THE PLACE: Embudo New Mexico, north of Espanola on the way to Taos.

THE PROJECT: Our host for the weekend will be Estevan Arrellano.  Señor Arellano is a journalist, writer, researcher, and farmer. He is an advocate of traditional New Mexico agriculture and acequias and a native northern New Mexican with roots reaching back to the 1725 settlement of the Embudo Valley. We will help to irrigate 400-year-old apple orchards, the largest Spanish heritage apple grove in the state.

MEALS: Saturday dinner: a matanza—an event during which an animal is slow-cooked in an underground pit, and the community comes together for a social gathering, usually after a cultural occasion of some significance.

MAXIMUM PARTICIPANTS: 10−15

PROJECT LEADER: John Olivas

REGISTER for this event; there is a $10.00 administrative fee due at registration.

DRIVING DISTANCE: 1 hour north of Santa Fe

GEAR: Shovel, leather gloves, long-sleeved shirt, long pants, sunglasses, and sunscreen are always recommended. New Mexico weather is unpredictable, and everyone needs to be prepared for all conditions.