Embracing Nature and Building Purpose:

Nestled in the heart of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in Mora County, New Mexico, Collins Lake Ranch is more than just a picturesque retreat. It is a sanctuary where nature, education, and purpose converge to create transformative experiences for individuals of all ages and abilities. For decades, this ranch has embodied its mission to provide supported living, education, and therapeutic services in a nature-based setting, proving the power of the outdoors to heal, inspire, and empower.

Thanks to the support of programs like the Outdoor Equity Fund (OEF), Collins Lake Ranch has expanded its reach and impact, creating life-changing opportunities for underserved youth in Northern New Mexico. Through innovative programs that combine environmental education, outdoor recreation, and personal growth, the ranch is cultivating a new generation of confident, community-minded individuals.

The story of Collins Lake Ranch began with a family’s dream to create a purposeful community for individuals with disabilities. In 1997, Steve and Shelley Smaby purchased the 300-acre ranch, initially as a vacation home for their family. Their adopted son Alex, diagnosed with autism at age two, found solace and joy in the tranquil pastures, shimmering lake, and towering ponderosa pines of the ranch. As Alex grew, the Smabys recognized the ranch’s potential to offer others the same healing and fulfillment it had provided their family.

In 2013, the Smabys began building homes for adults with disabilities on the ranch, offering a safe and nurturing environment where residents could live, work, and thrive. This vision expanded to include younger individuals through outdoor education programs, day camps, and enrichment activities—initiatives designed to share the ranch’s gifts with the broader community.

The Outdoor Equity Fund has played a pivotal role in helping Collins Lake Ranch implement programs that connect youth to the natural world. In 2022, OEF funding supported a groundbreaking summer reading program that merged literacy education with outdoor exploration. Targeting elementary-aged children from Mora and the surrounding areas, this program transformed traditional learning into an immersive, hands-on experience.

“We had kids walking through the woods identifying letters and words from their environment,” recalls Steve Smaby, founder of Collins Lake Ranch. “They didn’t even realize they were learning because they were having so much fun.” Activities included everything from nature-based scavenger hunts to water balloon spelling games, seamlessly blending academics with outdoor play. For children who had never ventured into the mountains or camped under the stars, this program opened up a world of possibilities.

One poignant moment from the program exemplifies its impact: a parent shared that their child, previously reluctant to attend school, now eagerly awaited Mondays to return to the ranch. For this young learner and many others, the program ignited a passion for learning and a newfound appreciation for the natural world.

The importance of Collins Lake Ranch’s programs became even more evident in the aftermath of the Hermits Peak/Calf Canyon wildfire in 2022. The devastating blaze, which consumed over 300,000 acres of forest in Mora County, left a profound mark on the community. Recognizing the need for healing, Collins Lake Ranch partnered with Highlands University, the local school district, and the LANL Foundation to launch an environmental education program. Each Friday, 50 to 60 students arrived at the ranch for outdoor classes designed to educate and soothe.

“The wildfire was a traumatic event for so many families,” Smaby explains. “Being out in nature helped these kids process their emotions while learning about environmental stewardship and resilience.”

Through hands-on activities like planting trees, studying fire ecology, and observing wildlife, students not only deepened their understanding of nature but also found solace in its beauty. The program’s success has inspired plans to expand its reach to additional school districts and create a year-round environmental education center.

Collins Lake Ranch’s initiatives go beyond academics and recreation—they instill a sense of purpose and confidence in participants. During the pandemic, when many local students struggled with remote learning, the ranch became a lifeline. It provided internet access and outdoor classrooms, offering students a place to complete their assignments while engaging in enriching activities like hiking, gardening, and animal care. The impact was profound, with many students discovering new strengths and aspirations.

One standout story involves a high school freshman who initially planned to drop out. After spending time at the ranch, working with animals, and engaging in outdoor education, he decided to pursue a career as a veterinary technician. “He went from being ready to leave school to asking for extra help in science classes,” Smaby shares. “That’s the power of connecting with nature and finding a sense of purpose.”

The future of Collins Lake Ranch is as ambitious as its past achievements. The team is currently exploring the development of a charter school focused on outdoor education and special needs, fulfilling a growing demand for innovative learning models in rural communities.

Moreover, the ranch envisions creating a dedicated environmental education center where students from across New Mexico can immerse themselves in multi-day programs. These efforts aim to build on the ranch’s legacy of fostering environmental awareness, community engagement, and personal growth.

To achieve these goals, sustained funding is critical. The Outdoor Equity Fund remains a cornerstone of Collins Lake Ranch’s ability to deliver impactful programs, ensuring that children from all backgrounds have the opportunity to explore, learn, and grow in the outdoors.

Collins Lake Ranch is a testament to the transformative power of nature and community. Through its innovative programs and unwavering commitment to inclusivity, the ranch has become a beacon of hope and opportunity for Northern New Mexico. By investing in outdoor education and supporting initiatives like the Outdoor Equity Fund, we can ensure that the next generation—regardless of their background—has the tools and inspiration to build a brighter future.

For Steve Smaby, the vision is clear: “Everyone deserves to live a purposeful life. And for so many, that purpose starts here, under the open skies, surrounded by the beauty of this land.