{"id":1021,"date":"2026-05-13T16:11:27","date_gmt":"2026-05-13T16:11:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/extension.colostate.edu\/san-miguel\/?p=1021"},"modified":"2026-05-27T15:13:08","modified_gmt":"2026-05-27T21:13:08","slug":"may-2026-newsletter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/extension.colostate.edu\/san-miguel\/2026\/05\/13\/may-2026-newsletter\/","title":{"rendered":"May 2026 Newsletter"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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May 2026 News + Resources<\/span><\/h1>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/header>\n\n\n\n
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From Our Office<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Hey you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

May feels like a turning point here in the Basin. The wind still reminds us we live in a high desert, but green is pushing through, irrigation lines are getting checked, and kids, animals, seedlings and weeds are all growing faster than we can keep up with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is one of our fullest seasons at Extension. We\u2019re out in the field, in barns and backyards, at kitchen tables and community spaces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019m excited to share that Jacob Gordon is joining our team May 4 as our Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Livestock Program Coordinator. He\u2019ll be hitting the ground listening. Our goal for him is 30 people in 30 days…so don\u2019t be surprised if he reaches out. We\u2019d love for you to share what you\u2019re seeing, needing, and hoping for in our community survey (next page).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Of course, this season holds a bit of tension: growth alongside limited water, persistent weeds, and the unpredictability of the West. If you\u2019re feeling that, you\u2019re not alone. We\u2019re here to offer practical tools, research-based guidance, and real partnership.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Warmly,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Annika Kristiansen
Director, San Miguel Basin Extension
Colorado State University<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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San Miguel Basin Extension
Community Needs Survey (2026)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

San Miguel Basin CSU Extension is here to support our community with practical, research-based programs in agriculture, natural resources, youth development (4-H), and community wellbeing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As we welcome a new Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Livestock Program Coordinator, we\u2019re taking time to listen. Your input will directly shape workshops, resources, and on-the-ground support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This survey takes 5\u201310 minutes. Thank you for helping us serve you better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Take Survey<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Legacy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Stories of healing and hope<\/p>\n\n\n\n

DOCUMENTARY VIDEO SHOWING – May 7, 2026<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A deep love for agriculture can be rewarding, joyful, and at times, painful. Our agricultural community continues to show up for one another\u2014especially during stressful seasons. Join us for food, camaraderie, and a meaningful conversation around behavioral health in our communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

THE LIVERY<\/strong>
1555 Summit St. Norwood, CO<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dinner served at 5:30 PM.<\/strong> Film begins at 6:45 PM followed by a brief panel discussion.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Questions? Please email publichealth@sanmiguelcountyco.gov<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Events, Workshops & Learning Opportunities<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Regional Learning Opportunities<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Red Canyon Reserve Spring Gathering<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

May 15\u201317 | Near Magdalena, NM<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Be part of a habitat restoration study at this spring gathering hosted on land long stewarded by Quivira Coalition. This weekend brings together conservation-minded folks for camping, hands-on restoration work, and learning in a beautiful desert landscape. Expect cactus adventures, good people, and meaningful time on the land.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Register<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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HACCP Training \u2014 CSU Pueblo<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

May 27\u201328<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hands-on certification for food safety planning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Register<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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9th Annual New Mexico Working Lands Summit<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

June 11\u201312 | Taos, NM<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This year\u2019s summit centers on collaboration and resilience, with a focus on acequias as a powerful example of regenerative systems that support both ecological and social health. This is a rich space for peer-to-peer learning, storytelling, and connecting with others working to steward land in the West.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Register<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Mountain Meat Summit<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

June 12\u201313 | Fort Collins<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hands-on learning + networking for producers and processors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Learn More<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Move \u2019Em Right: The Art of Calm Cattle and Confident Crews<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

June 17\u201321 | Redwing Ranch, Gardner, CO<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Join renowned clinician Dawn Hnatow for a three-day, immersive experience focused on practical, low-stress stockmanship. Learn how to move, handle, and sort livestock effectively\u2014in pasture and corrals, on foot and horseback. This is hands-on, skill-building work that can directly improve your operation and your relationship with your animals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Register<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Effective Stockmanship for Ranching with Wolves<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

June 24\u201325 | Salida, CO<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A two-day workshop designed for producers navigating the realities of ranching in wolf country. Learn techniques to reduce herd vulnerability, strengthen grazing strategies, and build confidence in working landscapes with predators present. Led by experienced ranchers and conservation professionals, with opportunities to practice skills in the field.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Register<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Community Food Systems Intern \u2013 Fresh Foundation <\/strong>(Norwood)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

$18\/hr | June\u2013October | Full-time seasonal<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hands-on work in CSA, markets, farm operations, and food access programs. Great fit for anyone interested in:<\/p>\n\n\n\n