TOTAL NM is honored to be named one of the REI Cooperative Action Fund’s Fall 2025 grantees!
We are grateful to join 293 incredible organizations nationwide working to expand access to the outdoors and strengthen community well-being through time outside. This support from the REI Fund—now celebrating four years and $36 million invested in community-led outdoor equity work—helps us continue creating inclusive, accessible outdoor classroom opportunities for New Mexico students and educators. We’re proud to be part of a national movement ensuring everyone feels a sense of connection, belonging, and possibility in the outdoors.
Celebrating our ONE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY!
Outdoor education isn’t just a way to get students outside-it’s a revolutionary approach to learning, fostering connections with the natural world while enhancing academic and personal growth. TOTAL NM (Teaching Outdoors to ALL Learners) embodies this ethos, creating inclusive, equitable, and accessible outdoor classroom spaces across New Mexico.
Starting on page 29, read all about TOTAL NM’s work at the work of others below!
Rio Grande Elementary Hosts ‘Cookie Election’ to Support Outdoor Learning
“It also highlighted student leadership and connection to current-day events. Huge congratulations to Celina and her students for making this unique event a success and for inspiring others by sharing their journey and resources.”
-Celina Cordova with one of her students during the Cookie Election.
The program’s rapid success has garnered national attention. The Belen teachers and the broader community involved in the Outdoor Educator Leadership Program will be presenting their work at the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) Annual Conference in Pittsburgh this November.
“We are thrilled to share the incredible work happening here in New Mexico on such a large stage,” added Martin. “This conference will allow us to demonstrate the potential of outdoor education and inspire other educators and communities to take learning beyond the classroom walls.”
Outdoor Equity Fund award to fund impactful outdoor experiences for local youth
“TOTAL NM will work collaboratively with educators and their students during the six-month program to develop outdoor classroom spaces and accompanying framework in schoolyards. The goal is to utilize outdoor classrooms daily or multiple times throughout the week. “
Outdoor Equity Fund Grant Recipients
“Let’s Grow Outside” – Enjoy live music, a celebration of outdoor education
“The big purpose of this event is to celebrate outdoor classroom initiatives and share resources statewide, so we’re going to have a bunch of different things going on to support that,” said Allison Martin, executive director of TOTAL NM. “We also want to announce who we are as Total New Mexico, and the Outdoor Educator Leadership Program we’re starting with the teachers down here.”
