Thousands of schoolchildren in New Mexico will gain enhanced access to nature through a series of significant grants awarded to local organizations. The Outdoor Equity Fund, managed by the Outdoor Recreation Division of the New Mexico Economic Development Department, aims to remove barriers for underserved youth, fostering lasting connections to the outdoors. Recently, seven local groups received grants totaling over $240,000, as detailed in a release from the City of Santa Fe Office of Economic Development.
Key Beneficiaries of the Outdoor Equity Fund
One notable recipient is the Institute for Applied Ecology, which received a $28,500 grant to support its Forest Bound program. This initiative emphasizes partnerships with local communities, including a collaboration with Pojoaque Pueblo that integrates Tewa language learning into traditional outdoor education. Tanner Johnson, the organization’s education and outreach coordinator, expressed optimism about expanding the program due to its success. “We’ve heard a lot of interest from other pueblos looking to adopt this model,” he noted.
The Forest Bound program, which has been running for seven years, initially targeted high school students but now caters to participants aged 8 to 85. Over the past five years, it has engaged nearly 250 individuals. Johnson described the program as a summer day camp experience, where all transportation, meals, and activities are provided at no cost to participants. Each day, campers travel to local forests to engage in hands-on activities like seed collection and restoration work, complemented by presentations from experts.
Another recipient, Mountain Kids!, was awarded $40,000 to fund field trips for second- and third-grade students from low-income families. Program director Gwen Lyons highlighted the importance of exposing children to nature. “This program is designed for kids who do not have much opportunity to explore the outdoors,” she stated. This year, around 210 children are participating, primarily from El Camino Real Academy.
The Santa Fe Conservation Trust also benefitted, receiving $18,000 for its Passports to Trails program. Trails program manager Tim Rogers explained that this initiative introduces fourth- and fifth-graders to local hiking trails, encouraging them to complete hikes in exchange for rewards. Since its inception in 2014, the program has introduced approximately 5,000 students to local trail systems.
Expanding Educational Opportunities in Nature
The Partners in Education Foundation for Santa Fe Public Schools secured a $35,000 grant to facilitate transportation for students to outdoor sites, including Bandelier National Monument and the Pecos Wilderness. Executive director Sarah Amador-Guzman noted that funding is critical, especially with the rising costs of private transportation. “We’re really excited that we’ll have some funding for that,” she said, reflecting on the challenges of securing funding in previous years.
The Santa Fe Children’s Museum received $40,000 to develop educational programming in its outdoor space, known as The Backyard. Director Hannah Hausman explained that the funding will allow staff to create and deliver 30-minute nature education lessons on topics like sustainable gardening and local wildlife. The museum aims to reach an estimated 1,400 students across various communities, including Santa Fe, Albuquerque, and Taos.
Additional grants were awarded to Monte del Sol Charter School for $40,000 and the National Audubon Society for $39,821, further demonstrating the commitment to enhancing outdoor educational opportunities for New Mexico’s youth.
These initiatives underscore a collective effort to promote environmental stewardship and foster a deeper appreciation for nature among young people in the region, ensuring that future generations are equipped with the knowledge and experience to engage with the natural world.
