Fresh funding + powerful perspectives on outdoor access
Dispatches from the NM Outdoor Recreation Division
ORD Newsletter | May 14, 2025
Dispatches from New Mexico's
Outdoor Recreation Division
In the Outdoor Recreation Division’s biweekly newsletter, find the latest on office and New Mexico’s outdoor recreation initiatives.
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Letter from the Marketing Coordinator
We’re excited to announce the fourth and final round of FY25 Outdoor Recreation Trails+ Grant recipients! $2.3 million has been awarded for 15 Outdoor Recreation Trails+ Grant projects. From public safety and ADA trail enhancements to fire-damaged trail restoration and major upgrades to outdoor recreation infrastructure, the investments will support long-term economic growth and improved quality of life for communities in 14 counties across the state. Read the full press release for details.
Looking ahead, the FY26 grant cycle opens July 1 — don’t miss the opportunity to bring outdoor recreation investments to your community.
In other news, Director Karina Armijo was interviewed by KRWG where she discussed how ORD grant programs are providing youth and families with meaningful connections to public lands. She also joined a conversation about equity in the outdoors on the Ahí Va Podcast with Jesse Duebel of the NM Wildlife Federation, Sarah Candelaria of Nature Ni ñ os, and Matthew Monjaras of Impact Outdoors. We’re grateful for these conversations, which underscore the importance of inclusive access to outdoor spaces and spotlight the collective efforts across New Mexico to nurture lifelong connections to nature for all.
Stay wild,
Michelle Simon
Marketing Coordinator
Outdoor Recreation Division
In Other News
Ironman will come to NM for the first time ever in 2026
Heinrich, Daines, Neguse, Leger Fernández Introduce Bill To Complete Continental Divide National Scenic Trail
Trump's Forest Service cuts have people in tinder dry New Mexico on edge
ABQ business set to make appearance on ABC's 'Shark Tank'
Latest investments in New Mexico’s outdoor recreation
Heinrich, Rep. Vasquez lead introduction of wild and scenic legislation to protect Gila River
Get Involved
Butterfly Flutterby
Join Asombro Institute for Science Education for a family-friendly event will take place at the Chihuahuan Desert Nature Park in Las Cruces on May 17 from 9am-noon. The event will feature butterfly experts and displays, games, arts and crafts, results from the New Mexico Butterfly Monitoring Network surveys at the Nature Park, and much more.
Spring Migration Birding Tour
Join the Rio Grande Agricultural Land Trust (RGALT) for guided birding tours at the La Joya Farms in Socorro County on May 17, 2025 from 8am - 1pm. A traditional matanza-style lunch featuring locally sourced foods will follow. Tickets support RGALT’s vital land and water conservation efforts.
Farmington Riverfest
Celebrate the Animas River on May 23-25 with free, family-friendly activities all weekend!
Upcoming Race Events
May 16-18: Santa Fe Century
May 17: Vermejo Charcoal Burner , Raton
May 18: Revolution Enduro Series , Glorieta
May 24: Farmington Riverfest 10k, 5k, 2-Mile Walk
May 31: 10th Annual Walk/Run for Kids , Sunland Park
June 15: ABQ Enduro Series , Pajarito
June 21: Roadrunner Half Marathon, 10k, 5k , Santa Rosa
Teaching Beyond the Walls
Join TOTAL NM on June 13 & 14 for a free, two-day conference for Pre-K-12 educators looking to integrate daily outdoor learning and school gardens into their teaching.
Volunteer Opportunities
May 16-18: Sugarite Canyon State Park Trail Maintenance
May 17: Nesting bird survey at Holloman Lake, Alamogordo sign up required
email mesillavalleyaudubon@gmail.com for details
May 17: Six Mile Canyon Trail in the Magdalena Mountains
May 17: Sagecrest Park Clean-Up, email mesillavalleyaudubon@gmail.com for details
May 23: Trimming & Cleanup at Petroglyph National Monument , Albuquerque
May 31: Saddleback Trail Improvements , Santa Fe
Ongoing Opportunities
Pecos Canyon Adopt-a-Site Volunteer Program
Pajarito Environmental Education Center Volunteer Program
Nominate an outstanding environmental educator in your life!
Nominations for the Dr. Richard W. Becker Award of Excellence in Environmental Education are open through May 31 . Recognize an outstanding individual who has influenced students in the field of environmental education or service learning in New Mexico.
Outdoor Expo
Registration is open for outdoor recreation businesses and organizations to promote their services at the Outdoor Expo on June 28-29 at the Hilton Buffalo Thunder in Santa Fe.
Search & Rescue Trainings
Base Medical offers over 40 hours of online SAR training available through a subscription or on-demand basis. Check out www.base-medical.com/sar where you'll also find several other free trainings.
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.
Oliver Lee Memorial State Park
Lipan Apache, Mescalaro Apache lands
About the Park: Framed by the dramatic Sacramento Mountains, Oliver Lee Memorial State Park offers a glimpse into New Mexico’s frontier past and a peaceful escape in the Chihuahuan Desert. Hike into Dog Canyon to discover year-round springs, lush with ferns and cottonwoods, or enjoy quiet desert camping with sweeping views of the Tularosa Basin.
Visitors can explore the reconstructed ranch house of Oliver Lee — a key figure in the region’s development, and learn about the area's rich cultural history. Just 30 minutes from White Sands National Park, this park makes an excellent basecamp for southern New Mexico adventures.
Always practice leave no trace principles and plan ahead for your adventure. Familiarize yourself with the 10 essentials and check the State Parks…