Activating Outdoor Adventures Across New Mexico!

Dispatches from the NM Outdoor Recreation Division

ORD Newsletter | July 2, 2025

Dispatches from New Mexico's

Outdoor Recreation Division

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Letter from the Marketing Coordinator

Greetings outdoor enthusiasts!

Summer is here, bringing warmer temperatures, vibrant new blooms, and much-needed moisture. As the heat climbs and monsoon season begins, be sure to check the forecast before heading out on an adventure. Pack plenty of water and stay alert to changing weather conditions and flash flood risks. For helpful safety tips, visit weather.gov/psr/monsoonsafety and

weather.gov/rnk/outdoorsheat .

We’re excited to announce $2 million in awards to another round of Outdoor Recreation Trails+ Grant recipients, supporting projects that expand access and improve outdoor infrastructure across the state. Check out the press release for details at nmoutside.com/news . We're also pleased to announce that applications are now open for the next round! Learn more, read the grant guide, and sign up for an informational webinar on August 14 at nmoutside.com/grants/trails-plus .

And don’t forget, there are just a few weeks left to apply for ActivatOR, a free outdoor recreation business accelerator program hosted by CNM’s ActivateNM and brought to you by the New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Division. It’s open to businesses from across New Mexico, with virtual and hybrid options available. Find details and apply at activatenm.com/activator .

Stay wild,

Michelle Simon

Marketing Coordinator

Outdoor Recreation Division

In Other News

New ‘Beyond the Ashes’ documentary shows the importance of inclusive MTB trail design

National Park Service Expands Use of Streamlined Environmental Reviews

New 'Gravel Adventure Field Guide' released for Raton, Angel Fire, Catron County

Zuni Youth Enrichment Project kicks off year two of trail crew program

A 500-mile thru-hike that follows the Rio Grande? Count me in

Secretarial order signed to implement the EXPLORE Act

New Mexico veterans to receive lifetime access to State Parks starting July 1

Get Involved

Tribal Environmental Summit

This event will take place July 9-11 at the Route 66 Casino Hotel in Albuquerque. Registration is required.

Volunteer Opportunities

July 9: San Antonio Creek Beaver Habitat Restoration , Valles Caldera National Preserve, email karenriograntereturn.org

July 11-13: Rociada Trail Maintenance in the Pecos Wilderness , Pecos

August 16: Juan Tomas ABQ Open Space Trail building , Albuquerque

August 15-17: XTERRA Off-Road Triathlon , Ruidoso – email volunteer@xterraplanet.com

August 21: Capulin Trail Backpack, Santa Fe National Forest , Capulin

Ongoing Volunteer Recruitment

Gila Chapter Back Country Horsemen

NM State Parks

NM Wild

NM Department of Game & Fish

NM Wildlife Federation

USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service Earth Team

Southwest Audubon Society

Randall Davey Audubon Center

Volunteer.gov

Trout Unlimited Bosque Chapter Speaker Series

Learn about the current state of conservation and native fish in NM. Head to Marble Brewing in Albuquerque on July 16 to learn more from Kirk Patten, Head of Fisheries at NMDGF.

Building Resilience in the Middle Rio Grande

Join NM Water Advocates for their next virtual workshop on July 17 featuring two Bernalillo County Commissioners & Water Utility Authority board members whose jurisdictions are at the front lines of New Mexico’s water crisis. Register at bit.ly/3HH1bDf .

Women's Fly Fishing Clinic

Friends of Rio Grande Del Norte is hosting a free, basics of fly fishing clinic with all gear provided on July 19 at Taos Junction Bridge . Registration is required.

Upcoming Race Events

July 3: Electric 5K , Las Cruces

July 5: Firecracker 5K , Clayton

July 18-19: Ruidoso Runfest , Ruidoso

July 19-20: 24 Hours in the Enchanted Forest , Gallup

August 2-3: Taos Ski Valley Up & Over Trail Run Weekend , Taos Ski Valley

August 16: Gloridays , Glorieta

Upper Pecos Watershed Association's (UPWA ) Water, Wildflowers & Trout Benefit

Celebrate a year of hard work and shared success, from river restoration and cleanup efforts to youth engagement and community stewardship. Join UPWA at Field Trip NM in Pecos on July 20 . Reserve your ticket by emailing upwa@pecoswatershed.org or call 505-757-3600.

Town of Red River Youth Boat Building and Races

Every Wednesday and Saturday from 11 AM–12:30 PM, from June 4–July 30 , kids 16 and under are invited to the Red River Community House to build, decorate, and name their own wooden boats, then race them down the Red River.

Rooted Waters

The Uncivilized Outdoorsman has released a short film that showcases the journey of the Indigenous and Hispanic Youth Fly Fishing Camp and it is now available to watch on YouTube.

Sand Play Saturday in Railyard Park

Head to the Children's Play Area in the Santa Fe Railyard Park with your little ones every Saturday morning through August 30 (except for July 12 ) and enjoy exploration, connection and creative play.

New Mexico Outdoor Economics Conference

Join Outdoor New Mexico on September 8-10 at Red Rock Park near Gallup for their annual conference. Registration is required.

Featured State Park

With 35 state parks to discover, there’s no shortage of adventure in New Mexico! From scenic lakes and rugged mountains to historic sites and hidden gems, each park offers something unique.

Elephant Butte Lake State Park

Mansos, Mescalero Apache, and Piro lands

About the Park: Elephant Butte Lake State Park is New Mexico’s largest, offering expansive waters, sandy beaches, and endless ways to enjoy the outdoors. From kayaking and paddle boarding to jet skiing and sailing, the lake accommodates a wide range of watercraft. On shore, visitors can enjoy picnic areas, playgrounds, restrooms, and campsites with electric and water hookups for RVs.

Whether…