Albuquerque Public Schools
Growing Together
More than 40 educators and volunteers toured local green spaces and helped revitalize school garden sites across the district.
The annual APS Educator Garden Crawl returned this year to connect local teachers with practical tools, vibrant community partners and classroom-ready curriculum for outdoor learning. In partnership with Ciudad Soil & Water Conservation District, the City of Albuquerque Parks & Recreation, the Health Equity Council, and Explora, organizers from APS Outdoor Learning brought educators together for a full day of professional development, site tours and hands-on site activation.
The crawl kicked off at Explora Science Center before making stops at Alameda Elementary, the Albuquerque City Greenhouse, and La Mesa Elementary. Throughout the tour, educators participated in practical workshops designed to make school gardens thrive, covering topics such as:
- Outdoor Learning and Garden Curriculum
- Ciclos de La Tierra Curriculum
- Irrigation Basics
- Teaching Composting
Spotlighting District Successes
At Alameda Elementary, newly elected student council members welcomed visiting teachers to campus. Alameda staff and students showcased their flourishing outdoor learning and garden space—including their award-winning exhibits from the New Mexico State Fair—and shared strategies on how school communities can launch and support their own gardening initiatives.
The afternoon concluded at La Mesa Elementary, serving as a testament to what community collaboration can achieve. What was once a thriving school garden with a greenhouse had been dismantled over time due to administrative and staffing changes. Last school year, La Mesa staff saw an opportunity to bring the space back to life as a school wellness garden. Beginning with small student workgroups, community donations, and an end-of-year grant from the APS Education Foundation, the rebuilding effort gained momentum. Cold calls to local organizations connected the school with Ciudad Soil & Water Conservation District, ultimately paving the way for La Mesa to host this year's Garden Crawl.
During the event, teachers and community members rolled up their sleeves to weed, clean, repair and build up the space. By the end of the day, the garden was transformed into a renewed outdoor classroom and community gathering spot.
"Gardens are living things, just like you and I. They require care, patience, collaboration and continued attention," shared La Mesa’s Community School Impact Coordinator Magaly Jimenez Baca. "Our garden is growing, but so is the community around it. It’s a small garden with a big community, and the 2026 APS Garden Crawl was a perfect example of what that means."
With new curriculum resources in hand and revitalized spaces across the city, APS educators are ready to help students grow, explore, and learn outdoors this school year and beyond.