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Mar 13, 2025

Spring into New Mexico's Great Outdoors!

Dispatches from the NM Outdoor Recreation Division

ORD Newsletter | March 13, 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

Dear outdoor enthusiasts,

Spring is just around the corner on March 20 and we couldn't be more excited for the longer days, spring blooms, and more daylight to get outside and enjoy the Land of Enchantment!

We're also looking forward to celebrating Outdoor Recreation Day at the State Capitol on March 18 from 9am-3pm. We're thrilled to announce Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham will kick off our speaker series in the Rotunda at 11am and we hope you will join us and show your support for New Mexico's $3.2 billion outdoor recreation industry. This family-friendly event will feature interactive activities, swag giveaways, and — weather permitting — a climbing wall and therapeutic horses to visit with.

Lastly, there's just a few more days to get your Outdoor Recreation Trails+ Grant applications in! Visit www.nmoutside.com to learn more and apply for up to $1M in funding by March 14 .

See you on the trails,

Michelle Simon

Marketing Coordinator

In Other News

‘They’re cutting the muscle’: Public land supporters decry layoffs, warn of privatization efforts at Roundhouse rally

Outdoor Equity Fund is changing young people's lives

State Forestry Division starts post-fire restoration work in Ruidoso

Bill To Restore Clean Water Protections, Safeguard Drinking Water Passes Senate

Heinrich: “Trump and Musk’s Public Lands Firings a Disaster”

Chance to explore NM state parks for free through April

Concern in New Mexico as Trump admin review of national monuments continues

Get Involved

Free Bike Shop Days

Velo Cruces and Doña Ana Village Association are offering free bike servicing and supplies! Join them on March 13 and April 10 from 4-6pm.

All About Bats! - Belen Event

Join TOTAL NM and partners on March 15 for an all-ages interactive and educational event to learn all about bats!

Artist in Residence Call for Applicants

Friends of the Organ Mountains Desert Peaks is seeking applicants for their Spring 2025 Artist Residency Program in Las Cruces, NM.

Apply by March 28, 2025

Rio Grande Trail Commission Meeting

The Commission will convene for an in-person and virtual meeting on Friday April 11 from 9AM - 12PM at the Truth or Consequences Civic Center and all are invited to join.

Association of Outdoor Recreation and Education - Inclusive Summit & Webinars

Register today for this virtual summit that will take place on April 24, 2025 . You can also sign up for a variety of webinars covering outdoor inclusivity topics.

Upcoming Race Events

April 13 - Run to Break the Silence , Albuquerque

May 11 - Bridges Off-Road Triathlon , Albuquerque

May 16-18 - Santa Fe Century Ride , Sante Fe

May 17 - Vermejo Charcoal Burner , Raton

May 17 - Bluewater Canyon Trail Race, Bluewater

May 24 - Farmington Riverfest 10k, 5k, 2 Mile Walk , Farmington

May 31 - 10th Annual Run/Walk for Kids , Sunland Park

March Volunteer Opportunities

March 15 – Coronado Historic Site Invasive Tree Removal , Bernalillo

March 20-24 - Mimbres River Trail Maintenance , Gila National Forest

March 22 – Impact Outdoors Educational Fishing Adventure for Title 1 Youth , Albuquerque - email Matthewmonjaras@impact-outdoors.com

March 26 - La Mancha Volunteer Info Session , Las Cruces

March 29 – Railyard Park Conservancy Quarterly Community Cares , Albuquerque – email peggyjoy@railyardpark.org

March 29 - Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge Backyard Refuge Day , Albuquerque

New Mexico Wild is searching for new volunteers

ESCAPE 2025

New Mexico Search and Rescue Council will offer a variety of basic and advanced SAR skills classes from April 25-27 at Glorieta Adventure Camps. You can also donate new and used gear to their silent auction!

Email mckee07@gmail.com to make a donation.

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.

Rockhound State Park

Pescado, Tampachoa (Mansos), Chiricahua Apache lands

About the Park: The rugged slopes of the Little Florida Mountains are the setting for this park, which boasts a variety of trails, unique geology, wildflower displays, and a peaceful campground. The stunning scenery of the Spring Canyon unit of the park provides a peaceful area for hiking or picnicking. Located just 13.6 miles from Deming, NM, this park is a rockhound's paradise! Each visitor is allowed to collect as much as 15 lbs of rocks and minerals.

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

Follow NM State Personnel Office and visit www.spo.state.nm.us

for updates on state employment opportunities.

Girls Inc of Santa Fe is hiring a Summer Program Facilitator in Santa Fe

Albuquerque Sign Language Academy is looking to hire for their Summer Job Program

Rio Grande Returns is searching for a Seasonal Assistant Crew Lead & Crew Member in Northern NM

Gorham Scout Ranch is hiring for numerous seasonal positions in Chimayo

NM Office of the State Engineer has numerous exciting employment opportunities across the state (search Ofc of the State Engineer)

NM Department of Environment has numerous career opportunities

(filter by selecting "Department of Environment")

NM Department of Game & Gish has multiple job openings (search department of game & fish)

The Nature Conservancy is in…