Welcome, 2025!
Dispatches from the NM Outdoor Recreation Division
ORD Newsletter | January 2, 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
Welcome, 2025!
Winter is in full swing, bringing, cooler temperatures to our expansive landscapes, and opportunities to experience New Mexico's great outdoors in new ways.
A few ideas to get you outside this winter:
Bundle up for some stargazing at one of NM's 9 DarkSky designated places
Discover the serenity of Nordic skiing and snowshoeing
Grab a Gravel Adventure Field Guide and set out for a long ride
Get out and enjoy some birding
Hit the slopes for an exhilarating day of skiing or snowboarding
This season is a time for reflection and renewal, and our team wants to hear from you! Take this quick survey to let us know what "outdoor recreation" means to you and what you'd like to see for New Mexico's outdoor recreation industry in 2025.
Lastly, if you've been thinking about applying for the Outdoor Recreation Trails+ Grant , now is the time! The fourth and final round for FY25 funding is now open for applications through February 28, 2025.
Stay wild,
Michelle Simon
Marketing Coordinator
In Other News
The EXPLORE Act passed the senate!
"By modernizing policies, expanding access to public lands, and promoting sustainable recreation, the act positions outdoor recreation as a cornerstone of economic growth, public health, and quality of life."
Read the press release
Interior Department Announces $450 Million for Community Parks
This exciting funding opportunity will b available over the next five years for local communities across the United States to create new parks and trails or renovate existing parks through the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) program.
Learn More
Offseason day use at state parks will be free for NM residents in 2025
"The free day-use period for residents will be from Oct. 1 through April 30 for park visitors with a valid New Mexico ID or a valid New Mexico license plate on their vehicle. Visitors who walk in or bicycle in for day use can continue to access the parks at no charge."
Read the Article
Solid Economy, Cautious Consumers: Outdoor Retail Confronts Challenges
From shifting consumer behavior to cautious spending habits, there remains significant growth opportunities for outdoor industry businesses as we head into the new year.
Read More
Get Involved
Sandia Nordic Intermediate Level Clinics
Join Sandia Nordic Ski Club January 11 for free, intermediate clinics on skate and classic techniques. A kid’s fun ski session will be conducted for those children whose adults/parents are participating in the intermediate-level sessions. Email sandianordic@gmail.com for details.
American Trails Advancing Trails Webinar Series
January 9 : Navigating NEPA in Trail Development
January 16 : Trailblazing Accessibility : Ensuring Equitable Access to Natural Spaces for Those with Disabilities
Sábados on Bikes with Friends
Calling all families with 1st-5th graders in Las Cruces! Join Southern New Mexico Mountain Biking & Friends of the Organ Mountains Desert Peaks January 18 for a free bicycle skills clinic with obstacles, games, a neighborhood ride and more. Bikes and helmets are available to borrow. Registration is recommended.
Society for Outdoor Recreation Professionals Webinar
Facilitated Recreation Unpacked : Defining the Practice and Partnerships
Dive into the foundations of facilitated recreation and explore its vital role in enhancing public access and visitor experiences on public lands on January 29 .
Backcountry Film Festival
The Backcountry Film Festival is produced by Winter Wildlands Alliance as a celebration of the human-powered experience and a gathering place for the backcountry snow sports community. Join Pajarito Environmental Education Center at SALA Los Alamos Event Center January 30 , seats are limited, reserve your tickets today!
Pajarito Environmental Center's Monthly Photo Competition
Calling all nature/photography enthusiasts! Submit your photos from the Pajarito Plateau to photos@peecnature.org .
Trail Highlight
Boston Hill Big Loop
Silver City, NM
Chiricahua Apache land
About the Trail: This 3 mile loop is a great intro to the Boston Hill trail system and perfect for mountain biking, hiking, birdwatching, and trail running. There are lots of connecting trails that wind around and take you past old mining sites that give trail users a glimpse into the area's historic era of hard-rock mining for copper, silver and other precious metals. The trail has numerous resting points with benches to take in the views.
Know before you go: There are several access points to trailheads. Refer to this page for a map and more detailed history and info about the flora of the area. Practice leave no trace principles .
Where to go afterward: Where to go after the hike: Head to Adobe Springs Café for a hearty brunch or dinner and explore the unique galleries and shops downtown.
Industry Careers
Outdoor Recreation Positions Throughout New Mexico
Nature Niños is hiring a Social Media Coordinator, Assistant Educator, & Program Manager in Albuquerque (send resumes to sarah@natureninos.org )
Sandia Peak Ski Area is has numerous positions open
Western NM University has Wildland Fire Science & Outdoor Leadership faculty positions available
New Mexico Forest & Watershed Restoration Institute is searching for paid Summer Student Interns
Santa Fe Botanical Garden seeks an Executive Director & has numerous other exciting positions open
Talking Talons is looking to hire an Environmental Educator and Youth Work Specialist (email jross@talkingtalons.org for details)
Ancestral Lands is hiring for Crew…