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?"
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 faunaContinue 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 hotContinue reading "When the desert turns green: rains in the Chihuahuan Desert"
Stamp Hunt Game at the Chihuahuan Desert Fiesta 2025
Kristy Flores and Dora Hernandez celebrating this year's 21st Annual Chihuahuan Desert Fiesta. Dora is the City of El Paso Climate Manager and was the Chihuahuan Desert Fiesta Chair from 2020-2024. Kristy works for the Health Department and is the new Chair for this year. We hope to see everyone at our event on SaturdayContinue reading "Stamp Hunt Game at the Chihuahuan Desert Fiesta 2025"
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 whoContinue reading "Meet the “Voices” at the Chihuahuan Desert Fiesta 2025"