By becoming a member, you directly contribute to strengthening activities and projects in the Chihuahuan Desert. Membership supports conservation and awareness initiatives that highlight the importance of the desert ecosystem, its unique biodiversity, and the communities that rely on it for their livelihoods and well-being. ...and a Reminder We All Need by Rick LoBello, EducationContinue reading "Earth Day at the Zoo"
Join the Border BioBlitz 2026 in Ciudad Juárez
A group of science communicators from Ciudad Juárez has come together to carry out the Border BioBlitz 2026, a citizen science effort that aims to record as many species as possible along a 15 km stretch of the U.S.–Mexico border. Photo above - Mockingbird in a mesquite tree by Rick LoBello The border region isContinue reading "Join the Border BioBlitz 2026 in Ciudad Juárez"
Join Us – Be Part of Something Bigger
Sign up to become a member of the Chihuahuan Desert Education Coalition today. We are working to create a future where all people understand, value, and protect the Chihuahuan Desert. Photo - Mule deer in northeast El Paso by Rick LoBello Lechuguilla in bloom at Big Bend National Park. For just $1, you can becomeContinue reading "Join Us – Be Part of Something Bigger"
Chihuahuan Desert Conference
Stay connected to the Chihuahuan Desert Education Coalition. Subscribe to this blog for free here!!! Photo above - Zoo Education Specialist Heather Rivera with Takota, a Golden Eagle that went to the first conference in 2010. The deadline to submit abstracts for presentations and posters is June 1 The Chihuahuan Desert Education Coalition and theContinue reading "Chihuahuan Desert Conference"
Quelites of the Chihuahuan Desert: Desert Onion
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 whenContinue reading "Quelites of the Chihuahuan Desert: Desert Onion"
Save the Date – City Nature Challenge – April 27
Subscribe to our blog for free - just enter your email. Connect with the Great Outdoors! April 24th 2026 - April 27th 2026 (Observation period)April 28th 2026 - May 10th 2026 (Identification period) The City Nature Challenge (CNC) is an annual, four-day international bioblitz held in late April where cities compete to document the most urban biodiversity using theContinue reading "Save the Date – City Nature Challenge – April 27"
New Mexico Wild Presentation: February 26
Meet Bijorn Fredrickson, Conservation Director, New Mexico Wild Join us for an inspirational evening at the monthly meeting of the Chihuahuan Desert Education Coalition on Thursday, February 26th. This special gathering will kick off with a Meet and Greet followed by a captivating presentation from Bijorn Fredrickson, the Conservation Director at New Mexico Wild. BijornContinue reading "New Mexico Wild Presentation: February 26"
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 ofContinue reading "The Extinction of Experience"
Celebrate life in the desert
Families exploring the desert at Franklin Mountains State Park in El Paso. Top - Snow Geese at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge near Socorro, New Mexico. by Rick LoBello The Chihuahuan Desert is great place to spend time away from the hustle and bustle of city life especially during the fall and winter monthsContinue reading "Celebrate life in the desert"
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 inContinue reading "Why join CDEC?"