Chihuahuan Desert Education Coalition
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About Chihuahuan Desert Education Coalition
The Chihuahuan Desert Education Coalition helps people connect with the natural wonders of the Chihuahuan Desert, from El Paso and across communities in the United States and Mexico. Your support helps bring conservation education into community events, citizen science, volunteer support, and regional gatherings where people learn more about the ecosystem and how to protect it. The 21st Annual Chihuahuan Desert Fiesta drew nearly 1,500 attendees, and CDEC helped support more than 120 teenage volunteers at Bug Fest.
CDEC’s focus is the Chihuahuan Desert and the people connected to it, including communities on both sides of the U.S.–Mexico border. It gives people practical ways to take part, from the Border BioBlitz and City Nature Challenge to the Chihuahuan Desert Fiesta and a conference that brings researchers, educators, students, and conservation advocates together.
Programs
The concrete work this nonprofit runs. Each program may later become a fundable project.
Chihuahuan Desert education and outreach
Helps people connect with, value, appreciate, and understand the natural wonders of the Chihuahuan Desert through educational content, presentations, community activities, and conservation awareness initiatives.
Chihuahuan Desert Conference
Convenes researchers, educators, conservation advocates, land managers, students, and community leaders to share research, discuss conservation challenges, and build relationships across the region.
Chihuahuan Desert Fiesta
An educational community event featuring zoo exhibits, discovery tables, animal encounters, presentations, and activities about the Chihuahuan Desert.
Membership program
Provides membership opportunities that support conservation and awareness initiatives focused on the desert ecosystem, its biodiversity, and the communities that rely on it.
Citizen science and biodiversity activities
Promotes and participates in activities such as the Border BioBlitz and City Nature Challenge, which document species and encourage public engagement with local nature.
Support for conservation education volunteers
Raises funds to provide meals, encouragement, and basic support for teenage volunteers working at educational events such as Bug Fest at the El Paso Zoo and Botanical Gardens.
Cross-border conservation collaboration
Works with people and organizations in the United States and Mexico to encourage collaboration on Chihuahuan Desert conservation, including efforts related to shared habitats and protected areas.
About this work
Mission
To inspire all people to take actions towards a sustainable future of the Chihuahuan Desert.
Who they serve
People living in and visiting the Chihuahuan Desert region, including community members, families, children, students, educators, researchers, conservation advocates, land managers, and residents of communities on both sides of the U.S.–Mexico border.
Their impact
- The 21st Annual Chihuahuan Desert Fiesta attracted nearly 1,500 attendees.
- The organization helped support more than 120 teenage volunteers working at Bug Fest.
How your donation helps
- Conservation and awareness initiatives about the Chihuahuan Desert ecosystem and biodiversity
- Meals, encouragement, and basic support for teenage volunteers at Bug Fest
- Conference expenses, including meals and printed materials, to help keep registration fees affordable
- Activities and projects that strengthen conservation education and collaboration in the Chihuahuan Desert
Stories
The people behind the work.
In their words
“The decisions we make and the collaborations we build now will shape the future of wildlife and communities across the Chihuahuan Desert.”, Rick LoBello
“To truly love the desert is to appreciate every part of it—the soil beneath our feet, the billions of microbes living unseen within that soil, the insects, spiders, reptiles, birds, mammals, plants, rocks, mountains, and all the countless interactions that make this ecosystem what it is.”, Rick LoBello
“Every volunteer matters. Every pollinator matters. Every small creature matters.”
Ways to help
Concrete needs and volunteer roles Chihuahuan Desert Education Coalition has shared.
Current needs
- Sponsors for the fourth Chihuahuan Desert Conference
- Donations to provide meals and support for teenage Bug Fest volunteers
- Volunteers for educational events, projects, board service, and community outreach
- Members and supporters for conservation and awareness initiatives
Volunteer opportunities
- Support educational activities and events at the El Paso Zoo and Botanical Gardens
- Help with Chihuahuan Desert Fiesta decorations and event activities
- Participate in citizen-science projects such as the Border BioBlitz and City Nature Challenge
- Volunteer for projects that may take an hour or a day at a park
- Serve on the board of directors
- Promote CDEC through community outreach events
Recognition & press
Awards & recognition
- The El Paso Zoo’s Chihuahuan Desert exhibit was described as award-winning in 2026 conference materials.
Partners & funders
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this nonprofit and how its work happens.
What does CDEC membership support?
Membership supports conservation and awareness initiatives focused on the Chihuahuan Desert ecosystem, its biodiversity, and the communities that rely on it. Membership is available for $1, and members may receive incentives such as a discount on Chihuahuan Desert Conference registration.
Who can participate in the Border BioBlitz?
The Border BioBlitz is open to the border community, and no expertise is required. Participants use iNaturalist to document desert and aquatic species. Cameras, binoculars, and field guides are optional.
Who attends the Chihuahuan Desert Conference?
The conference brings together conservationists, educators, scientists, students, photographers, land managers, researchers, and community leaders from across the Chihuahuan Desert region.
What can people do during the City Nature Challenge?
Participants photograph or record sounds of wild plants, animals, fungi, or other evidence of life, then upload their observations to iNaturalist. They can take part independently or join guided walks, hikes, and talks offered in the El Paso area.
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