Momentum continues to build for the Trails+ Grant & Outdoor Equity Fund
Dispatches from the NM Outdoor Recreation Division
ORD Newsletter | February 18, 2026
Dispatches from New Mexico's
Outdoor Recreation Division
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Letter from the Director
Greetings outdoor enthusiasts,
Grant season is here, and the numbers tell an exciting story about New Mexico's commitment to outdoor access.
Across the Outdoor Equity Fund and Outdoor Recreation Trails+ Grant programs, we received 147 applications requesting $15.6 million, alongside $20.3 million in matching funds that amplify every state dollar invested. The Outdoor Equity Fund saw requests jump 141% over last year, signaling growing recognition that connecting youth to nature is foundational to healthy communities.
Here's why that matters: trails and outdoor infrastructure create measurable economic impact. In Cibola and McKinley counties alone, trails generated $1.7 million in visitor spending, $249,000 in labor income, and $127,000 in state and local tax revenue — all from 114,000 annual trail trips, according to a 2024 report . And recent impact studies confirm that for every $1 invested in outdoor equity programming, New Mexico earns $6 in social value, translating state investments into improved quality of life and economic gains across communities statewide.
In the weeks ahead, our team, alongside a dedicated cross-sector review committee, will spend hundreds of hours evaluating proposals. We’re energized by the vision communities are bringing forward and look forward to supporting projects and programs that expand access, opportunity, and wellbeing across New Mexico.
The work happening today is shaping a healthier outdoor future for every New Mexican.
See you on the trails,
Karina Armijo
In Other News
Sowing the Sky Islands: Restoring habitat for New Mexico's rarest butterly
NMSU engineering professors develop AI detection for wildfires
Department of the Interior expands training pathway for Native youth in wildland fire careers
The Semilla Project brings youth to the Capitol to meet with legislators
Taos outdoor rec firm wins Ski Lift Pitch competition at Taos Ski Valley
Using AI To Get People Back Outside: Advice For Outdoor Recreation Leaders
Get Involved
Help Inform the NM Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan
New Mexico State Parks is updating the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP), which will guide outdoor recreation priorities across the state over the next 5 years. Surveys close on April 15 .
Public survey: bit.ly/NMSCORP
Survey for LWCF-eligible applicants (Tribal, state & local government, schools, districts): bit.ly/NM_LWCF
Community Events
Feb 28: Free Guided Mountain Bike Tours , Las Cruces
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 15,18,19: Film Screening: What the River Knows , Santa Fe, Albuquerque, Taos
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
BIPOC Artist in Residence
Natural Curiosity is seeking a BIPOC artist for their summer Artist-in-Residence program to live and create in the Gila National Forest.
Upcoming Webinars, Workshops, and Conferences
Feb 19: Navajo Trails and Outdoor Recreation Conference , Monument Valley, UT
Feb 26: Stonework for Trails , virtual
Feb 26: Building a More Resilient Society: How Outdoor Recreation Supports Mental Health , virtual
Feb 27-Mar 1: Wilderness First Aid Classes , Silver City
Mar 1-5: In-Person Hike the Hill , Washington DC
Mar 4-6: Land and Water Summit , Albuquerque
Mar 14: Healthy Water Healthy People Workshop , Santa Fe
Mar 18-May 20: New Mexico Climate Masters Course , Santa Fe
Mar 23-24: AI for Earth Sciences Workshop , Santa Fe
Mar 25: Unlocking Public Funding for Your Business , Hybrid/Albuquerque
Apr 24-26: New Mexico Search & Rescue Council ESCAPE , Glorieta
Rio Grande Trail Santa Fe to Taos Alignment Survey
The 2018 Rio Grande Trail (RGT) Master Plan established a proposed alignment throughout most of the state. A critical gap remains between Santa Fe County and Taos County. 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. Take the survey to contribute your input.
Volunteer Opportunities
Visit nmoutside.com/volunteer for a list of NM organizations seeking volunteers.
Feb 20-22: Bootheel Fence Modification , Lordsburg
Feb 28: NeighborWoods Tree Planting Event , Las Cruces
Feb 22: Arroyo de los Chamisos Cleanup , Santa Fe
Feb 25: Continental Divide Trail Coalition Volunteer Webinar , virtual
Mar 14: Classroom-based Trail Workshop for New Mexico Volunteers for the Outdoor s , Albuquerque
Mar 16: Emory Pass Scenic Trail , Gila National Forest
Mar 21: Field-based Trail Workshop for New Mexico Volunteers for the Outdoors , Albuquerque
Apr 17-19: Twin Bridges Fence Removal & Turkey Hunt , Cuba
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
Mar 1: NM Route 66 "Mother Road" Half Marathon , Albuquerque
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.
Fenton Lake State Park
Ute and Puebloan lands
Tucked into the Jemez Mountains, Fenton…