Why This History Matters
A Shared Foundation and 20+ Years of Statewide Commitment
New Mexico’s investment in outdoor learning is not new. For more than two decades, legislators, educators, agencies, and community leaders have advanced a shared vision: that every child in New Mexico deserves meaningful access to outdoor learning.
This timeline reflects sustained bipartisan leadership, community-driven strategy, and increasing alignment across state systems. Together, these efforts have built the foundation for today’s momentum, moving outdoor learning from isolated programs toward a coordinated, statewide approach.
2005
Senate Joint Memorial 24
Encouraged collaboration between the Public Education Department and the State Parks Division to expand outdoor education opportunities.
Laid the groundwork for the State Outdoor Classroom Program led by State Parks.
2012
House Memorial 3 — Children’s Outdoor Bill of Rights
Affirmed that every New Mexico child should have the opportunity to:
- Play outside and freely explore
- Watch wildlife
- Wade in clean rivers, lakes, and ponds
- Fish and hunt responsibly
- Camp under the stars
- Plant seeds and visit farms and ranches
- Travel trails
- Explore parks and nature centers
- Care for land, water, and wildlife
- Dig in the dirt and learn from the natural world
- Use imagination to draw, dance, sing, and play outdoors
This marked the first formal acknowledgment of the growing body of research demonstrating the critical importance of nature access for children—especially those in urban communities.
2012–2015
Environmental Literacy Planning Process
More than 200 educators and community members contributed to a statewide Environmental Literacy Planning effort.
In 2015, a draft Environmental Literacy Plan established shared priorities for integrating environmental education across New Mexico.
This work was led and sustained by Environmental Education of New Mexico (EENM) in partnership with agencies and nonprofits.
2016
House Joint Memorial 3 — Affirming Environmental Education
- Established Environmental Education Week in New Mexico
- Highlighted the academic and developmental benefits of environmental education
- Requested a feasibility study for a state grant program
- Directed the Public Education Department to host the Environmental Literacy Plan
This strengthened statewide recognition of environmental education as essential to student learning.
2018
First Statewide Environmental Education Inventory
EENM released the first comprehensive inventory of K–12 environmental education programs, documenting the breadth and reach of outdoor learning across the state.
2019
Senate Bill 462 — Outdoor Recreation Division & Outdoor Equity Fund
Established the Outdoor Recreation Division within the Economic Development Department and created the Outdoor Equity Fund, expanding access to outdoor recreation and environmental education for low-income youth.
That same year, EENM launched a new strategic direction informed by more than 100 leaders across education, conservation, environmental justice, and outdoor recreation.
2020
“Every Kid, Every Day, Every Way” Shared vision and strategy and Messaging
Developed through three years of community dialogue involving more than 200 individuals across 90 organizations, this first-of-its-kind national framework outlined a bold vision:
Daily, equitable access to outdoor learning for every New Mexico child.
It established a systems-change approach connecting outdoor access, education, and equity.
2021
Senate Memorial 1 — Outdoor Classroom Task Force
Drafted by New Mexico students, with support from UNM Law School’s Wild Friends Program and EENM, this memorial called for:
- A statewide Outdoor Classrooms Program
- Dedicated staffing within the Public Education Department
- Microgrants for schools
- Ongoing professional development for educators
The Task Force’s recommendations marked a critical shift from vision to structural implementation.
2021
State of Outdoor and Environmental Learning (SOEL)
A landmark statewide analysis documenting:
- 400+ programs
- 280,000+ students served
- Growing equity and inclusion efforts
This report provided essential baseline data and highlighted both strengths and gaps across the system.
2021
Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan Update
Expanded statewide planning to include outdoor education, access, and equity—further embedding outdoor learning into long-term state infrastructure.
2022
Establishment of the Outdoor Learning Program (PED)
Through Senate Bill 32 and House Bill 2, New Mexico made its first direct investment in outdoor learning infrastructure within the Public Education Department.
September 18, 2023
Establishment of TOTAL New Mexico
Teaching Outdoors to All Learners
Co Founded by Executive Director Allison Martin and Board Chair Eileen Everett, TOTAL NM was created to provide sustained, full-time coordination for advancing daily outdoor learning statewide.
TOTAL NM serves as a backbone organization—aligning partners, supporting educators, and building systems that extend beyond short-term initiatives.
“I took every piece of my background, everything I had learned along the way, every conversation that was had, every idea that was shared, and every piece of advice that was given to help—and I marched forward to begin this work.” — Allison Martin
2025
New Mexico Outdoor Classrooms Framework
Developed by TOTAL NM in collaboration with educators, this framework serves as a practical guide for schools and communities to implement and sustain daily outdoor learning.
2026
Outdoor Learning Sustainability Plan
Marks a critical transition:
- Advocacy → Implementation
- Individual champions → Coordinated systems
- Short-term funding → Long-term sustainability
- Vision → Embedded practice and daily support
This plan establishes the statewide structure needed to normalize and sustain outdoor learning for all students.
“Movements require all of us. We each play a role and have a shared responsibility to move different pieces forward. Connections and shared power are a way to set these things in motion and let them grow, transform, and continue the work well beyond what a document ever could.”
— Eileen Everett
TOTAL NM’s journey reflects a growing, statewide movement to make daily outdoor learning accessible to all students. From early community conversations to expanding partnerships and systems-level change, this timeline highlights the milestones, collaborations, and momentum driving outdoor learning across New Mexico.