Nature Niños
Grants Awarded
The priority of Nature Niños is to reach underserved/ marginalized youth and families throughout NM that are lacking opportunities to connect with our public lands and encourage them to have a meaningful, purposeful, and personal connection to the natural world. Through this mission we are creating a new generation of land, water, and wildlife stewards to protect and foster creative solutions to the long-term care of our planet while nature helps to nourish their social and emotional health and wellbeing.
The New Mexico Wildlife Federation (NMWF) collaborates with private landowners to establish permanent public access across private land to the expanding Marquez Wildlife Management Area (WMA), benefiting both visitors and the local community. By installing signage along 16 miles of easement, the program promotes respectful access while safeguarding private property, ultimately ensuring continued access to 70,000 acres of public lands, including the Marquez WMA and L Bar Ranch.
The priority of Nature Niños is to reach underserved/ marginalized youth and families throughout NM that are lacking opportunities to connect with our public lands and encourage them to have a meaningful, purposeful, and personal connection to the natural world. Through this mission we are creating a new generation of land, water, and wildlife stewards to protect and foster creative solutions to the long-term care of our planet while nature helps to nourish their social and emotional health and wellbeing.
The NMWF (New Mexico Wildlife Federation) Nature Ninos program aims to connect Latino and Native American youth and families with New Mexico’s natural resources, enhancing their social and emotional well-being through outdoor education. By offering summer camps, day programs, family hikes, and community events, the program seeks to enrich participants' lives and promote conservation, while also equipping educators and youth professionals with effective outdoor learning practices.
The Trails+ project intends to transform school grounds at Mark Armijo Academy and RFK Charter Schools in Albuquerque into dynamic, multi-purpose outdoor areas that encourage environmental education and community interaction. This effort includes planting more trees, developing outdoor classrooms, installing nature-themed seating, offering a national archery range, and constructing shade structures. The project’s primary objectives are to bolster the green canopy, improve environmental quality, ensure fair access to outdoor activities for historically disadvantaged communities, and cultivate a sense of pride and ownership among students through their direct involvement in planning and construction.
Nature Niños was created in 2019 and, in 2024, after a tremendous amount of growth and expansion across New Mexico, we officially gained 501(c)(3) status as a standalone organization. Our mission is to provide an entry point to the outdoors for all those who experience “nature nerves” or face barriers to outdoor access. Through our programs, we invite youth and families who might not readily access the outdoors into a safe, inclusive, and welcoming community. We help participants build outdoor skills, gain confidence, grow a deeper connection to the land, and focus on building community resources to access the outdoors. At Nature Niños, we are committed to expanding access to the outdoors by offering hands-on experiences in nature that foster learning and fun. Our programs are designed to meet the needs of a diverse range of participants, particularly those from communities that have historically been excluded from outdoor spaces. By engaging with youth and families, we not only open doors to outdoor recreation, but also cultivate the next generation of conservationists, land stewards, and recreationalists. Our activities include environmental education, outdoor adventure, land stewardship, and wellness programs. We offer youth and family programs throughout the year, with an emphasis on social-emotional learning and personal growth through nature. Whether it’s introducing students to fly fishing, guiding them through nature-based curriculum, or providing opportunities for families to experience outdoor recreation together, Nature Niños ensures that every participant is supported, encouraged, and empowered to build a lifelong relationship with nature. Nature Niños believes that outdoor spaces should be accessible to everyone, and we strive to break down the financial, social, and cultural barriers that prevent youth and families from enjoying the benefits of time spent outdoors. As we continue to grow, we are excited to offer more opportunities for youth leadership and engagement in environmental conservation, while fostering a network of supportive families and communities that champion the importance of outdoor equity. With the support of community partners, grants, and volunteers, Nature Niños is making a meaningful difference in the lives of youth and families across New Mexico. As we look to the future, our vision remains clear: to inspire and nurture the next generation of environmental stewards and outdoor enthusiasts. This year, Nature Niños has achieved significant milestones, including officially receiving our 501(c)(3) status, which marks an important step in our growth as an independent organization. We’ve also been able to serve additional school partners that had been on our waitlist, expanding our impact across the state. Through the generous support of multiple community foundations, we’ve secured funding that allows us to continue and expand our programs. Notably, we were awarded the GreenLatinos/USFS Justicia Y Equidad grant for our project, Enhancing Urban Forestry and Youth Empowerment in Albuquerque, which will empower local youth through environmental education and hands-on urban forestry work. These accomplishments reflect our ongoing commitment to creating more access to the outdoors and fostering a future generation of environmental leaders.