Plants of the Chihuahuan Desert

Creosote Plant

Monday, June 22, 2020

Creosote, Potpourri of the Desert

Have you stopped to smell the creosote? In this video, Ranger Ale Jones shares just how old the Creosote Bush can live to be by cloning itself and how an insect found on the branches of creosote is used to make a glue-like material! You can also take the creosote?s desert scent home with you. Follow the steps in this video to make your own hanging creosote potpourri! For more summer activities follow this link: http://nmhistoricsites.org/virtual-camp

Posted by New Mexico Historic Sites on Monday, June 29, 2020

Creosote, Potpourri of the Desert

Have you stopped to smell the creosote? In this video, Ranger Ale Jones shares just how old the Creosote Bush can live to be by cloning itself and how an insect found on the branches of creosote is used to make a glue-like material! You can also take the creosote?s desert scent home with you. Follow the steps in this video to make your own hanging creosote potpourri!

Sources Used and Additional Resources:

11,700 year old Creosote Bush

7 Things you didn?t know about the Creosote Bush

Plant Database, The Creosote Bush

Arizona Daily, The Creosote Bush

Savor the Southwest Blog, Creosote Pomander

Prickly Pear Cactus

Monday, June 22, 2020

Prickly Pear Cactus and Preparing Nopales

One of the most recognizable plants of any desert environment is the cactus. And one of the most prevalent species of cactus is the prickly pear. In this video, Instructional Coordinator Alexandra McKinney will introduce this unique plant and share some of its most interesting uses and how you can prepare the plant for use as a vegetable in some of your favorite side dishes. For more summer activities follow this link: http://nmhistoricsites.org/virtual-camp

Posted by New Mexico Historic Sites on Monday, June 22, 2020

Preparing Nopales

🌵One of the most recognizable plants of any desert environment is the cactus. And one of the most prevalent species of cactus is the prickly pear. In this video, Instructional Coordinator Alexandra McKinney will introduce this unique plant and share some of its most interesting uses and how you can prepare the plant for use as a vegetable in some of your favorite side dishes.

Sources Used and Additional Resources:

Desert USA About the Prickly Pear

Desert USA About the Cochineal

About the Chihuahuan Desert

Where is the Cochineal Used?

3 Ways To Cook Nopales (From Alma's Recipes)

Agave

Monday, June 15, 2020

Making Paper with the Parry's Agave

Did you know you can make paper from the agave plant? In this video, Ranger Ale Jones will share fun facts about the Parry's Agave and how it has been used as a source of survival for over 9,000 years. You can then go in search of your own agave and follow the step-by-step tutorial to make your own paper from the Parry's Agave! For more activities throughout the summer, visit: http://nmhistoricsites.org/virtual-camp

Posted by New Mexico Historic Sites on Monday, June 15, 2020

Making Paper with the Agave Plant

Did you know you can make paper from the agave plant? In this video, Ranger Ale Jones will share fun facts about the Parry's Agave and how it has been used as a source of survival for over 9,000 years. You can then go in search for your own agave and follow the step-by-step tutorial to make your own paper from the Parry's Agave!

Sources Used and Additional Resources:

Southwest Desert Flora About the Parry's Agave

Plant of the Week The Parry's Agave

Agave Needle and Thread

Agave Plant Coloring Page

Agave Plant?s Many Uses

Mesquite

Monday, June 8, 2020

All About Mesquites

Travel around the state virtually this summer and explore the culture, nature, and history of New Mexico guided by our eight historic sites. Starting today and running through the end of July, themed videos and activities will be posted online daily. Today, join Fort Selden Historic Site to learn about Plants of the Chihuahuan Desert. In this video, Instructional Coordinator Alexandra McKinney will introduce you to one of the most common shrubs and small trees, the Mesquite. For more activities throughout the summer, visit: http://nmhistoricsites.org/virtual-camp

Posted by New Mexico Historic Sites on Monday, June 8, 2020

About the Mesquite Tree

In this video, Instructional Coordinator Alexandra McKinney will introduce you to one of the most common shrubs and small trees, the Mesquite.

 

Mesquite Seedpods and Baking with Mesquite Flour

In the second part of Plants of the Chihuahuan Desert, join Instructional Alexandra McKinney as she discusses the Mesquite Tree's seedpods and how they can be used at home to bake with. She'll even show you an easy recipe you can do! Mesquite Flour is gluten free and can be used as you would any other gluten free flour. For more activities throughout the summer, visit: http://nmhistoricsites.org/virtual-camp

Posted by New Mexico Historic Sites on Monday, June 8, 2020

Baking with Mesquite Flour

In the second part of Plants of the Chihuahuan Desert, join Instructional Alexandra McKinney as she discusses the Mesquite Tree's seedpods and how they can be used at home to bake with. She'll even show you an easy recipe you can do! Mesquite Flour is gluten free and can be used as you would any other gluten free flour.

Sources Used and Additional Resources:

What the Mesquite Tree Provides

Texas Beyond History About the Mesquite

Desert USA About the Mesquite

Complete Rachel Pauls Mug Cookie Recipe

Mesquite Coffee Recipe

Brought to you by Fort Selden and Taylor-Mesilla Historic Sites

Watch this series of family fun videos and activities! Learn about some of the interesting plants found in the Chihuahuan Desert and make and share your own creations.

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