DYGUP

New Year, New Hope

Boys students at the farm

As we begin a new year, Chihuahuan Desert Charities wanted to first reflect on this past year and some of our accomplishments then moved forward with our feet firmly planted in our goals. The future health and vibrancy of our community are dependent on the sustainability of our local farms, the ones tucked away in our landscape protecting our environment and feeding our families.

From Classroom To Compost

Program Director Shahid Mustafa Teaching Las Cruces Students About Composting

Doña Ana County is in a unique geographic border region known as the Paso del Norte, that is presented with the difficult community challenge of environmental conservation issues that threaten water, soil health, and biodiversity. Converting deserts into arable, green landscapes is a global vision, and desert farming is a strong growth area of agriculture worldwide.  Chihuahuan Desert Charities is being proactive and preparing our youth for the future. A large part of the DYGUP regenerative agriculture curriculum is learning the value of composting, biodiversity and enriching soil.

Innovations In Sustainability: Eating our packaging?

Edible Glass

We are thrilled to report that green packaging options are going beyond recyclability to meet the sophisticated demands of eco-friendly consumers.  Is edible packaging part of our plastic-free future? With dead zones on the rise could things like seaweed packaging have a lasting effect on saving our oceans?  

Social Capital: The Roots of a Community

New Mexico Tree

The food movement is gaining momentum but we are at a critical moment.  Challenges are being faced and roadblocks are being put up. In the land of capitalism, we will have to maintain a sustained fight.  By working together we can keep the movement growing. The roots of change start in our local communities. We, as individuals need to reach out and grow with our neighbors around us.  Build on the roots of our community.

Biodiversity: Why Is It So Important To Agriculture?

Mushroom growth

Sustainable agriculture both promotes and is enhanced by biodiversity.

The Earth functions like an incredibly complex machine, and there don't appear to be any unnecessary parts. Each species -- from the lowliest microbe to humans -- plays a part in keeping the planet running smoothly. Each part is related. If a lot of those parts suddenly vanish, then the machine that is Earth can't function properly.  

Urban Farming Improves Food Sovereignty

Las Cruces High School Students Learning Urban Agriculture

When vacant lots become farm plots in the city, the local community benefits from seizing more control over their nutritional options.

Humans have a right to define their own food and agriculture systems. This food sovereignty is the right of humans to have culturally appropriate food that is healthy and produced through ecologically-sound, sustainable methods. The DYGUP & Sustain program we sponsor at Chihuahuan Desert Charities is a crash-course in sustainable farming methodology. With a strong focus on soil health and techniques for cultivation in a desert environment.

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