Shaping Future Stewards:

Nestled in the breathtaking Sandia Mountains just east of Albuquerque, New Mexico, the Sandia Mountain Natural History Center (SMNHC) has stood as a beacon of environmental education for over half a century. Jointly operated by Albuquerque Public Schools and the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science, this 128-acre ecological gem offers immersive outdoor learning experiences that leave an indelible impact on its participants. Through hands-on programs, innovative outreach, and a deep commitment to fostering environmental stewardship, the SMNHC has become a cornerstone of ecological education in New Mexico. With vital support from the Outdoor Equity Fund (OEF), the center has extended its reach, transforming the lives of thousands of students and their communities across the state.

Since its establishment in 1967, the SMNHC has served as a hub for ecological exploration and learning. Its flagship program, the Ecology Field Program (EFP), has introduced generations of fifth-grade students to the interconnected wonders of the natural world. The program combines science-based education with hands-on experiences, teaching students about ecosystems, producers, consumers, decomposers, and the intricate balance of biotic and abiotic elements. By immersing students in these concepts through guided hikes and interactive activities, the SMNHC fosters curiosity, critical thinking, and a lifelong appreciation for nature.

The center’s facilities include seven miles of trails, outdoor classrooms, a lab, and other resources designed to engage students in active learning. Beyond its physical site, the SMNHC’s Traveling Ecology Field Program extends these lessons to rural and underserved communities across New Mexico, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to connect with the environment, regardless of geographic or economic barriers.

The Outdoor Equity Fund has been a game-changer for the SMNHC, enabling it to expand its programming and overcome financial barriers that often limit access to outdoor education. With OEF support, the center has provided full transportation reimbursements for schools, ensuring that students from rural areas, Title I schools, and Tribal communities can participate in its transformative programs.

“This funding has been crucial,” shares Fiana Shapiro, an environmental education instructional coordinator at the SMNHC. “For many schools, transportation costs are a significant hurdle. The OEF allows us to bring students to the Sandia Mountains or take our programming to them through our Traveling Ecology Field Program.”

These outreach programs have reached students in communities as diverse as Gallup, Silver City, Mora, and Farmington. By tailoring lessons to local ecosystems, the SMNHC ensures that students see the relevance of their learning to their own surroundings. From exploring the piñon-juniper forests of the Sandias to examining the unique features of Coyote Creek or Bluewater Lake State Park, these programs ignite a sense of wonder and ownership in students, encouraging them to see themselves as stewards of their local environment.

For many students, a day at the SMNHC or participating in its traveling programs is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The hands-on nature of the programming leaves a lasting impression, as students hike trails, observe wildlife, and engage in activities like scavenger hunts, tree identification, and studying animal tracks.

“It’s amazing to see how excited kids get,” says Shapiro. “They’ll call me over to show me a centipede or a squirrel. For many, it’s their first time hiking or really engaging with the natural world. That spark of curiosity is what makes our work so rewarding.”

The impact of these experiences extends beyond science education. Teachers and parents often report that students leave with a greater sense of confidence, teamwork, and appreciation for their surroundings. One teacher noted, “This program creates a bridge between concepts presented in the classroom and the real-world experience of an ecosystem. It helps students see the importance of preserving and protecting the environment for future generations.”

For urban students, the SMNHC provides a rare opportunity to disconnect from their daily environment and connect with nature. For rural students, the programs reinforce their familiarity with outdoor spaces while introducing scientific tools and methods they might not encounter otherwise. These varied experiences reflect the center’s mission to make outdoor education accessible and meaningful for all.

The SMNHC’s programs are designed not only to educate but also to inspire. Many students leave with a newfound interest in ecology, conservation, and even potential career paths in the environmental field.

“We’ve had kids tell us they want to be park rangers or wildlife biologists after participating in our programs,” Shapiro shares. “That’s the long-term goal—to nurture a generation that values and protects our natural resources.”

Despite its successes, the SMNHC faces ongoing challenges in securing consistent funding. While the OEF has been instrumental, the center’s reliance on grants and variable budgets limits its ability to plan long-term programs and expand its reach. Shapiro highlights the importance of sustainable funding:

“So much time and energy is spent securing funding and wondering where it will come from next. Having consistent, long-term support would allow us to focus more on what we do best—providing impactful outdoor education to students across New Mexico.”

Sustainable funding would also enable the center to hire additional staff, develop new programming, and serve even more communities. By investing in programs like the SMNHC, New Mexico can ensure that future generations are equipped to address pressing environmental challenges and embrace opportunities in conservation and outdoor industries.

As the SMNHC celebrates its legacy and looks to the future, it remains committed to its mission of connecting students with nature and fostering environmental stewardship. With continued support from initiatives like the OEF, the center can expand its impact, inspiring thousands more students to care for and protect New Mexico’s unique ecosystems.

The Outdoor Equity Fund’s role in this vision cannot be overstated. By breaking down financial barriers and providing equitable access to outdoor education, the OEF empowers programs like the SMNHC to change lives. Every hike, observation, and moment of discovery is a step toward a brighter, more sustainable future for New Mexico.

The Sandia Mountain Natural History Center is more than an educational facility—it’s a catalyst for change. Through its innovative programs and the vital support of the Outdoor Equity Fund, the center has touched the lives of countless students, teachers, and families. Its legacy of environmental education continues to grow, ensuring that every child, regardless of background, has the opportunity to explore, learn, and dream in the great outdoors. With sustained investment and community support, the SMNHC stands poised to lead New Mexico toward a future where nature and education go hand in hand.