Aldo Leopold Charter School

Aldo Leopold Charter School (ALCS) is working to develop an outdoor classroom and recreation area that is made available to the community outside of school hours. This area will serve to support ALCS student learning in this unique charter school with a focus on sustainability and experiential learning. Further, this site will allow residents and visitors alike to play basketball on a neighborhood court, host gatherings, and engage in a demonstration native plant garden supported by natural, hand-built erosion control structures and pathways.

The ALCS (Adventurous Learning and Community Services) Backpacking Program gives 8th-12th-grade students from Grant County, New Mexico—particularly those facing barriers to outdoor experiences—the chance to build connections with themselves, peers, and nature through multi-day backpacking trips. The program, which annually serves up to 150 students, offers outdoor education including wilderness skills, leadership, resilience, and stewardship trainings, ultimately resulting in the development of self-confidence, teamwork, stronger peer connections, and environmental awareness. Each journey takes place in the Gila Wilderness area, striking a balance between safety and challenge, with professional support teams maintaining regular check-ins with students on-site while essential components like gear, transportation, and safety equipment are covered by the program, ensuring an equal opportunity for all interested students.