It’s almost that time of year when the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences at New Mexico State University opens its doors to the public to showcase its cutting-edge programs and facilities.
The College of ACES invites visitors of all ages to its annual open house to learn about the college’s academic, research and outreach programs while exploring buildings, museums and labs across NMSU’s agricultural complex and participating in hands-on activities. The free event takes place between 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Saturday, April 5.
Now in its sixth year, the ACES Open House aims to raise the public profile of the researchers, Extension agents, staffers and students who drive the college’s mission to promote economic and community development across New Mexico.
“The mission of the College of ACES is to be an engine for economic and community development for New Mexico – come and see how it is done,” College of ACES Dean Rolando A. Flores Galarza said. “The future of agriculture and allied businesses creates lots of opportunities for future students to have great job. We invite you to come and explore our research, Extension activities and career opportunities for all potential students of NMSU.”
This year, the event will feature indoor and outdoor booths, depending on weather conditions, music from a DJ, a drone demonstration highlighting advanced technology in agriculture, and a display of live amphibians and reptiles.
Visitors should start by picking up a self-guided exploration map at the welcome tent outside Gerald Thomas Hall, 940 College Drive. The map includes a list of areas guests can visit, along with a spot to collect stamps. After exploring the college, visitors can return to the welcome tent to select a small prize for every 10 stamps collected (while supplies last).
NMSU’s Ballet Folklórico and Mariachi Orgullo will perform for visitors at 11:30 a.m. in front of Gerald Thomas Hall.
Throughout the open house, guests may interact with horses from the equine science program and visit the college’s flocks of sheep and goats. The Wildlife Museum and the ACES Arthropod Museum will also be open. The former houses more than 6,000 specimens with some dating back to the early 1900s, while the latter houses the largest collection of insects and other arthropods in New Mexico.
The New Mexico 4-H program will set up its “Shooting Sports” trailer, where visitors can learn firearm safety and practice shooting an air-pellet rifle in a controlled environment.
Visitors may also test their knowledge about vegetable seeds through an interactive circuit board and use their own physical activity to generate power on an energy bicycle. Collegiate 4-H will also provide a corn-hole competition.
Weather permitting, visitors will also get a chance to walk through a giant inflatable colon to learn about colon cancer and use a veggie meter to measure their fruit and vegetable consumption.
Several plant exhibits will feature information about composting, soil health, hydroponics and identifying weeds. The Plant Diagnostic Clinic will be open to help visitors identify problems with their plants and identify specific weeds. Visitors may also bring specimens for analysis with microscopic imaging (no bodily fluids, bugs, feathers, soil, etc.).
Representatives from NMSU’s Cooperative Extension Service and Agricultural Experiment Station will be available to discuss various Extension programs and research projects underway at the agricultural science centers across the state.
Free, light refreshments will be provided in Gerald Thomas Hall, Skeen Hall, Knox Hall and the Tejada Building.
For more information about the open house, call 575-646-2877 or visit the event website.
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CUTLINE: New Mexico State University’s College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences will host its fifth annual ACES Open House from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, April 5, on the Las Cruces campus. The event is free and open to the public. (Courtesy)