For generations, mesquite has been an important part of life in South Texas. It has provided shade in our hot climate, nourishment through its pods, wood for cooking and building, and resources for traditional remedies. It has supported local wildlife and shaped the landscapes and livelihoods of communities throughout our region.
Yet much of the knowledge surrounding this remarkable tree and our relationship with it has faded from everyday conversations.
Join us for Mesquite & Community Building: Reconnecting with South Texas’ Tree of Life, led by a hands-on community skillshare with educator and herbalist Beto De León. Together, we’ll revisit the cultural, ecological, and traditional importance of mesquite and explore why it has long been considered South Texas’ tree of life.
Through education, storytelling, and hands-on activities, we’ll make tortillas de mesquite, sample agua de mesquite, and prepare a baño de mesquite (herbal bath), learning about traditional uses and the knowledge that has been passed down through generations.
This workshop is an opportunity to remember what our local landscapes have provided, reconnect with traditional knowledge, and explore how we can carry these practices forward.
Environmental stewardship isn’t only about protecting the places we call home. It’s also about understanding their history and remembering the relationships that have sustained our communities. Let’s reconnect with South Texas’ tree of life.
