ORD Newsletter | November 4, 2026

Woman wearing gloves on an autumn day smiling next to a large dog

Greetings trailblazers, 


This Friday, November 6, we're bringing together outdoor businesses, entrepreneurs and the community for Adventure Pitch Fest at the Albuquerque Rail Yards from 4–8 p.m. It's an evening to discover local outdoor businesses, meet the people behind their products and ideas and cheer on entrepreneurs competing for $15,000 in cash prizes. There will be family-friendly activities, pack burros and goats and dozens of exhibitors to connect with. It's free and open to everyone, so bring your friends and family and come meet some of the people, organizations and small businesses that make up New Mexico's $3.6 billion outdoor recreation industry! Reserve your free tickets at bit.ly/adventurepitchfest. 


With Veterans Day approaching on November 11, a reminder that New Mexico State Parks offers a free lifetime pass to New Mexico resident veterans, providing day-use and camping access to state parks across the state. It's a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, whether for adventure, relaxation or spending time with family and friends. If you're a veteran or know someone who is, please help spread the word. Visit emnrd.nm.gov/spd/fees-permits/for-veterans for more information. 


Wishing you a wonderful November and hope you all make time to get outside and enjoy the landscape as it transitions to winter.  


Karina Armijo 

Director 

Outdoor News

As rivers swamped New Mexico, raft guides paddled through flooded streets to rescue stranded pets 

 

Dendrochronology looks to the past and future of fire and forests 

 

Socorro County a land of hiking, biking and rock climbing 

 

Eight new kiosks share Taos Pueblo stories along the CDT 

 

Biking into a bigger world 

 

City of Albuquerque seeks to improve safety with bicycle lane pilot project 

Get Outside

Silhouette of a hiker atop a rocky formation with a sunbeam shining through
 

Find Monthly Events Across NM on Our Website

Visit nmoutside.com/news to find ways to get outside and connect in our monthly "What's Happening Outdoors in New Mexico" posts.

Nov 6-7: New Mexico Wildlife Conference, Albuquerque  

Nov 7: Cedro Creek Restoration, Tijeras

Nov 8: Tierra y Familia - a showcase of films by Gregg Flores, Albuquerque

Nov 7: Ocotillo Trail Endurance Challenge, Carlsbad

Have an event you'd like to share? Email info to the ORD Marketing & Outreach Coordinator before the the first of the month at michelle.simon@edd.nm.gov

 

Featured Success Story

Students observing petroglyphs and taking notes

Mesa Prieta Petroglyph Project, Velarde, NM

Zuni Youth Enrichment Project is connecting Native youth with their ancestral lands through outdoor experiences, cultural education and hands-on trail stewardship. Learn how support from ORD’s Outdoor Equity Fund and Trails+ Grant programs is helping young people build skills, explore careers and become future leaders in their community.

Outdoor Careers

 

Ski Santa Fe, numerous positions (hiring fair Nov 6-7), Santa Fe 

FYI+, Outdoor Education Specialist, Las Cruces

Great Basin Institute, Archivist (NPS, Aztec Ruins National Monument), Albuquerque

CEHMM, Senior Natural Resources Specialist, Carlsbad 

Santa Fe Botanical Garden, multiple part-time positions, Santa Fe 

Sandia Peak Ski Area, numerous jobs, Albuquerque 

Taos Ski Valley, multiple jobs, Taos Ski Valley 

Other Career Resources

State of New Mexico Jobs

Conservation Careers

New Mexico Youth Conservation Corps

Outdoor Recreation Roundtable's Workforce Hub

If you have outdoor recreation jobs you would like to add to share, email info to the ORD Marketing & Outreach Coordinator michelle.simon@edd.nm.gov.

 

Funding Opportunities

 

New Mexico Exploratory Grants, Deadline Nov 18

Military Outdoor Connections Grant, Deadline: Nov 20

Walmart Spark Good Local Grants, Deadline: Nov 30 

The Frost Foundation, Deadline: Dec 1 

Western National Parks James E. Cook Nature's Classroom Grant, Deadline: Dec 11 

Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative, Deadline: Dec 15, rolling 

Western National Parks Research Grants, Deadline: Dec 31 

IMBA Trail Accelerator Grant: Planning & Design, Deadline: Dec 31

IMBA Trail Accelerator Grant: Educational Support, Deadline: Dec 31

Land & Water Conservation Fund, Deadline: Jan 5

Kids to Parks School Grants Program, Deadline: Jan 29

Tribal Wildlife Funding, Deadline: Rolling 

Tribal Community Garden, Deadline: Rolling 

Visit nmmainstreet.org/resource/opportunities for more funding opportunities.

 

Explore New Mexico

A group of people exploring large and curious rock formations

City of Rocks State Park

Located near Deming, City of Rocks State Park features otherworldly rock columns and scenic trails shaped by millions of years of volcanic activity and erosion. Visitors can hike, bike and camp beneath star-filled skies and spot wildlife in this striking landscape. Plan your visit and check the park’s website for upcoming events, including the Nov 7 Star Party.

Business Hub

Business Resource of the Month:



Outdoor Industry Association (OIA)

OIA is a collective of business leaders, policymakers and innovators working together to grow the outdoor economy responsibly. From industry-leading reports to expert-led webinars and peer exchange, OIA delivers the intelligence that outdoor businesses and organizations need to grow with confidence. 

Man squatting down and holding up the head of a freshly hunted pronghorn

Outdoor Industry Spotlight:


Operation Phoenix Outdoors, Clovis

This veteran-run nonprofit uses guided outdoor experiences to bring military members, veterans and first responders together through connection and healing

Read the latest NMORBA newsletter for information and opportunities curated just for outdoor business owners.

 

Let's be social! Follow @nmoutdoorrec

New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Division Logo

The mission of the Outdoor Recreation Division is to increase equitable access to the outdoors for all New Mexicans, ensuring healthy outcomes, environmental stewardship and economic prosperity.

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www.nmoutside.com

The New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Division is a division of Economic Development New Mexico