A Healing, Relationship Building, Equity Focused Gathering

REFLECTIONS & Next Steps for Outdoor Learning

Advocacy for outdoor learning continues to be at the forefront of our work, especially as we head into another legislative season. These sessions remind us how important it is to come together around issues that create real, lasting change for outdoor learning in New Mexico.

We know that one-time trips or experiences, while wonderful, aren’t enough to move the needle. True change comes from investing in our teachers, ensuring they have the tools, support, and resources needed to bring students outdoors every day.

At Groundwork, we discussed important topics as:

• Expanding the reach of the NM Outdoor Classrooms Framework to more teachers and schools statewide.
• Highlighting the social and emotional benefits that horses and other nature-based programs can bring to students’ outdoor experiences.
• Break down barriers for those still furthest from access and opportunity, making each step closer to outdoor equity count.

A huge thank-you to our TOTAL NM Action Team for all your hard work in bringing this event to life!

And a special thank-you to Kendra, Founder at Enchanted Equine Adventures and her amazing team for making it all possible, especially for the meaningful moments we shared connecting with the horses.

Shout-out to Representative G. Andrés Romero for your inspiring opening remarks and continued support for daily outdoor learning! Your words helped set the tone for meaningful conversations about how we can grow and strengthen outdoor learning opportunities across New Mexico. It was a truly beautiful morning filled with connection and shared purpose, and we’re so excited for all that’s still to come so check for updates on these next steps!!

— Allison Martin, Executive Director, TOTAL NM

-Below are some of the photos we took of our time together! Enjoy!!