Rancho Cacachilas offers theoretical and field instruction in natural history, ranching, ecotourism and other responsible land management topics.
Below is a partial list of courses, workshops and other education programs that have been offered on our ranches and in nearby communities in collaboration with a diverse group of organizations and individuals, including schools, associations, scientists, ranchers, rural cooperatives and government institutions.
The Abundant Desert Workshop Series
Rancho Cacachilas is offering a one of a kind experience to learn about how to live sustainably and regeneratively in the desert. Join us and attend one class, two classes, or even all six to equip yourself with the knowledge and tools necessary to live a healthy and low-impact lifestyle that benefits yourself and your community.
Harvesting Rainwater & Greywater
Water is our most valuable and rare resource here in the desert. Learn hands-on about accessible and inexpensive ways to capture your rainwater and re-use your lightly used grey water to grow edible and productive crops! We will go over how to calculate your catchment space and size your tank or passive infiltration basin for your needs, as well as which plants will thrive in these systems. You will get the opportunity to check out some watershed-scale anti-erosion works we have on the ranch as well!
Organic Gardening
Do you want a crash course in organic gardening? Maybe you’ve heard of permaculture or bio-intensive gardening and want to learn more. In this workshop you will learn all you need to know to start your own garden, including how to prepare your garden bed to cultivate strong and deep roots, how to prevent pests and improve the flavor of your veggies through companion planting, how to minimize your water use and loss to evaporation, and even how to create your own fertilizers, immunity boosters, and pesticide sprays for your garden.
Composting & Organic Waste Management
Join us to get your hands dirty and learn about how to recycle your organic waste into fertilizer for your garden. In this class we will demonstrate various methods of composting: thermophilic compost piles, worm compost, compost extracts and teas, composting toilets, and even sheet mulching to build soil with minimal labor. We will discuss composting on a home scale and visit our farm to see how we create all our own fertilizer, improve the soil, and increase rainwater infiltration.
Regional Cheesemaking & Food Preservation
Learn how to make regional panela cheese using our cheesemaker’s family recipe. From milking the cow to taking home the final product, you will learn how much work and fun goes into making cheese. We will also present the various preservation methods we use on the ranch to enjoy fruits and vegetables all year round and you will have a chance to try out some other methods of food preservation.
Holistic Livestock Management
Rancho Cacachilas aims to mimic nature in terms of our integrated animal management. As a Savory Hub, we use techniques defined by Alan Savory to move our cows across the land mimicking natural patterns. The cows fertilize the sandy desert soil, aid in rainwater infiltration and retention, and facilitate the growth of plants. When managed incorrectly, they can have the utter opposite effect.
Seed Saving
There is nothing more precious on this earth than a seed - the small beginnings of foods that will grow to nourish us. Access to organically grown, heirloom, untreated seeds are hard to find in Baja California Sur, and the best way to ensure you have a garden or farm next year, is to save your own seeds. We will teach you how to plant a garden with seed saving strategies to avoid cross pollination, how to select the best plants and save viable seed, and how to store them properly.
Harvesting Rainwater & Greywater
Water is our most valuable and rare resource here in the desert. Learn hands-on about accessible and inexpensive ways to capture your rainwater and re-use your lightly used grey water to grow edible and productive crops! We will go over how to calculate your catchment space and size your tank or passive infiltration basin for your needs, as well as which plants will thrive in these systems. You will get the opportunity to check out some watershed-scale anti-erosion works we have on the ranch as well!
Learn about some of our partner organizations
Hurricane Preparedness
Officially, the Eastern Pacific Ocean hurricane season begins May 15 and ends November 30, however most of these storms hit between August and October, according to NOAA (the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration). The three links below provide important hurricane information. We take our responsibility seriously to continually improve hurricane resilience on our ranches. Planning, preparing and being informed can make all the difference.
