Plants of the Chihuahuan Desert
Creosote Plant
Monday, June 22, 2020
Creosote, Potpourri of the DesertHave 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 NopalesOne 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 AgaveDid 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 MesquitesTravel 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 FlourIn 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 RecipeBrought 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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