La Milpa
“This is part of what I did as a child with my parents; back in Mexico we grew our own food, I learned all these techniques and how to eat a healthy diet. This program is giving me back part of my identity and that I want to pass to my children. Now, we come to the garden as a family and we talk about family memories in this space.”
In collaboration with Artes de México en Utah, SCG + EATS dedicates a space in the Community Garden for La Milpa, where community members and cultural leaders grow crops that are symbols of identity grown together: corn, beans and squash, along with other culturally-relevant crops. The Milpa area highlights Indigenous knowledge and growing practices that are both current and ancestral. A series of free gatherings offered throughout the season offer deep connection to the land, the history, and cultural identity. They are beautiful and powerful, and are typically led by cultural leaders from our community and from Mexico. La Milpa gatherings help conserve customs, past and present; build cultural understanding and appreciation; offer a welcoming space for community connection; and foster a deep connection to the land on which the Community Garden sits. SCG + EATS is honored to have Artes de Mexico as a partner in welcoming our community.
This year’s gatherings are listed below. All are free, but registration is required.
SGC + EATS and Artes de México have collaborated on La Milpa and other initiatives elevating indigenous practices since 2022. Artes de México en Utah is a local nonprofit with a mission to build communities and a sense of belonging united by cultural connections through the appreciation and creation of art. Art in all its expressions is the pathway to reflect on our past and present to find commonalities among one another. Find out more about their contributions to Utah here.
La Milpa Planting Seeds
May 28, 2026 | 5:00 - 7:00 pm
Together, we will gather as a community for La Milpa Planting of the Seeds in the Community Garden. We acknowledge ancestral and current Indigenous practices from Mesoamerica as we give gratitude to the land and plant seeds for the La Milpa: corn, beans, and squash. This gathering will be in Spanish and English. A sample of delicious, traditional food will be offered. Registration is required for this free event. Doors open at 5 p.m.; program begins at 5:30.
La Milpa Planting Starts
June 8, 2026 | 5:00 - 7:00 pm
Together, we will gather as a community for La Milpa Planting of the Starts (baby plants) in the Community Garden. With our climate, we must plant these delicate, young plants later in the season. We acknowledge ancestral and current Indigenous Maya & Mesoamerican practices as we give gratitude to the land and plant culturally-relevant crops that complement La Milpa. This gathering will be in Spanish and English. A sample of delicious, traditional food will be offered. Registration is required for this free event. Doors open at 5 p.m.; program begins at 5:30.
La Milpa Food is Culture
July 22, 2026 | 10:30 am - 12:30 pm
Offered during our Arts & Culture camp, and open to other community members, this gathering focuses on the importance of connecting with food, where it comes from, and how we honor the land and the food it produces. There will also be time to share stories and connections with La Milpa. This gathering is in English with Spanish translation. We acknowledge ancestral and current Maya and Mesoamerican Indigenous practices as we give gratitude to the land. A sample of delicious, traditional food will be offered. Registration is required for this free event.
(Photo Credit: Jonas Wright Photography)
La Milpa Harvest
September 8, 2026 | 5:00 - 7:00 pm
It is time to harvest! Together, we will gather as a community to harvest La Milpa and other culturally-relevant crops. We acknowledge ancestral and current Maya & Mesoamerican Indigenous practices fas we recognize all that the land has provided. We hope for a bountiful harvest that allows people to bring some of the harvest home. This gathering will be in Spanish and English. A sample of delicious, traditional food will be offered. Registration is required for this free event. Doors open at 5 p.m.; program begins at 5:30.
(Photo Credit: Jonas Wright Photography)
La Milpa Art Night/Noche de Arte
August Date TBA
We welcome the whole family to an evening focused on traditional arts. More information coming soon.
(Photo Credit: Jonas Wright Photography)