Quelites are Mexican wild greens or edible tender herbs, often referred to as “edible weeds” or “potherbs”. Originating from the Náhuatl word quilitl, these nutritious greens are similar to spinach or leafy greens but with more complex, herbaceous flavors. Las Milpitas presentation at Tom Mays Park – Friday, April 10 In various cultures and peoples, the year begins whenContinueContinue reading “Quelites of the Chihuahuan Desert: Desert Onion”
Category Archives: Chihuahuan Desert
The Extinction of Experience
Pronghorn herd just east of El Paso City limits on Texas Highway 62. From Mountain Streams to Museum Streets: Reconnecting with Nature in Urban Life Sandhill Cranes and Snow Geese flight at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, New Mexico. by Rick LoBello I walked quietly along a mountain stream in the Chiricahua Mountains ofContinueContinue reading “The Extinction of Experience”
Why join CDEC?
Did you know that there are salamanders living in the Chihuahuan Desert? This baby Sacramento Mountains salamander was found not far from the road to Sunspot in the Lincoln National Forest. by Rick LoBello, Board Chair and co-founder One of the questions we often get when talking to people about joining CDEC is what’s inContinueContinue reading “Why join CDEC?”
Restoration in the Chihuahuan Desert: Glorieta Sierra de Juárez Project
by Victoria Claudia Cervantes Montes The Sierra de Juárez collective is leading a project that grows stronger and more inspiring every day. In the southeastern area of the Sierra de Juárez lies a space that, after years of abandonment, has turned into a dumping ground. Yet, there are still signs that native flora and faunaContinueContinue reading “Restoration in the Chihuahuan Desert: Glorieta Sierra de Juárez Project”
When the desert turns green: rains in the Chihuahuan Desert
by Cuau Vital There’s a certain magic that happens in the Chihuahuan Desert after a rain. For most of the year, this vast desert that stretches across northern Mexico and parts of the United States looks like what people usually imagine when they hear the word “desert”—sandy soils, scattered shrubs, endless horizons under the hotContinueContinue reading “When the desert turns green: rains in the Chihuahuan Desert”
Meet the “Voices” at the Chihuahuan Desert Fiesta 2025
Voces de la Ciencia Juarense On September 27 starting at 10:30 am, we invite you to explore the differenteducational booths dedicated to the Chihuahuan Desert, science, and much more at the Chihuahuan Desert Fiesta at the El Paso Zoo and Botanical Gardens. It will be a day full of knowledge, conservation, and community. But whoContinueContinue reading “Meet the “Voices” at the Chihuahuan Desert Fiesta 2025”
Make plans to attend the 21st Annual Chihuahuan Desert Fiesta
The 21st annual Chihuahuan Desert Fiesta is coming up at the El Paso Zoo and Botanical Gardens on September 27th, from 10:30am to 3:00pm. Enjoy learning about our big backyard in the Chihuahuan Desert through zoo exhibits and discovery tables featuring local organizations and educators. Visitors can expect animal encounter presentations, educational booths and entertainment in theContinueContinue reading “Make plans to attend the 21st Annual Chihuahuan Desert Fiesta”
Help establish a giant US Mexico protected area
A meeting to discuss ways to put this project back on the US Mexico conservation radar screen is planned in El Paso on October 7, 2025. Contact us to learn more. If you know anything about Texas conservation history, you know that back in the 1930s a group of people including members of Rotary International and governmentContinueContinue reading “Help establish a giant US Mexico protected area”
Chihuahuan Desert Celebration Day
Texas horned lizard. Proclamation City of El Paso Be it Proclaimed: by the Mayor and Council of the City of El Paso, encouraging all residents to take part in honoring and protecting this treasured desert landscape through education, celebration, and conservation efforts. September 27, 2025, and the fourth Saturday of each September thereafter, shall beContinueContinue reading “Chihuahuan Desert Celebration Day”
Northern Chihuahuan Desert Wildflowers
Claret-cup cactus in the Chisos Mountains, Big Bend National Park. Feature photo above; lechuguilla in bloom at Franklin Mountains State Park, El Paso, Texas. Both photos by Rick LoBello. Be sure to tell your friends about this free blog. To subscribe simply enter your email address here. What kinds of flowers are you seeing? byContinueContinue reading “Northern Chihuahuan Desert Wildflowers”