Event Details

It’s springtime at Fort Selden Historic Site and with the changing of the season comes new outdoor opportunities. As plant life begins its springtime resurgence, the time to prepare our gardens has finally come. Did you know that the mesquite bush here in the Mesilla Valley is a good indicator as to when to start planting? When the bush begins to produce new leaves and buds, it’s nature’s way of telling us that we’re more than likely past our last freeze and ok to start planting.

Join us as we begin planting our garden and discuss our exciting plans for this year. Who loves chile? Well, we do here in southern New Mexico, that’s for sure! It’s a good thing too because that’s all we’re growing this year. Our plan is to pay tribute to New Mexico’s agricultural roots, and in doing so, growing various chilies that tell the evolutionary story of how southern New Mexico became the chile capital of the world.

We will also be hosting a special pop-up exhibit, "Culture Lab: Enchanted Chiles” from the Wonders on Wheels mobile museum program. Participants will have the chance to learn more about chiles through hands-on activities, including examining chiles under a microscope, painting with chile dye, and tying a chile ristra.

This program is included as part of general admission of $5 per adult. Children 16 years old and younger are free. NM Disabled Veterans are free.