Nature Friends

The Rockhounding Adventure Program by Nature Friends connects Southern New Mexico youths to the region's geological richness, offers guided rockhounding, and teaches responsible collecting and identifying techniques. The program, targeting primarily multi-racial children and families lacking access to outdoor science education, not only cultivates environmental curiosity, scientific literacy, and respect for the land, but also sparks creativity through geology-based arts and crafts. Running from October 2025 to March 2026, the program promises improved observational skills, a fundamental understanding of geology, and a respectful connection to New Mexico landscapes, culminating in a community showcasing event to feature the participants' handmade creations and findings.

Nature Friends' Fire Beneath Our Feet: Exploring Southern New Mexico Volcanoes is a half-year outdoor STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education program, letting young people and families explore the unique volcanic landscapes of Southern New Mexico through engaging activities such as hiking, geology and creative arts, thus increasing access to outdoor recreation. The program targets underserved, rural, and low-income families in Doña Ana County, intending to foster comprehension of volcanology and desert ecology, promote environmental stewardship, and eliminate barriers to outdoor education. It incorporates immersive field trips to significant volcanic sites, hands-on scientific explorations, literacy activities, and art projects, with the aspiration of augmenting outdoor involvement, enhancing environmental knowledge, stimulating interest in science and conservation, and fostering appreciation for local geology.