Holy Cross Retreat Center hosts Earth Day events

Holy Cross Retreat Center will host a series of presentations on caring for the earth, 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Saturday, April 22, and an ecumenical prayer service at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, April 23, in the main chapel at the center, 600 Holy Cross Road in Mesilla Park. The prayer service, which is open to the public, will include three speakers talking about caring for the earth.

“Pope Francis as well as many scientists and people around the world call us to be better educated and motivated to change our habits and preserve our planet,” said Holy Cross Director Tom Smith. “You can get practical assistance in choosing and then join in planting to enhance your space.”

"Earth Day fun & free DYI project for kids.  Learn how to make your own Rainforest Terrarium."

The presentations are free and open to the public. Donations will be accepted. A list of drought-resistant plants that will grow in this area will be available.

Schedule of presentations:

• 10 a.m.: Franciscan Spirituality and Care for the Earth, Father Tom Smith and Linda Pribble
• 10:30 a.m.: Ways to Conserve Water, Rhonda Diaz, City of Las Cruces
• 11 a.m.: Amending Desert Soil for Flowers and Veggies, New Mexico State University Cooperative Extension Service Master Gardner Program
• 11:30 a.m.: Update: What to Recycle and What Not, Miguel Fernandez, South Central Solid Waste Authority

Noon: Burritos, biscochos and drinks available for lunch; view displays on tables; try the kids’ project

• 12:30 p.m.: Sustainable Electrification Education, Jenny Hernandez, Las Cruces Sustainable Electric Education
• 1 p.m.: Planting and Caring for Trees and Bushes, NMSU Cooperative Extension Service agronomy and horticulture agent Jeff Anderson
• 1:30 p.m.: Neighborhood Recycling Awareness, Linda Pribble
• 2 p.m.: Plant Bushes around the Second Hermitage at Holy Cross, Jeff Anderson

Call Holy Cross at 575-524-3688. Visit https://holycrossretreat.org/.