SW New Mexico News

New Mexico State University’s College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences is gearing up to welcome the public to its fifth annual ACES Open House on Saturday, April 6. The event, set to take place from 9 a.m. to noon on the Las Cruces campus, promises a day filled with educational and interactive activities for attendees of all ages.

“This is an opportunity for the Las Cruces and NMSU communities to catch a glimpse of the activities our students, faculty and staff engage in,” expressed College of ACES Dean Rolando A. Flores Galarza. “This event highlights various teaching, research and outreach efforts from our on-campus departments, Cooperative Extension Service and statewide research centers.”

Visitors can expect to tour NMSU’s new Food Science, Security and Safety Center, explore the Chile Pepper Institute, and even sample New Mexico-made wine. From interacting with horses and observing sheep and goats to engaging with the Wildlife Museum and ACES Arthropod Museum, there will be a wide array of exhibits and demonstrations to enjoy.

The event will also feature hands-on activities such as learning firearm safety at the New Mexico 4-H “Shooting Sports” trailer, testing vegetable seed knowledge through an interactive circuit board, and walking through a giant inflatable colon for colon cancer awareness. Additionally, plant exhibits will offer information on composting, soil health, and more.

Representatives from NMSU’s Cooperative Extension Service and Agricultural Experiment Station will be available to discuss Extension programs and ongoing research. Free, light refreshments will be provided at various locations on campus for attendees to enjoy throughout the day.

Dean Flores Galarza emphasized the growth of the event over the years, stating, “The event has grown over the years as we continue to welcome the public to visit and learn more about projects and programs within the college.” He also mentioned the addition of a group of ACES alumni from Chihuahua to this year’s event.

The open house will culminate with an awards ceremony for a student research poster competition in the Gerald Thomas Hall auditorium. Following this, a special information session for high school students about agricultural science careers and the USDA-funded LEADING Hispanics program will take place in Knox Hall, Room 238, with a complimentary lunch provided.

For those interested in attending, RSVPs can be made by contacting 575-646-3427 or hloest@nmsu.edu. More information about the open house can be obtained by calling 575-646-2877 or visiting the event website.

The College of ACES Open House promises a day of learning, exploration, and fun for all who attend, providing valuable insights into the world of agricultural and environmental sciences.