By Organ Mountain News on Jul 3, 2026

New Mexico funds conservation jobs for more than 600 young people

New Mexico’s Youth Conservation Corps awarded nearly $7 million to conservation programs that will employ more than 600 young people statewide.

Young people participate in an outdoor conservation program. New Mexico’s Youth Conservation Corps awarded nearly $7 million this year to support paid conservation work and training for more than 600 youth statewide. (Natalia Loziak / Unsplash)

Youth Conservation Corps awards include programs in Otero and Hidalgo counties, along with statewide public-lands, acequia and conservation groups.

Organ Mountain News report

SANTA FE - New Mexico is funding conservation jobs and hands-on public-lands training for more than 600 young people this year, including programs in Otero and Hidalgo counties.

The New Mexico Youth Conservation Corps Commission awarded $5.89 million to 38 public-benefit programs across 20 counties, with another $1.1 million in matching funds, according to the state Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department. The awards will support paid work for young people ages 14 to 25.

Southern New Mexico recipients include EcoServants Otero County and Spirit of Hidalgo. Statewide or regional organizations receiving funding include Conservation Legacy, the Foundation for America’s Public Lands, the New Mexico Acequia Association, the New Mexico State Land Office, the Forest Stewards Guild and several other groups working on conservation, land stewardship and community projects around the state.

“These projects give youth paid, hands-on experience that builds confidence, skills and a deep connection to our natural and cultural resources,” Amanda Getchell Stevenson, chair of the Youth Conservation Corps Commission, said in a news release.

The state-funded Youth Conservation Corps program supports local governments, Tribes, nonprofits and federal agencies that employ young people on public projects intended to conserve natural resources and benefit communities.

The program is administratively supported by the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department. Since 1992, it has funded community improvement projects on public lands and facilities throughout New Mexico.

Youth interested in participating may contact projects listed through the Youth Conservation Corps project webpage.

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