Otero Native Plant Society Brings Desert-Friendly Greenery to Alamogordo’s Earth Day Celebrations

Alamogordo, NM — The Otero Native Plant Society (a chapter of the Native Plant Society of New Mexico) is gearing up to participate in the community’s upcoming Earth Day events, encouraging local residents to landscape with plants that thrive in the Chihuahuan Desert while conserving water and supporting wildlife.

On Saturday, April 11, 2026, the group is hosting its Native Plant Sale from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Puerto Rico Avenue Community Garden (corner of 16th Street and Puerto Rico Avenue). Attendees can purchase a variety of native and well-adapted plants suited to Otero County’s diverse landscapes — from mountain foothills to basin desert. Each plant comes with helpful planting and watering information to ensure success in local gardens.

“We are back!” organizers announced. “The selection includes natives and some other varieties that grow well in the area. Proceeds fund grants and educational programs, and all events are free and open to the public.”

The sale highlights low-water, pollinator-friendly species that help reduce irrigation demands in the arid Southwest — a timely message as communities focus on sustainability.

Just one week later, on Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., the Otero Native Plant Society and Otero County Master Gardeners will join the main Earth Day Celebration at Alameda Park Zoo. The zoo event, themed “Our Power, Our Planet,” features family-friendly activities including a butterfly release, animal demonstrations, live reptile shows, and appearances by Smokey the Bear.

Master Gardeners will offer a plant sale and gardening advice on-site, while the Native Plant Society is expected to share expertise on desert-adapted species, aligning perfectly with Earth Day’s focus on conservation and habitat restoration. Past events have drawn crowds seeking native plants for yards and educational displays featuring local flora and nature-inspired crafts.

Why Native Plants Matter in Alamogordo

Native plants require less water once established, attract beneficial pollinators like butterflies and bees, and provide food and shelter for birds and other wildlife. In the Tularosa Basin, they help combat soil erosion and thrive in the region’s intense sun and variable soils.

The Puerto Rico Avenue Community Garden serves as a local hub for these efforts, promoting community growing and education year-round.

For more information on the April 11 Native Plant Sale:

• Visit: npsnm.org

• Email: oteronps@gmail.com

• Call Elva: 575-443-4408

Details for the Alameda Park Zoo Earth Day event are available through the City of Alamogordo Parks & Recreation Department or the zoo’s website or check out our story at 

Link- Earth Day 2026 Events Planned

Whether you’re starting a new pollinator garden, replacing thirsty turf, or simply learning more about sustainable landscaping, the Otero Native Plant Society invites everyone to stop by these April events. Bringing home a few native plants is one easy way to celebrate Earth Day while making a lasting positive impact on Alamogordo’s unique desert environment.

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