EEANM Book Club at the Abq. Academy DOT Gardens

Join us on Saturday, February 11 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Desert Teaching Oasis Gardens at Albuquerque Academy at 6400 Wyoming Blvd, Albuquerque, NM to discuss Gary Nathan’s Growing Food in a Hotter, Drier Land – Lessons from Desert Farmers on Adapting to Climate Uncertainty. We look forward to being inspired by the beauty of the gardens along with discussing ways of growing food in our arid landscape. This will be a great opportunity to be inspired to get out and get our own gardens ready for spring planting soon! Please bring your own lunch and water to this and be prepared to be outside and enjoy the elements.

Information about the Desert Teaching Oasis Gardens:

The Desert Oasis Teaching Gardens was born in the summer of 2013 as a vision for a community-based space for experiential learning and exploration of regenerative agriculture.

Earlier that year, the irrigation West of the Science Building at Albuquerque Academy had broke, leading to topsoil loss and erosion. Karen Bentrup, a garden volunteer and experienced farmer, observed these losses and pondered sustainable solutions. At the same time, inspired by tours of East Coast, school-based garden and farming projects, Karen Beamish began pondering agricultural possibilities for the space.

Coming together, the two explored the works of dryland farmers, regional cultural historians, and water harvesting experts, to brainstorm potential solutions for the struggling landscape. Gary Paul Nabhan‘s book, Growing Food in a Hotter, Drier Land, proved exceptionally inspiring. With Naban’s work in mind, and guidance from local experts, the two crafted the vision for the Desert Oasis Teaching gardens with the focus on desert cultivation in the face of climate change.

Today that vision has become a reality and our garden continues to grow because of the generous support of our community.