ORD Grant Funding Reaches New Levels

Updates from the NM Outdoor Recreation Division

ORD Newsletter |April 10, 2024

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 Deputy Director

The ORD team is incredibly proud to share the final round of Outdoor Equity Fund awardees and the third round of Outdoor Recreation Trails+ Grant recipients for fiscal year 2024!

Here are the highlights for the last two announcements:

For this past year, ORD has awarded over $3.7M in funding to 115 recipients who will be providing youth programming for at least 36,000 NM kids through the Outdoor Equity Fund. In the last round, 28 of 33 awarded programs were first-time OEF recipients, highlighting the continued need for this grant. Since its inception in 2020, the program has granted over $5.7 million to nearly 250 programs, introducing more than 72,000 young New Mexicans to the outdoors.

Round three of Trails+ Grant awards were announced at the end of March. These grants will support 12 more outdoor infrastructure projects in New Mexico with $1.6M in funding. Again this round, a majority of the awards are going to Tribal and rural communities. So far this fiscal year, the Trails+ Grant program has announced over $5.7M in funding for 44 projects with more on the horizon.

It has been a very busy year for the team, offering more grant funding than ever before. As a small team, we have moved nearly $10M in funding thus far to support programs and projects around the state to drive our mission forward and we are not done yet! A fourth round of Trails+ Grant applications just closed at the end of March, and the final round for the fiscal year is open for applications now.

Find the Trails+ Grant guide ( Spanish version ) ( English version ) and start your application today!

Thank you for your ongoing support. We hope you are getting outside to enjoy the start of the spring season – doing some birding, taking a trip to one of our stunning rivers, or simply enjoying the early blooms at a local park. In these transitional shoulder seasons, be extra prepared for shifting weather and pack plenty of water and layers. Our search and rescue teams tend to see increased calls in the spring. Be safe and have fun!

Happy trails,

AJ Jones

ORD Deputy Director

In Other News

Outdoor Equity Funding Reaches $3.7M to Support 115 Organizations in FY24

“ORD’s programming is helping raise the next generation of stewards of our natural environment. Through strategic investments in transformative outdoor experiences, New Mexico’s youth are developing a deep connection with the outdoor industry, which may pave the way for their future success within it,” ORD Director Karina Armijo said.

The recent press release for our Outdoor Equity Fund made a few headlines. We invite you to read the release and some news articles sharing the impacts of funding youth programming:

NM Outdoor Equity Funding Reaches $3.7 Million in FY24

New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Division’s FY24 Outdoor Equity Funding Reaches $3.7 Million

Press Release

Elephant Butte Lake State Park Set for a Million-Dollar Upgrade

The State Parks Division of the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department are upgrading comfort stations at Elephant Butte Lake State Park. Work entails demolishing a comfort station at the park’s main entrance and renovating two campground comfort stations. Efforts began April 1, 2024, and are expected to continue through August 2024. The construction schedule and news of other improvements are outlined in their press release.

Press Release

Statewide Interactive Business Resource Map Launches

The New Mexico Economic Development Department's Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI) Office launched a webpage to connect New Mexicans to business, entrepreneurial, and community resources from across the state.

“This new tool will empower entrepreneurs and communities to connect to the vibrant economic landscape of New Mexico by providing a comprehensive directory of support services, programs, and resources. The Business Resource Map also includes a statewide community calendar highlighting events, grants, and funding opportunities to help business owners connect and find support systems that will help them succeed and create jobs,” Acting Cabinet Secretary Mark Roper said.

If your organization provides support for businesses or communities, please visit the page to update or add your information.

Press Release

New Mexico Department of Health Heat-Related Illness Alert

Last year’s high temperatures led to a surge in visits at hospital emergency rooms, with many incidents tied to outdoor recreation. Extreme heat and heat waves can put New Mexicans at risk for heat stress, but even if the temperatures aren't extreme, you can still be affected.

Heat-related illnesses (HRI) range from heat rash and sunburn to heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. If severe, any of these conditions can lead to a trip to the emergency room. If heat stroke is not treated promptly, it can lead to coma and death.

Valuable information on recognizing and treating HRI, learning who is at risk, and health tips to protect yourself on your outdoor adventures are at your fingertips.

Learn about HRI

Trail Highlight

Be sure to tag @NMOutdoorRec when you get #NMOutside

Atalaya Mountain Trail

Santa Fe National Forest, New Mexico

Núu-agha-tʉvʉ-pʉ̱ (Ute) Land

Trail Uses: Hiking, mountain biking, running, wildlife viewing, and picnicking.

About the Trail: Atalaya Mountain in the Santa Fe National Forest is a popular hiking destination, offering incredible views outside Santa Fe, New Mexico. The hike begins at the Atalaya Mountain trailhead parking lot on the St. John’s College campus. Take Saint John’s Trail #174 to Atalaya Trail #170. The 6.2-mile out-and-back trail offers…