Hacienda Dominguez & Chelenzo Farms

Chelenzo Farms, founded by Chelsea and Lorenzo Domínguez, is a regenerative homestead nestled in the high desert mountains of Cerrillos, New Mexico. Guided by permaculture, agroecology, and agroforestry principles, the farm is dedicated to restoring its unique arid landscape into a vibrant ecosystem. The Domínguez family, alongside their team, works to rejuvenate the land into a flourishing rain garden and small-scale farm abundant with native plants and trees. Visitors to Chelenzo Farms can immerse themselves in the beauty of the 350-acre property, exploring its arroyos, caves, and stunning vistas, while witnessing regenerative farming practices in action.

Regenerative Agriculture and Agroecological Innovation

At the heart of Chelenzo Farms’ mission is the application of agroecology and regenerative practices to address environmental challenges in arid regions. The farm is actively engaged in building soil health, conserving water, and restoring biodiversity through techniques such as permaculture food forests, indigenous-inspired water harvesting systems, and erosion mitigation structures. By cultivating traditional crops native to AridAmerica, including CAM (Crassulacean Acid Metabolism) succulents and drought-tolerant plants, the farm is not only preserving agrobiodiversity but also creating a sustainable model for food production in water-scarce environments.

Education and Research for Sustainability

Chelenzo Farms serves as an educational hub, offering training in permaculture, land conservation, and indigenous agricultural practices. Collaborating with experts like Dr. Sangu Angadi, the farm also contributes to research on sustainable agriculture in arid climates, experimenting with techniques like Semi-Circular Buffer Strips to combat soil erosion and maximize water retention. Through its seed bank partnership with the Institute for Applied Ecology, the farm promotes the use of native seeds for habitat restoration and conservation. These initiatives aim to equip local farmers and communities with tools to address food insecurity and adapt to climate change, ensuring ecological resilience in the region.

A Vision for Ecological Restoration and Community Impact

Chelenzo Farms is committed to creating a lasting impact by combining ecological restoration with community empowerment. Their efforts to establish a permaculture food forest, restore pollinator habitats, and reduce pollution exemplify their dedication to healing the land and supporting local ecosystems. The farm also envisions expanding its reach by establishing an ecosystem restoration camp and increasing access to native plants and seeds for conservation projects. Chelenzo Farms stands as a beacon of hope for the American Southwest, demonstrating that regenerative agriculture and agroecology can create a sustainable future in the face of climate challenges.

Chelenzo Farms dreams of becoming a beacon for agroecological practices, showcasing how regenerative agriculture can transform arid landscapes into thriving, sustainable ecosystems. They envision a future where their land flourishes with native plants, pollinators, and biodiversity, while producing food through techniques rooted in permaculture, agroforestry, and indigenous knowledge. By demonstrating the effectiveness of water-harvesting systems, soil restoration methods, and drought-resistant crop cultivation, they aim to inspire farmers and communities to adopt agroecological approaches that heal the land and build resilience to climate change. Through initiatives like an ecosystem restoration camp, a native seed bank, and continued collaboration with experts, Chelenzo Farms seeks to empower others to embrace agroecology as a pathway toward healthier ecosystems, food security, and a sustainable future.