Rooted in Change:

For many young people in New Mexico, the vast landscapes of the state—its mountains, rivers, deserts, and forests—remain out of reach. Despite living in a place known for its breathtaking natural beauty, historically underserved communities, especially Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) youth, often lack access to outdoor spaces, educational opportunities in conservation, and career pathways tied to land stewardship. The Semilla Project is working to change that.

Through outdoor education, leadership development, and cultural grounding, The Semilla Project has become a hub for empowering BIPOC youth to not only connect with nature but to see themselves as leaders in the environmental movement. With support from the Outdoor Equity Fund (OEF), the organization has been able to expand its programming, invest in critical infrastructure, and create year-round opportunities for young people.

The Semilla Project is more than just an outdoor recreation program. It is a movement that fosters intergenerational leadership, advocacy, and deep-rooted connections to land and identity.

“Our work isn’t just about getting kids outside,” says Josue De Luna Navarro, The Semilla Project’s Outdoors and Land-Based Learning Director. “We use the outdoors as a gateway to build leadership, civic engagement, and policy change. We want youth to see themselves as part of the land’s story and its future.”

The organization’s programming is centered around five key pillars:

• Strengthening Movement Frontlines – Training young leaders in civic engagement and policy work.
• Cultivating and Transforming Leaders – Mentorship programs that empower BIPOC youth.
• Deepening Indigeneity with Land-Based Learning – Using outdoor experiences to build identity and well-being.
• Revolutionizing Economic Development Models – Creating pathways into outdoor industries and conservation careers.
• Transforming Media Narratives – Amplifying the voices and stories of historically underrepresented communities.

At the heart of this work is the belief that outdoor access is a right, not a privilege. Through OEF funding, The Semilla Project has been able to make that belief a reality.

Since 2021, The Semilla Project has been a recipient of OEF funding, allowing them to expand their programming, improve access to outdoor education, and invest in critical infrastructure like transportation, equipment, and year-round learning opportunities.

“OEF has been a foundational pillar for us,” says De Luna Navarro. “It didn’t just allow us to run more events—it allowed us to build an intentional and sustainable structure for outdoor access. Transportation, outreach, and equipment aren’t afterthoughts. They are central to ensuring that our youth have real opportunities to engage with the land.”

Prior to receiving OEF support, The Semilla Project’s outdoor programs were limited in scale. Now, thanks to the fund, the organization has been able to create a full-year outdoor education program that includes:

• No-cost climbing days for BIPOC youth
• Three-day and ten-day outdoor intensives
• Backpacking excursions that include Indigenous storytelling and conservation education
• Snowshoeing and winter adventure programs
• Water-based activities like rafting and river ecology workshops
• Mountaineering leadership training, including international excursions like “The Return” to Citlaltepetl, the highest volcanic summit in North America

The Outdoor Equity Fund has also allowed The Semilla Project to reach more youth than ever before. Since 2022, they have engaged approximately 1,000 young people, with each year reaching 200-300 participants through a mix of school partnerships, community outreach, and grassroots engagement.

For The Semilla Project, outdoor education isn’t just about fun experiences—it’s about transforming lives and shaping future careers. Many of the youth who first participate in Semilla’s outdoor programs return as mentors and leaders. Some even go on to pursue careers in conservation, outdoor education, or environmental policy.

One such participant is Gabby, who first joined The Semilla Project’s Summer Outdoor Program as a high school student. What started as an opportunity to explore nature turned into a transformative experience that shaped her personal and professional goals. Through her participation, Gabby found not only healing and community but also a passion for environmental justice and advocacy. She is now actively involved in legislative efforts to protect public lands and ensure continued investment in outdoor access for BIPOC youth.

Another success story lies within The Semilla Project’s own staff. Several current team members first encountered the organization as youth participants and later transitioned into leadership roles. This “cycle of empowerment” is central to the organization’s philosophy: young people who discover their strength in the outdoors today become the mentors, educators, and advocates of tomorrow.

“We’re building a pathway,” explains De Luna Navarro. “Outdoor equity isn’t just about access to nature—it’s about ensuring that our communities have the knowledge, training, and opportunities to turn that access into long-term engagement and careers.”

Despite the undeniable success of programs like The Semilla Project, the future of OEF remains uncertain. Funding fluctuations have forced some programs to scale back or deny participants access, limiting the reach of an initiative that has already proven its value.

“We’ve seen the difference this funding makes,” says De Luna Navarro. “We’ve seen how it transforms young people’s confidence, their sense of identity, and their understanding of their role in protecting the land. But without full funding, these opportunities will disappear for many.”

The investment in OEF isn’t just an investment in outdoor access—it’s an investment in the future workforce, environmental sustainability, and the well-being of New Mexico’s communities. Programs like The Semilla Project are proving that when youth are given access, men

As New Mexico legislators consider the next funding cycle for the Outdoor Equity Fund, the stories emerging from The Semilla Project are a testament to what is possible when barriers are removed and opportunities are created.

“This isn’t just about one generation of kids going on hikes,” says De Luna Navarro. “This is about breaking cycles of exclusion and investing in a future where New Mexico’s public lands, waterways, and outdoor spaces belong to all of us—where our youth see themselves not just as visitors, but as protectors and leaders.”

The Outdoor Equity Fund has already created a ripple effect of transformation across the state. Now, it’s up to policymakers to ensure that this momentum continues. With full funding, The Semilla Project and programs like it will continue to grow, empower, and change lives for generations to come.