Welcome 2026: Outdoor Opportunities Await!
Dispatches from the NM Outdoor Recreation Division
ORD Newsletter | January 7, 2026
Dispatches from New Mexico's
Outdoor Recreation Division
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Letter from the Marketing Coordinator
Greetings outdoor enthusiasts — and welcome, 2026!
We hope you’ve had a chance to rest and get outside to recharge. As we hike into the new year, our team is energized by all that our communities and partners accomplished in 2025, making great strides in outdoor access across the state. We saw record engagement with both the Outdoor Equity Fund and Trails+ Grant , which are both open for applications until Saturday, January 31 .
We’re kicking off the year with Tourism & Outdoor Recreation Day at the Capitol on January 26, from 10:30 AM - 1:00 PM, at the Roundhouse, and we hope you'll join! It’s a great chance to show your support for New Mexico's outdo0r recreation industry and celebrate the role that outdoor recreation and tourism play in New Mexico’s communities and economy.
We’re grateful to begin 2026 building on momentum and look forward to another year of expanding access, deepening partnerships, and supporting community-driven outdoor opportunities statewide.
Happy trails, Michelle Simon
In Other News
Ghost Ranch plans to protect 6,000 acres of land under conservation plan
New Mexico senators ask for post-fire money to clean up public lands
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers requests public comment for the Santa Rosa Lake Master Plan revision and Two Rivers Dam Master Plan Development
DFA: $50 Million In Recreation Grants For Communities
Albuquerque’s new Volcano View trail is the first of 25 miles planned for West Mesa
Get Involved
Community Events
Jan 9: From City Lights to Starry Nights , San Ysidro
Jan 10: Wonders of Winter Festival , Albuquerque
Jan 14: Journey Down the Gila Film Screening , Albuquerque
Jan 22: Backcountry Film Festival , Los Alamos
Jan 24: Trout Rock at Tumbleroot Brewery , Santa Fe
Feb 2-3: Ski Lift Pitch , Taos Ski Valley
Albuquerque Mountain Rescue Council Call for Volunteers (AMRC)
AMRC is recruiting volunteers to apply for the 2026 Operational Core Curriculum class. Interested applicants must attend an info session on Jan. 13 at 7:15 PM either virtually or in-person at Stone Age Midtown in Albuquerque.
NM Department of Transportation (NMDOT) Seeks Public Input for Active Transportation Guide
NMDOT is developing its first-ever Active Transportation Plan to guide future pedestrian and bicycle improvements on state-owned roads. Take a survey in English or Spanish to help them better understand and respond to the needs of people who walk, bike, and roll in New Mexico. Survey closes Jan. 15, 2026 .
Upcoming Webinars, Workshops, and Conferences
Jan 8: Aggregate Trail Surfacing: From Fundamentals to Field Application , virtual
Jan 14: Estimating Recreational Visitation on Public Lands and Waters , virtual
Jan 15: Designing Events that Engage Your Community in 2026 , virtual
Feb 10-11: Visitor Use Management Training , Golden, CO
Feb 27-Mar 1: Wilderness First Aid Classes , Silver City
Mar 4-6: Land and Water Summit , Albuquerque
April 14-16: Sustainable Trails Conference , Boise, ID
May 19-21: Mountain West Trails Conference , Rock Springs, WY
Volunteer Opportunities
Visit nmoutside.com/volunteer for a list of NM organizations seeking volunteers.
Rio Grande Trail Commission
The next commission meeting will be held in Albuquerque on Friday, Jan. 16 , with a community gathering and site tour on Jan. 15, RSVP here , there are options to join virtually.
The Trek Podcast Seeks Applicants for Trail Correspondents
If you have plans to hike the Continental Divide Trail and want to share your story, apply by Feb. 5 .
2026 Leopold Writing Contest
New Mexican students in grades 6-12 are invited to write an essay responding to an environmental-themed writing prompt. The essays are assessed by a panel of judges and the winning essayists receive monetary awards at a celebration on Earth Day. Essays are due by Feb. 13.
Find Birding Events Across NM
Curious about birding in New Mexico? Find your flock!
Bird Alliance of Central NM
Bird Alliance of Southwestern NM
Mesilla Valley Audubon Society
Randall Davey Audubon Center & Sanctuary
Sangre de Cristo Audubon Society
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.
Brantley Lake State Park
Lipan and Mescalero Apache lands
Located just outside Carlsbad, Brantley Lake State Park centers around the reservoir created by the Brantley Dam on the Pecos River. The lake is a popular destination for boating, fishing, and kayaking, and the park offers camping, picnic areas, trails for hiking, and fantastic opportunities for wildlife viewing.
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 and Outdoor Recreation Roundtable's Workforce Hub for more career resources.
Amphibian and Reptile Conservancy – Gila Project Coordinator and Communications and Media Coordinator , Silver City and remote
Together for Brothers – Civic Engagement Project Leaders/Participants , Albuquerque, International District or Westgate neighborhoods
Bird Conservancy of the Rockies – Integrated Monitoring in Bird Conservation Regions Avian Field Technician , Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah and
Bird Conservancy of the Rockies – Wildlife Habitat Biologist , r emote based in: Clovis, Portales, Clayton, or Tucumcari
White Sands…