Healthy Archuleta kicked off its 2026 Growers and Producers Forum with a virtual presentation from Guidestone Colorado, a Salida-based nonprofit that supports community farms and gardens through education, youth engagement and local food access.
Forum participants learned how Guidestone partners with schools, families and volunteers to create hands-on growing opportunities, from school gardens that supply cafeteria meals to summer programs, internships and community garden plots.
A key takeaway was the power of shared stewardship: families, students and residents actively care for garden spaces while gaining access to fresh food and practical growing skills.
Guidestone’s experience operating community gardens on both public and private land highlighted strategies relevant to Archuleta County, including season extension through greenhouses and high tunnels, regenerative soil practices, and year-round adult education in food preservation and herbal remedies. Despite similar short growing seasons, its model shows how coordinated support and community participation can strengthen local food systems.
The discussion sparked ideas for advancing local efforts in Pagosa Springs, especially around community garden engagement, education and long-term support structures that make growing food accessible and sustainable for more residents.
The Growers and Producers Forum meets bi-monthly from January through May, with sessions resuming in September. Upcoming topics and the April 2026 Food Summit are available at www.foodcoalition4archuleta.org.
Healthy Archuleta thanks all who attended and extends appreciation to Maytal Agasi of Guidestone Colorado for sharing practical insights and inspiration.
To learn more about Guidestone Colorado, visit guidestonecolorado.org.
Be sure to check our website for more information on upcoming gardening education events in 2026 at www.foodcoalition4archuleta.org.
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