On the Ground Across New Mexico: Field Updates and Spring Momentum
Dispatches from the NM Outdoor Recreation Division
ORD Newsletter | May 6, 2026
Dispatches from New Mexico's
Outdoor Recreation Division
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Letter from the Marketing Coordinator
Greetings outdoor enthusiasts,
The ORD team has had a busy spring, traveling around the state engaging with communities, seeing our grant-funded projects and programs in-action and connecting with national leaders in outdoor recreation. We're grateful to step away from our desks and spend time meeting stakeholders one-on-one. All across the state, we heard a common theme, "I couldn't imagine a better place to live." It's an honor to call this amazing state home!
We also announced the final round of FY26 Trails+ Grant recipients last month. Congratulations to 39 recipients, 29 of which are in rural and Tribal communities, who will use nearly $6 million in funding to improve outdoor access and infrastructure across 21 counties! Read the press release at www.nmoutside.com/news .
New Mexico is experiencing one of its warmest and driest springs on record, and wildfire season started early this year. May is Wildfire Awareness Month, and fire restrictions are now in place on all non-federal, non-Tribal and non-municipal lands. Visit www.emnrd.nm.gov/sfd/find-current-fire-restrictions or NMFireInfo.com to view current restrictions and the statewide dashboard.
This season calls for extra care and awareness. Let's work together to stay informed and take every step we can to protect our communities and public lands.
See ya on the trails,
Michelle Simon
Share Your Input
Rio Grande Trail Commission Survey
Take a brief survey to help inform the organization’s early direction, focus, programs, and leadership structure.
In Other News
New Mexico enacts sweeping statewide fire restrictions to prevent wildfires
Restoring New Mexico’s trails, for people and wildlife
Ruidoso selected to host 2026 Outdoor Economics Conference
Outdoor Recreation Roundtable launches “America’s Outdoor Era”
Forest Service reorganization would shutter six Mountain West research labs
Get Involved
Community Events
May 6-8: Ditch Slap , Albuquerque
May 9: Gila Fest , Glenwood
May 9: World Migratory Bird Day Event and Count , Mountainair
May 9: Bows in Burque , Albuquerque
May 15: Angel Fire Bike Park Opening Day , Angel Fire
May 15-17: Quivira Spring 2026 Red Canyon Gathering , Magdalena
May 15-17: Dark Sky Party on the Continental Divide Trail , Pie Town
May 16: Reel the Gila: Free community fishing event , Silver City
May 21: Out There Film Screening , Albuquerque
Upcoming Webinars, Workshops, and Conferences
May 7, 14, 21: Lush and Lean Spring Workshop - Bold Plants for the Zone 8 Garden , Las Cruces/virtual
May 14: River Talks: Wildfire and Watershed Resilience , Santa Fe
May 14-17: Nightscaper Photo Conference , Farmington
May 19-21: Mountain West Trails Conference , Rock Springs, WY
May 21: Virtual Working Lands Monthly Gathering , virtual
May 21: Growing Pains: Moving Campus Gardens Beyond Administrative Barriers , virtual
New Mexico Leopold Conservation Award Seeks Nominees
The award honors ranchers, farmers and forestland owners who go above and beyond in their management of soil health, water quality and wildlife habitat on working land. The application deadline is June 15, 2026 .
Running, Cycling and Motocross Events
For a list of running races visit runguides.com/new-mexico/runs
For a list of cycling races visit nmcycling.org
May 16: Bluewater Canyon Trail Race , Bluewater
May 16: Vermejo Charcoal Burner , Raton
May 16: Hood Mesa Trail Run , Farmington
May 16-17, Santa Fe Century and La Pachanga , Santa Fe
May 17: Magdalena Burro Stampede Pack Burro Race , Magdalena
May 24-24: Rounds 3-4 2026 American Motorcyclist Association/North American Trials Council MotoTrials National Championship , San Ysidro
June 6: Joy Ride and Run , Gallup
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.
Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park
Piro/Manso/Tiwa Tribe, Chiricahua Apache, Mansos, Piro lands
Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park preserves a unique riparian habitat along the Rio Grande near Las Cruces, with walking trails, wildlife viewing and picnic areas. Birdwatchers can spot herons, hawks, and a variety of migratory species while exploring this scenic southern New Mexico destination.
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.
Western New Mexico University, Outdoor Program Manager , Silver City
Conservation Corps New Mexico, Senior Program Director , Las Cruces
Conservation Corps New Mexico, numerous positions , statewide
Ancestral Lands Conservation Corps, Program Manager , Zuni
Rocky Mountain Youth Corps, multiple positions , statewide
Adventure Cycling Association, Development Manager , remote
Shredly, Field Marketer , nationwide
The Wilderness Society, Digital Content Producer , remote
Grassroots Outdoor Alliance, Director of Retailer Development , remote
If you have outdoor recreation jobs you would like to add to our careers section, email them to ORD Marketing Outreach Coordinator, Michelle Simon .
Funding Opportunities
Visit edd.newmexico.gov/newsletter and nmmainstreet.org/resource/opportunities
for other upcoming and ongoing…