Master Gardeners Strengthen Food Security and Community Resilience in Sandoval County

The Sandoval Extension Master Gardeners maintained an active schedule of volunteer activities, field trips, classes and community projects that directly affect public health and local food systems. On July 19, 2025, interns and volunteers visited regional resources including the Southern Sandoval County Arroyo Flood Control Authority, the Museum of Southwestern Biology Arthropod Collection, the Santa Ana Native Plant Nursery, the Albuquerque Botanic Garden, the UNM Arboretum, Corrales Family Practice Gardens composting operations, and the NMSU Agricultural Science Center. These field visits combined practical training with ecological context that informs sustainable gardening across Corrales, Placitas and Rio Rancho.

The program reported that volunteers and staff escorted nearly 1,000 people through garden tours and outreach events, and that volunteer efforts helped raise tens of thousands of pounds of produce for food insecure residents. Extension staff and volunteers continued to publish gardening reports and short features that translate local natural history into actionable advice. Topic areas included beekeeping, seed starting, drip irrigation, integrated pest updates and native pollinator ecology. Regular postings also highlight volunteer opportunities, seasonal classes and community garden projects, along with Helpline resources for residents seeking local guidance.

For Sandoval County, these activities have measurable public health implications. Increased local produce donations reduce food insecurity and improve diet quality for vulnerable households. Education in water wise irrigation and pest management helps limit pesticide exposure and conserve scarce water resources. Youth oriented STEM outreach and volunteer internships build skills and social capital that strengthen long term community resilience.

Policy and equity questions remain central to sustaining this work. Continued public investment in extension services and partnerships with tribal and municipal institutions can expand reach into communities with limited access to fresh food and environmental education. As the program continues to update its Experiences posts and workshop schedules, residents can find hands on training, volunteer sign ups and Helpline assistance that connect gardening knowledge to public health outcomes across Sandoval County.