Santa Fe Conservation Trust

The Santa Fe Conservation Trust is a 29-year-old, accredited land trust that works with landowners and community partners to permanently protect important landscapes across northern New Mexico. They currently conserve more than 43,000 acres and protect the open spaces and scenic views that improve our quality of life. They also focus on connecting its easements into larger, contiguous protected corridors to strengthen our region's resilience to climate change, protect wildlife habitat and biodiversity, and where possible, expand access to outdoor recreation. SFCT has been involved in the development of more than 75 miles of regional trails. Through an active volunteer trail program, SFCT maintains the City of Santa Fe’s 55 miles of dirt trails so everyone can enjoy them safely.  

SFCT’s Community Conservation Programs promote equitable access to nature. Passport to Trails introduces outdoor learning, exercise, and nature study to 4th and 5th grade primarily Spanish-speaking students from southside schools. Vámonos-Santa Fe Walks invites families, elders, and those who don't like to walk alone to join free, guided walks on ADA-accessible trails and monthly nature hikes that introduce participants to regional dirt trails.

In partnership with Santa Fe Public Schools and the City, SFCT is implementing the Safe Routes To Schools Program. This program encouragesK-8 students to walk and bike to school, which helps our kids be healthier, lessens traffic, and improves our air quality. The Night Sky Monitoring Program provides light pollution data to help protect and enjoy the same starry sky that our ancestors revered.

Building an appreciation for the outdoors through outreach and education is essential for everyone, but particularly the younger generation who will grow to care about protecting land if they have meaningful outdoor learning and recreational opportunities.