Sacramento Camp and Conference Center Inc
Grants Awarded
Sacramento Camp & Conference Center proposes to rehabilitate and upgrade two existing on-site trails located within its 300-acre property in the Sacramento Mountains of rural Otero County, New Mexico. The project focuses on improving safety, durability, and accessibility of these trails to ensure they can be used by individuals of all abilities, including people with mobility impairments and individuals with developmental disabilities. The trails are existing corridors, each approximately one-quarter to one-half mile in length, historically used for internal access and recreation. While functional, the trails currently lack appropriate surfacing, grading, and wayfinding features needed to meet accessibility standards and to safely accommodate wheelchair users, older adults, and individuals with limited mobility. This project will rehabilitate the existing trail footprint rather than create new trails, ensuring minimal environmental disturbance and efficient use of grant funds. Planned improvements include selective widening and grading where necessary, installation of a stabilized and ADA-friendly trail surface, drainage and erosion control enhancements, and the addition of clear wayfinding and accessibility signage. All work will occur within previously disturbed areas on property owned and controlled by Sacramento Camp & Conference Center, allowing the project to proceed without land acquisition or complex permitting requirements. The primary goal of the project is to expand inclusive access to outdoor recreation in a rural community with limited accessible trail infrastructure. Sacramento Camp & Conference Center serves thousands of participants annually through camps, retreats, and community programs, including specialized programming for individuals with developmental disabilities. The improved trails will directly support these populations while also benefiting families, volunteers, and community visitors who use the facility year-round. A secondary goal is to enhance thesafety and long-term sustainability of the trail system. By improving surfacing and drainage, the project will reduce erosion, maintenance needs, and user conflicts, resulting in a more durable and resilient recreational asset. Wayfinding signage will improve user navigation, reinforce appropriate trail use, and enhance the overall visitor experience. The project is shovel-ready and cost-effective. Sacramento Camp & Conference Center will leverage in-kind contributions, including volunteer labor, staff oversight, and use of on-site equipment, with Trails+ funds primarily supporting materials and limited equipment rental. Upon completion, the trails will be maintained by camp staff as part of routine grounds operations, ensuring long-term functionality and public benefit. Overall, this project aligns closely with the goals of the New Mexico Trails+ Program by rehabilitating existing trails, improving accessibility, supporting inclusive outdoor recreation, and strengthening recreational infrastructure in a rural area. The project represents a strategic investment that will deliver immediate and lasting benefits to users of all abilities while preserving the natural character of the Sacramento Mountains.
Sacramento Camp & Conference Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization located in the Sacramento Mountains of southern New Mexico, within the Lincoln National Forest near Cloudcroft. Established in 1931, the organization operates on approximately 300 acres and provides year-round outdoor recreation, camps, retreats, and conference services for children, youth, families, adults, and individuals with disabilities. The organization serves thousands of participants annually through structured summer camps, outdoor recreation programs, retreats, and special-use programming, including inclusive camps for individuals with developmental disabilities. Sacramento Camp & Conference Center is a long-standing community asset in rural Otero County, supporting outdoor access, personal development, and community connection in a region with limited recreational infrastructure. Sacramento Camp & Conference Center has demonstrated strong organizational capacity through thesuccessful delivery of large-scale capital improvements and ongoing facility upgrades. The organization maintains full site control, a stable governance structure, and a broad volunteer base, and regularly leverages grant funding, donations, and in-kind support to implement projects that improve safety, accessibility, and long-term public benefit.