Grant Description

SFCT’s Community Conservation Programs provide equitable/inclusive experiences in nature to underserved kids and adults with limited access to local trails and the health-giving benefits of nature.

Tracking Metric

Description
SFCT works to provide equitable access to nature to the underserved in our community. Passport to Trails program takes school children and family chaperones on field trips on Santa Fe’s 55-mile trail system. 4th and 5th graders from primarily Spanish-speaking Nina Otero Community School and El Camino Real Academy take part, with each grade level completing two hikes per year. Students learn how to read maps and trail signs. They learn about the flora and fauna of the area, how to be outdoors safely and responsibly, and where to hike so they can enjoy the trails on their own with their families. Their passport contains maps of the trails. To motivate the students, at the end of the first hike, each student gets a hydration backpack. Since 2014, we have taken over 3,000 students and their chaperones out to the trails and average about 500 participants per year. Vámonos Santa Fe Walks offers individuals, families, the elderly, the infirm and those afraid to walk alone an opportunity to explore our urban and regional trail system with weekly walks from May - Oct. Regular walking and being outside in nature improves public health, including lowering the risk of heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure, as well as providing help with weight loss and social isolation. Working to get citizens of all ages and abilities on our trail system connects them to each other and to the natural environment. Vámonos averages about 400 walkers per year.

Goal
476