New Mexico Grants Empower Outdoor Education for Local Youth
Thousands of schoolchildren in New Mexico will soon have enhanced opportunities to connect with nature, thanks to a series of grants awarded to local organizations. The Outdoor Equity Fund, managed by the New Mexico Economic Development Department, has allocated over $240,000 in funding to support programs aimed at providing outdoor experiences for underserved youth.
The grants were distributed to seven organizations within Santa Fe, highlighting a commitment to breaking down barriers and fostering lasting relationships with the natural environment. Among the recipients is the Institute for Applied Ecology, which received a $28,500 grant to bolster its Forest Bound program. This initiative focuses on integrating Tewa language learning into outdoor education, particularly through a collaboration with Pojoaque Pueblo. Tanner Johnson, the organization’s education and outreach coordinator, noted that the program has gained popularity, prompting plans to expand to additional pueblos.
Historically funded by the U.S. Forest Service, the Forest Bound program faced financial challenges this year due to shifts in federal priorities. The Outdoor Equity Fund grant has proven instrumental in maintaining the program, which has evolved from serving high school students to engaging intergenerational participants aged 8 to 85. Over the past seven years, the initiative has reached nearly 250 participants, offering a camp-like experience with hands-on activities such as seed collection and restoration work.
Another notable recipient is Mountain Kids!, which received $40,000 to support its Four Seasons program. This initiative provides field trips for second- and third-grade students primarily from low-income families. Program director Gwen Lyons stated that trips to locations like Aspen Vista near the Santa Fe ski area allow students to explore seasonal changes in forest ecosystems. Approximately 210 children are expected to participate this year, enhancing their access to nature.
The Santa Fe Conservation Trust received an $18,000 grant for its Passports to Trails program, aimed at fourth- and fifth-graders. Participants are introduced to local trail systems around Santa Fe, earning rewards such as hydration packs after completing a series of hikes. Tim Rogers, trails program manager, emphasized the program’s success, having introduced around 5,000 students to hiking since its inception in 2014.
The Partners in Education Foundation for Santa Fe Public Schools also benefited, receiving $35,000 to fund transportation for field trips to outdoor sites like Bandelier National Monument. Executive director Sarah Amador-Guzman expressed enthusiasm for the funding, noting the increased costs of private bus services due to a shortage of district drivers.
The Santa Fe Children’s Museum received a $40,000 grant to develop educational programming in its outdoor area, known as The Backyard. Director Hannah Hausman explained that staff will conduct nature education lessons on topics such as sustainable gardening and pollination, aiming to reach an estimated 1,400 students from various locations.
Other organizations awarded grants include Monte del Sol Charter School ($40,000) and the National Audubon Society ($39,821), further contributing to the effort of providing outdoor educational opportunities for young people in New Mexico.
Through these grants, local organizations are poised to create lasting connections between youth and the environment, ensuring that the next generation has the chance to explore and appreciate the natural world around them.
