While many gardeners hang up their trowels as August heat gives way to crisp morning air, seasoned gardeners know a quiet secret: autumn isn’t the end of the gardening year; it is the foundation of the next. This is especially true in Archuleta County, where our short growing season makes fall the peak harvest period, meaning we truly have to make hay while the sun shines.
While spring gets all the fanfare with its sudden burst of greenery, fall offers far superior conditions for critical soil building and plant establishment. The soil remains warm from months of summer sun, encouraging robust root growth, while cooler air temperatures reduce moisture loss and heat stress.
If you want a thriving garden next year, the work begins right now. Our 2026 September in the Garden program will be your roadmap to maximizing your autumn landscape, plus a fantastic opportunity to gather outdoors, learn directly in a community garden space, and share experiences with fellow local growers.
Join us at the Vista Lake Community Production Garden for three morning sessions focused on fall garden success. Whether you are a seasoned gardener or a novice, come join the conversation as we learn various fall gardening techniques and strategies. These sessions are free and will take place on Wednesdays, September 9, 16, and 23, from 9:30 – 11am. The sessions will take place in the PLPOA Vista Community Production Garden, next to the Admin Building.
Interested community members can register for this and other events, including the 2026 Archuleta Health Fair & Expo, by visiting our website www.foodcoalition4archuleta.org.
Nourishing Archuleta County, Inside the Food Pantry Network
Residents of Archuleta County are fortunate to live in a community where organizations come together in support of our neighbors. This includes the Archuleta County food pantries that have formed the Food Pantry Network. Supported by Healthy Archuleta, this group collaborates across individual food pantries to support healthy food access for our neighbors. The Food Pantry Network formed in spring 2020, and the group continues to collaborate and support the community.
The Food Pantry Network includes independent food pantry locations across Archuleta County, including organizations in downtown Pagosa Springs, uptown Pagosa Springs, and Arboles.
Downtown Pagosa: Community United Methodist Church
Uptown Pagosa: Pope John Paul II Catholic Church, St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church, and ‘Our Community Eats’
Arboles: TARA Community Center
Each food pantry is open throughout the week, and the Network includes a site open most days to accommodate working families and individuals. Additionally, the Archuleta County Mountain Express Transit (MET) offers transportation routes that include some food pantries, and older adults who need a ride to a local food pantry can contact MET to schedule a ride through its paratransit service. For food pantry information and schedules, visit Healthy Archuleta’s website foodcoalition4archuleta.org/food-pantry-network.html
The strength of the Food Pantry Network relies heavily on local involvement. Community members support the initiative through:
Donations. Community members can donate non-perishable goods and fresh produce to the Food Pantry Network. The Network is supported by donations from backyard growers, local ranchers and farmers, community gardens, Healthy Archuleta’s hydroponic towers, and community donations of fresh produce and healthy non-perishable goods.
Volunteering & Funding. Additional ways you can support the Food Pantry Network include giving time at food pantries, participating in quarterly food drives, or contributing financially. The Community United Methodist Church (CUMC) is currently looking for volunteers to support their pantry and distribution operation. The next food drive is Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm at Pagosa Springs City Market! For more information and to learn about volunteer opportunities, email communityengagement@fsfearchuleta.org or call 970-585-6885.
Through collaboration and local action, the Food Pantry Network ensures that nutritious food remains accessible to neighbors in Archuleta County. We welcome any and all contributions and acts of service to support the food pantries in Archuleta County. To learn more and get involved, visit Healthy Archuleta’s website foodcoalition4archuleta.org/food-pantry-network.html or send us an email at fsfearchuleta@gmail.com