Celebrate Women Leading the Way in Outdoor Recreation

Dispatches from the NM Outdoor Recreation Division

ORD Newsletter | March 4, 2026

Dispatches from New Mexico's

Outdoor Recreation Division

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Letter from the Marketing Coordinator

Greetings outdoor enthusiasts,

Happy Women’s History Month! Across New Mexico, women are driving momentum in our outdoor recreation economy – leading businesses, guiding youth, stewarding public lands, and building outdoor opportunities rooted in community.

This leadership matters. When women take on visible roles across the outdoor sector, it expands who sees themselves reflected in these spaces and who feels empowered to step into them.

In 2025, the Outdoor Industry Association reported a record high: women now make up 53.2% of outdoor recreation participants, proof that sustained investments in equity and access are making a measurable impact. Read the full report here .

ORD is proud to support community-led efforts that are clearing the path for women, girls and all New Mexicans to feel safe, supported and welcomed into the outdoors.

Catch ya on the tails!

Michelle Simon

Share Your Input

Help Inform the Future of New Mexico Outdoor Recreation

The state is updating its 5-year outdoor recreation plan, and your input will help guide priorities for parks, trails and outdoor access across the state.

Take the survey by April 15 and share what matters most to you!

Public survey: bit.ly/NMSCORP

Survey for LWCF-eligible applicants (Tribal, state & local governments, schools, s oil & water conservation districts ): bit.ly/NM_LWCF

In Other News

Red Rocks Trails and Walatowa Slot Canyon offer a captivating hike in Jemez Pueblo

Interior scales back environmental regulations for public lands

Record snow drought persists in New Mexico and across the West, despite recent precipitation

NM's gray wolves back in crosshairs of proposed legislation

Get Involved

Community Events

Mar 7, 15: Public comment on the Taos Ski Valley Trails & Greenspaces Plan , Taos/Virtual

Mar 12: River Talks: Flora and Fauna of the Santa Fe Watershed , Santa Fe

Mar 15, 18, 19: Film Screening: What the River Knows , Santa Fe, Albuquerque, Taos

Mar 16-17: Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour , Santa Fe

Mar 16-19: Spring Break Climbing Camp , Las Cruces

Mar 21: Taos Rally the Valley , Taos

Apr 9-10: Rio Grande Trail Commission Meeting & Site Tour , Las Cruces

Apr 23-26: Continental Divide Trail Days , Silver City

June 27-28: Hike to Hunt: 3-D Archery Challenge , Raton

Ongoing: NM State Parks Events , statewide

Rio Grande Trail - Santa Fe to Taos Alignment Survey

Final chance to share your input on the Rio Grande Trail alignment between Santa Fe and Taos. Identifying a route for the RGT between these areas will strengthen regional connectivity between two of New Mexico’s most visited and culturally rich areas.

Upcoming Webinars, Workshops, and Conferences

Mar 12: Bridges and Boardwalks: Planning, Design, and Construction , virtual

Mar 14: Healthy Water Healthy People Workshop , Santa Fe

Mar 18-May 20: New Mexico Climate Masters Course , Santa Fe

Mar 19: Installation Excellence for Trail Aggregate: Tips, Tricks, and Common Pitfalls , virtual

Mar 23-24: AI for Earth Sciences Workshop , Santa Fe

Sandoval Adventure Guide

Sandoval County has created a comprehensive digital guidebook full of ideas to help you plan your next outdoor adventures. From trails, scenic drives and cultural experiences, this guide is full ideas to help you plan a visit.

Volunteer Opportunities

Visit nmoutside.com/volunteer for a list of NM organizations seeking volunteers.

Mar 7: Valle de Oro Wildlife Refuge Restoration , Albuquerque

Mar 11: Willow Planting Project with Rio Grande Retur n , Rio Puerco South of Cuba

Mar 16: Emory Pass Scenic Trail , Gila National Forest

Mar 20-21: Los Luceros Historic Site Invasive Tree Removal , Alcalde

Mar 21: Field-based Trail Workshop for New Mexico Volunteers for the Outdoors , Albuquerque

Mar 29: NMCRAG Diablo Canyon Trail Work & Clean-up , White Rock

Running and Cycling Events

For a list of running races visit runguides.com/new-mexico/runs

For a list of cycling races visit nmcycling.org

March 7: King of the Hill , Los Lunas

Mar 7: Sierra Vista Trail Run , Las Cruces

Mar 28: Tommyknocker 10 , Silver City

Apr 19: Tour de Optimism , Las Cruces

Apr 29: Tour of the Gila , Silver City

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.

Cerrillos Hills State Park

Ute and Puebloan lands

Cerrillos Hills State Park sits along the scenic Turquoise Trail between Santa Fe and Albuquerque, offering over five miles of multi-use trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding amid rolling hills. Visitors can explore historic turquoise and lead-silver mines while enjoying panoramic views, wildlife observation and birdwatching.

Always practice leave no trace principles and plan ahead for your adventure. Familiarize yourself with the 10 essentials and check the State Parks website for important updates and details.

Industry Careers

Outdoor Recreation Positions Throughout New Mexico

Visit www.spo.state.nm.us for updates on state employment opportunitie s.

Visit conservationjobboard.com , EMNRD's Career Resources page , and Outdoor Recreation Roundtable's Workforce Hub for more career resources.

Conservation Corps New Mexico, Recreation Residences Support - Archaeology , and Botany Support Specialist - Conservation , Santa Fe, Carlsbad

Rio Grande Return, Seasonal Assistant Crew Leads, Sawyers, and Restoration Crews , Santa Fe National Forest

Natural Curiosity, Wilderness Field Coordinator, Wilderness Trail Crew Lead, Wilderness Trail Technician , Gila and…