Big Wins & Trailblazing Ideas
Dispatches from the NM Outdoor Recreation Division
ORD Newsletter | November 19, 2025
Dispatches from New Mexico's
Outdoor Recreation Division
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Letter from the Marketing Coordinator
Greetings outdoor enthusiasts,
Our small and mighty team reunited in Albuquerque for Adventure Pitch Fest earlier this month, and we had a blast connecting with outdoor entrepreneurs from across the state. Any event that involves feeding llamas and hugging burros is bound to spark joy, but seeing the community come out to cheer on New Mexico's bold outdoor business owners was the true highlight. Congratulations to this year's pitch battle winners:
1st Place – New Mexico Pack Burros
2nd Place – Wild Earth Llama Adventures
3rd Place – FishSki Provisions
And thank you to all of our pitch battle finalists for braving the stage, sharing your stories, and showcasing your unique businesses:
Enchanted Equine Adventures
Mesilla Valley Wine & Brew Tours
Preservation Dogs
San Juan Rodworks
Taos Raft and Kayak Rentals
Be the first to know about next year's Adventure Pitch Fest by signing up for updates at nmoutside.com/apf-updates .
Looking ahead, we're excited to continue celebrating our outdoor industry and are pleased to share that we'll be partnering with the New Mexico Tourism Department to promote the value and importance of New Mexico's outdoor recreation economy. Save the date for Tourism and Outdoor Recreation Day at the Capitol on Monday, January 26, from 9 AM–2 PM in Santa Fe .
Stay wild! Michelle Simon
Marketing Coordinator
Outdoor Recreation Division
In Other News
The burros are back in town: New Mexico Pack Burros win $10,000 at Adventure Pitch Fest
New economic report shows outdoor recreation on federal public lands and waters as a valuable asset on America’s ‘balance sheet’
Idled wells pose serious risks to wildlife, recreation, communities
Wildland Firefighter Training Program launches at New Mexico women’s prison
Outdoor recreation grants from state help fund education programs for several Santa Fe groups
New Mexico Department of Game and Fish launches student art contest
Get Involved
Rio Grande Trail Commission (RGTC) – Requests for Proposals
The RGTC seeks to establish a non-profit organization to support the development and sustainability of the Rio Grande Trail. Submit completed proposals to Ben Bajema at benjamin.bajema@emnrd.nm.gov by 5:00 PM on December 1, 2025 .
The next commission meeting will be held in Albuquerque on Friday, January 16 . Sign up for their newsletter at https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/SnQK7K6 .
Upcoming Webinars, Workshops, and Conferences
Dec 10: Outdoor Recreation Trails+ Grant Informational Webinar , virtual
Dec 11: American Trails Advancing Trails Webinar Series , virtual
Dec 17: Outdoor Equity Fund Informational Webinar , virtual
Seeking Interns & Outdoor Businesses in Greater ABQ in Need of Interns
Future Focused Education (FFE) is recruiting for Spring outdoor-business related internships. Applications are open until December 5 . Internships start the first week of February through the last week of April. If you know someone interested in interning or an outdoor recreation business who needs interns, contact Thomas@futurefocusededucation.org or Rebecca@futurefocusededucation.org
Volunteer Opportunities
For a list of NM organizations with ongoing volunteer opportunities, visit nmoutside.com/volunteer .
Nov 8: Rio Grande Nature Center State Park New Volunteer Training , Albuquerque
Nov 15: Fort Union Ranch Volunteer Day , Watrous, email rhernandez@hermitspeakwatersheds.org for info
Nov 15: Sagecrest Park Clean-up , Las Cruces
Nov 15: Coronado Historic Site 2 – Invasive Tree Removal , Bernalillo
Community Events
Nov 21: Rockhound State Parks Stars-n-Parks , Deming
Nov 21-23: Beginner Adult Quail Hunting Camp , Deming
Nov 22: NM Dept. Of Game & Fish Hunter Education Instructor Training , Bloomfield
Nov 27: Ski Santa Fe Opening Day , Santa Fe
Nov 29: Party on the Mountain at Ski Apache , Alto
Dec 1: Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park Walking Bird Tour , Las Cruces
Dec 4-: Festival of the Cranes Alternative Events , Socorro
Dec 5-7: Red Rock Balloon Rally , Gallup
Dec 6: Winter Letters and Farolito Tour at Bosque Redondo Memorial at Fort Sumner Historic Site , Fort Sumner
Dec 6-7: Hunter Education Class , Farmington
Dec 14: Las Cruces Christmas Bird Count , email Wayne Treers at way1mike@yahoo.com
Recognize Educators Excelling at Environmental Education & Students Leading Stewardship Projects
The EPA’s Office of Environmental Education is seeking applications for the President’s Environmental Youth Awards and Presidential Innovation Awards for Environmental Educators . Applications for both awards are due on Monday, December 1, 2025 .
New Mexico Environment Department Survey
Have you camped, fished, or spent time at Holloman Lake near Alamogordo? Take a brief, anonymous survey about your past recreational activities at Holloman Lake to support future efforts to protect public health.
Running & Cycling Events
For a list of running races visit runguides.com/new-mexico/runs
For a list of cycling races visit nmcycling.org
Now-Feb 28: Galisteo Basin Preserve Winter Trail Series , Lamy
Nov 22: Lady of the Mountain Run , Alamogordo
Nov 22: Farmington 5K Turkey Trot & 2-Mile Gobble Wobble , Farmington
Nov 23: Road Runner Food Bank Six Pack Running Series , Albuquerque
Nov 27: SSR 5K Fall Series #3 Turkey Trot , Socorro
Nov 27: NM Hobbler Gobbler Thanksgiving Day Run , Rio Rancho
Nov 27: The Official Las Cruces Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot , Las Cruces
Nov 27: Albuquerque Turkey Trot , Albuquerque
Nov 27: Atalaya Elementary Turkey Trot , Santa Fe
Nov 27: Gratitude Run/Walk , Albuquerque
Dec 6: Cloudcroft Ugly Sweater 5k & 1 Mile Walk ,…