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CDRI Desert NewsFlash
June 2026
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Wislizenus’ senna (Senna wislizeni) in the Botanical Gardens. The bright yellow flowers have a very subtle, mild, or sometimes unnoticeable scent. While some plants in the genus Senna are known for their intensely aromatic foliage, Senna wislizeni is valued primarily for its drought tolerance and the vibrant summer-to-fall color it adds to desert landscapes.
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CDRI's BBQ & Auction Fundraiser - August 15, 2026
You’re invited to CDRI's BBQ & Auction fundraiser on Saturday, August 15, 2026. Gates open at 3:30 p.m., with the Silent Auction starting at 4:00 p.m.
This annual community gathering is CDRI’s signature fundraiser, providing essential operating funds and support for our educational programs. Tickets are priced to cover the out-of-pocket costs for the food & entertainment.
The event is an ideal opportunity to visit with friends, make new ones, and enjoy the one-of-a-kind scenery, all while supporting CDRI’s regional reach of its highly recognized educational programs.
Live music will be performed by Rick Ruiz, and dinner will be catered by Sanchez BBQ. Tickets must be purchased in advance. We have already sold over 100 tickets, so please don’t wait until the last minute to purchase yours.
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Support the BBQ & Auction by Joining the Host Committee!
There is an enormous amount of behind-the-scenes work already underway to make this year’s BBQ & Auction fundraiser one of the best yet. We know that’s a tall order after last year’s event, but that’s what we are aiming for!
And this is where we need your help. To get this fundraiser started off on a sure footing, we’re inviting you to join CDRI’s 2026 BBQ & Auction Host Committee with your donation of $250.
As an Underwriter/Host, you will receive:
- Two event dinner tickets
- A unique, commemorative host gift
- Acknowledgment in all event publications
- Special recognition at the event
You can mail your check to:
CDRI, P.O. Box 905, Fort Davis, TX 79734
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Thank you for your support!
We’re looking forward to seeing you at this year’s BBQ & Auction!
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The BBQ & Auction Host Committee Roster
is Off to a Great Start!
Thank you to these early supporters for joining
The BBQ & Auction Host Committee:
Liz and Rick Culp
Barbara Curry
Donna Dittmann and Steve Cardiff
Tom and Kristin Feuerbacher
Lisa Gordon
Rick Gupman
Linda Hedges and Rick Reese
Rick Herrman and Margaret O'Donnell
Jim Martinez and Jim Fissel
Guy and Jane McCrary
R. Edward Pfiester, Jr.
Sam L. Pfiester
Michael Schramm
Daryl and Mary Styblo
Dedie Taylor
Suzanne and Steve Tuttle
Thank you for your support!
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Cactus & Agave Sale
We are anticipating a shipment of agaves arriving this week, just in time to help celebrate Agave Festival Marfa! Details about the sale can be found below:
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Agave Festival Marfa
Agave Festival Marfa, June 4-7, promises a full lineup of talks, panel discussions, films, and tasting events each day.
CDRI will participate by providing guided garden tours on Friday, June 5, and Saturday, June 6. Please note that both garden tours are “sold out.” Due to capacity limitations, we are unable to accept late reservations or walk-ins.
However, there are many exciting activities scheduled in and around Marfa that are open to the public. If you haven't already, be sure to check out the schedule at Agave Festival Marfa for a fun weekend.
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A Peek Inside the Pollinator Garden
For those of you who are too far away in miles to drop in and enjoy the Pollinator Garden, we wanted to share photos taken on May 30, 2026, and hope you enjoy a little escape to this “magical” place. The plants are benefiting greatly from the nearly five inches of precipitation we’ve received so far in 2026.
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The Agave Restoration Project Nears Completion
Beginning about two years ago, working with Bat Conservation International, CDRI received more than 100 tiny Havard agave (Agave havardiana) plants. The agaves, grown from seed by many volunteer plant caregivers in El Paso, were then transported to CDRI for planting in the Botanical Gardens.
The agaves were planted in rings or circular patterns throughout the area. The plants were so tiny, though, that visitors were unable to discern what had been planted, or where they had been planted, so the idea to create a winding pathway among the agaves was born.
Head Gardener, Faith, and volunteers Matt, Michelle, Allen, and Greg have worked the past two full months collecting rocks and building the path. It's truly a work of art.
The agaves will reach maturity and bloom in about 15 years. In the meantime, we hope you enjoy this special patch of Havard agaves.
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Transitions
We were saddened to learn of the passing of our dear friend, Don Coan, from Stephenville, Texas. Don and his wife, Veleda, attended the BBQ & Auction fundraiser each year.
For several years, Don generously donated beautiful, handcrafted wooden items to the Silent Auction. He will be missed at this year's BBQ & Auction.
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| Celebrate Juneteenth
With Free Admission at CDRI
Juneteenth is a federal holiday celebrating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and falls on Friday, June 19.
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We wish you a happy summer and hope to see you at the BBQ & Auction!
-- The team, at “the best rural Nature Center and Botanical Gardens in Texas!”
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Cactus Wren, photo by Matt Walter.
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Chihuahuan Desert Research Institute, P.O. Box 905, Fort Davis, TX 79734
432.364.2499
www.cdri.org
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