Community helps NMSU’s Hidalgo County Extension Service plant 17 trees_New Mexico State University[뉴멕시코주립대학교,2017대학별 정시 합격선]

Community helps NMSU’s Hidalgo County Extension Service plant 17 trees_

New Mexico State University[뉴멕시코주립대학교,2017대학별 정시 합격선]

The Hidalgo County Fairgrounds just got a little bit nicer.

New Mexico State University’s Hidalgo County Cooperative Extension Service hosted a tree-planting event at the fairgrounds Nov. 5.

The community and extension staff came together to plant six apple trees, three pomegranate trees, two peach trees and six desert willow trees.

Approximately 30 Hidalgo County residents helped, including 4-H club members, leaders and volunteers. 

Hidalgo County Cooperative Extension Service Program Director Wayne Shockey said the trees and the vegetable garden – originally planted in 2011 – directly impact the community.

“The fruit trees and the community garden benefit Hidalgo County residents by providing them with fresh fruits and vegetables,” Shockey said. “And the desert willow trees are part of a beautification project to enhance the looks of the fairgrounds.”

Volunteers also helped paint the concrete slab in the community garden. 

Shockey said the aesthetic appeal and eventual fruit aren’t the only benefits of the tree-planting event.

“When the youth in our community take part in events like the tree planting, it really gives them a sense of ownership,” Shockey said. “It also adds to their leadership skills. When they enter the job market, they can show they have community service and volunteer-type experience.” 

The tree planting was made possible by PNM Resources Foundation. The foundation awarded over $17,000 to NMSU’s Hidalgo County Cooperative Extension Service for its youth community garden.

PNM Resources Foundation is dedicated to improving quality of life and seeks opportunities that focus on education, environmental awareness and education, economic vitality and employee engagement.

In addition to the trees, the grant has allowed for a new greenhouse, a composting worm bin, egg-laying hens, an improved watering system and painting of the vegetable washing station’s concrete slab.

Community members may stop in to select fresh vegetables – and eventually, fresh fruit – Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Shockey said the garden is in constant use by groups such as 4-H and Boothill Youth Association.