The event kicks off Friday evening with an orientation session from 6:00–7:30 p.m. at the West Texas Heritage Center in downtown El Paso (201 E San Antonio Ave). During this time, adobe conservation expert Pat Taylor will provide an overview of adobe construction techniques, historical context, and preservation methods, and will share about the mission of his nonprofit organization, Querencia Mi Mesilla. Participants will also get a preview of the hands-on tasks and learning objectives for the following day’s workshop at Rio Vista Farm, and learn about the rehabilitation plans for the site.

On Saturday, participants will gather at historic Rio Vista Farm in Socorro (901 N. Rio Vista Road) from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., where they will make adobe bricks and repair damage to an original adobe structure on the site’s north side. Lunch will be provided.