Taos Land Trust announced on May 1 that its Spring Garden Apprentice Program, supported by the New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Division’s Outdoor Equity Fund, is underway with two new apprentices. The program aims to engage young people in hands-on learning about land stewardship, agriculture, and animal care.
The initiative matters as it connects youth with real-world skills in conservation and sustainable agriculture while fostering a sense of responsibility for local lands. Participants are gaining experience in seed starting, no-till gardening methods, composting, and goat care. Apprentices have also been involved in animal health activities such as splinting an injured turkey and training goats for electric fencing.
Recently, Taos High School’s Sustainable Living class joined the program for a day dedicated to building a goat shelter. Seniors from the class collaborated through a dual-credit partnership with UNM-Taos to complete their MC3 certification. After submitting design plans over winter months, one plan was selected and implemented during a full-day field trip. The new shelter will provide winter cover for goats using mostly repurposed or donated materials as part of the Regenerative Grazing Project sponsored by the LOR Foundation.
The garden apprentice program is part of broader efforts by Taos Land Trust to promote cultural and social well-being by reconnecting people with nature and local traditions through hands-on education and conservation according to the official website. Facilities such as Rio Fernando Community Farm are utilized alongside Rio Hondo Fishing Park and Rio Fernando Park according to the official website. Educational initiatives include partnerships with community organizations like Chamisa Goatworks and Rocky Mountain Youth Corps NM.
Taos Land Trust seeks to enable individuals to preserve cherished lands through educational programs, advocacy efforts, and conservation activities according to the official website. Its work extends across Taos, New Mexico focusing on local lands according to the official website, collaborating with community organizations on conservation easements according to the official website, while being accredited as a member of the national Land Trust Alliance in New Mexico adhering to their standards according to the official website.
As this season’s natural resource internship concludes soon—with participants having balanced school commitments alongside fieldwork—the organization congratulates graduating seniors Ezekiel, Flora, Jewelysa, Mateo, and Chiara. The trust encourages continued support from community members so these educational opportunities can expand for future generations.
