Good Sam’s Food Pantry is hosting a free squash planting and water resources workshop at 4:30 p.m. Thursday in its garden at 30 N. Beech St. in Cortez.
“We think it's important to reclaim this parking lot behind the pantry to share knowledge and methods and build community around these ways of relating to seeds and food and each other,” Kirbi Foster, the food pantry’s executive director, said.
The workshop invites adults and kids alike to learn about companion planting via the Four Sisters Method, which involves cultivating sunflowers, bean, squash and corn together to benefit the garden as a whole.
Workshop leader Brandon Francis, who is a Diné scientist and culture bearer, has been gardening in the Four Corners region for over a decade. His partner and their 5-year-old daughter will also help lead the workshops, centering Indigenous knowledge and stories.
“There (were) ways in the past that were very beneficial, and passing on that knowledge is part of what I like to do,” Francis said. “Having people overcome those fears of trying to reconnect with their roots is part of my work.”
Along the way, Francis will also discuss the history of water resources in the Four Corners, connecting historic challenges to the modern day drought afflicting Montezuma County.
“The Indigenous people have undergone mega droughts, which are very similar, and have survived,” Francis said. “The strength of our ancestors is what will carry us through because they have undergone similar situations.”
Foster added that the workshop will cover people’s relationship with water, assessing its changes over time and explaining how plants adapt to water availability.
Foster said everyone is welcome to attend. The workshop will feature crafts for kids and traditional Diné drinks and food, inviting a family-friendly atmosphere.
“People who want to know how to grow squash and how to companion plant, and also anyone who's maybe just feeling a little isolated and would like a welcoming space to be in with other people, then this would be the place,” Foster said.
Francis added that anyone looking for good food, plant talk, an agricultural history lesson and social and nature connections should join.
Those planning to attend can register by calling 970-565-6424 or emailing elisa@goodsamscortez.org. Those interested in learning more about the free garden workshop series can email Foster at director@goodsamscortez.org.
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