollinator habitats, increase biodiversity, mitigate climate change, and save the world!
As part of the initiative, we will be applying a few inoculants including microbial extract baths from two different batches of Johnson-Su Bioreactor compost, as well as “Fred’s Vortex Biodynamic Compost Brew” to all plants (except for a control group).
This initiative is partly funded by the New Mexico Department of Agriculture’s Healthy Soil Program and the USDA’s Western SARE (Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education) program grants.
Agave takes anywhere between 7-35 years to mature and prospectively harvest for distilled products such as agave spirits like tequila, mezcal, bacanora and raicilla. Agave is also cultivated to make fermented livestock feed; fiber for baskets, mats and clothing; biofuel and human food (roasted agave hearts taste like sugarcane – yummy!). Chelenzo Farms is committed to allowing at least 50% of our agaves to flower and serve as pollinators and pillars for ecosystem restoration in Northern New Mexico.
Gloves, tools and lunch will be provided. Please note that planting will take place on uneven terrain with many tripping hazards.
The following is recommended:
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Wear sun-screen, a brimmed hat, or other clothing to shield from the sun
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Wear long pants, long sleeves, and sturdy shoes or boots
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Wear sunglasses or safety glasses
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Dress appropriately for being outdoors based on the weather forecast
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Wear gloves (some will be provided or you are welcome to bring your own)
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We will provide trowels and shovels, but
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Bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated (water will also be provided)
Lunch, gloves and tools provided
If you have any questions, please contact Lorenzo at lorenzo@chelenzofarms.com or via text at 646.320.6553
This activity is supported by the NMDA Healthy Soil Program and the USDA Western Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program, as well as co-sponsored with the Albuquerque Wildlife Group, Bats Conservation International, Cruces Creatives Seeding Regenerative Agriculture Project, Cactus Rescue Project, Ecotone Landscape Planning, Endangered Species Coalition, Fred Werth, NM Healthy Soil Program Working Group, The Quivira Coalition, and Zinacantan Mezcal.