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Outdoor Recreation Day Draws crowds and powerful support from New Mexico Governor and legislators

March 25, 2025

Santa Fe, NM — Outdoor enthusiasts, businesses, and advocates filled the State Capitol on March 18, 2025, for Outdoor Recreation Day, to celebrate the strength and impact of the $3.2 billion outdoor industry.

Hosted by the New Mexico Economic Development Department’s (EDD) Outdoor Recreation Division (ORD), the event featured a speech from Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham reaffirming her commitment to the outdoor recreation sector emphasizing its role as a key economic driver and vital contributor to quality of life in New Mexico.

The celebration brought together a diverse group of over 40 outdoor recreation businesses and organizations, each showcasing how their work contributes to New Mexico’s economy and improves outdoor access. Attendees of all ages engaged with exhibitors and enjoyed visiting with therapeutic horses on the Capitol lawn.

In the Rotunda, heart-felt sentiments were delivered by 22 bilingual El Camino Real Academy second and fourth-grade students who were asked, “How do you feel when you spend time outside?” The mic was passed to each student, “Amazing! Free! Connected! Contento!” These students all participated in Mountain Kids!, an outdoor education and adventure program in Santa Fe that is funded, in part, by the Outdoor Equity Fund (OEF) and offers scholarships to children of all backgrounds.

Sarah Candelaria, director of Nature Niños, led a deeper conversation with older youth about their experiences in OEF programs from across the state, demonstrating the direct impact of state investment in outdoor access.

Bella Larson, age 16, attends Taos Academy and participates in NM Wild’s Outdoor Academy program where she gained certification as a fly-fishing guide. “I went through a guide school program and learned how to work with my peers and now I’m able to share my love of the outdoors with other kids in a way that they’re learning something new every day, explained Bella.

The speaker series was headlined by State Representative Angelica Rubio, a key advocate for equitable outdoor access and a driving force behind the creation of the Outdoor Recreation Division and Outdoor Equity Fund in 2019.

“Access to the outdoors isn’t just about recreation, it’s about justice. We must hold firm to the belief that everyone belongs,” Rubio stated.

As New Mexico’s outdoor industry faces evolving challenges, the event’s turnout underscored the broad support for maintaining and expanding state investments. With a strong commitment from leadership and a unified industry voice, the future of outdoor recreation in New Mexico remains bright.

Students from El Camino Real Academy visit with Poetry, a therapy horse from Loving Thunder Ranch in front of the State Capitol.
Adaptive Sports Program NM gets disabled children and adults outside for therapeutic activities like skiing, boating, rock climbing and more.
Diana Ingalls Leyba, Director of the Youth Mural Program traveled to the Capitol from Silver City, NM to showcase how she uses art to engage youth in educational outdoor experiences.
Outdoor recreation supporters fill the Rotunda as Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham shares remarks.
Jack’s Plastic Welding displays their inflatable boats and other high-quality outdoor gear that’s manufactured in Aztec, NM.
Morrison Outdoors, based in Albuquerque, showcased their innovative, world’s first 20° and 40° sleeping bags for infants and kids 6 months to 6 years old.