Empowering Outdoor Access in New Mexico with Karina Armijo 512

 Today I'm talking with Karina Armijo from the New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Division. As Director of the Outdoor Recreation Division for the State of New Mexico, Karina is dedicated to advancing sustainable outdoor recreation opportunities that benefit communities, empower youth and foster economic growth across the state.

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What Happened:

I’ll be honest: when I first heard the New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Division had pumped $28 million into trails and parks, I pictured paved walking loops and dusty brochures.

Then I spoke with Karina Armijo.

She casually dropped stories about tribal bike parks where kids are launching off jumps with mountains as their backdrop. About a labyrinth the size of a football field—built to heal, connect, and invite. About how four people (yes, just four!) are personally walking communities through grant applications to make sure everyone feels heard.

It’s not just about the trails. It’s about pride. Ownership. Identity.

This isn’t a government division tossing out cash. It’s communities rising up, saying, “We want a piece of this, and here’s how we’ll make it our own.”

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Principle:

Access to the outdoors isn’t just a luxury—it’s infrastructure for mental health, community resilience, and economic revival. And it should be built with people, not just for them.

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Transition:

Too many towns think, “We don’t have the budget for something big,” or “No one will show up.” But often, it’s not money that’s missing—it’s a seat at the right table, the right story, and a champion to back them up.

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That’s Why:

That’s why I brought Karina onto the show. To prove what’s possible when community-driven ideas meet a team willing to hike the bureaucratic switchbacks with you. This episode isn’t just about outdoor grants. It’s about reimagining what your community could become—if someone believed in it first.

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Call to Action

Feeling stuck watching your town stay overlooked while others boom? It’s not your fault. You’ve been missing the support—and the belief—you deserve. Listen to this episode now and see how real transformation starts with one trail and a whole lot of heart.

👉 [Listen to the full episode here]

#New Mexico Outdoor Recreation, #outdoor recreation grants, #Outdoor Equity Fund, #rural communities, #tribal communities, #trail infrastructure, #economic development, #youth programs, #Sabinosa Wilderness, #New Mexico tourism