From spectacular canyons to working forests, the Fund and its partners have protected more than 55,000 acres across New Mexico, sustaining key wildlife populations, enhancing recreation opportunities and preserving the state’s rich cultural heritage.

Recent Projects

Gila National Forest

The view from north of Catwalks trailhead in Gila National Forest.

Significant portions of Animas Creek in the heart of Gila National Forest are now protected from potential development, thanks to an agreement that we negotiated between a private landowner and the U.S. Forest Service. More than 520 acres on six inholdings, which provide important habitat for a hybrid species of the Rio Grande cutthroat trout, were transferred to the agency.

In 2009, the 40-acre property that contains the historic rock tomb of Sergeant James Cooney, who discovered silver along Mineral Creek in 1870, gained permanent protection. The tomb, which previously was privately owned, lies within the Gila National Forest, completely surrounded by public land. TWe purchased the property and held it until the U.S. Forest Service secured the funding to acquire it as an addition to Gila National Forest.

In addition to its historic significance, the property protects frontage along Mineral Creek and provides access to a trailhead for the Mineral Creek Trail, which winds through Mineral Creek canyon, a narrow gorge with dramatic, colorful cliffs.

Past Projects:

Carson National Forest

Nearly 900 acres of spectacular cliffs, canyons and scenic vistas adjacent to Echo Amphitheater Recreation Area near Abiquiu are now part of Carson National Forest. On behalf of the USDA Forest Service and University of New Mexico, we facilitated the acquisition of the multi-hued, panoramic cliffs once painted by Georgia O'Keefe, a long-time area resident. The new addition to the forest enhances habitat for golden eagle, peregrine falcon and several migratory bird species.

Santa Fe National Forest

The lush meadows and dense conifer stands of Santa Fe National Forest beckon thousands of outdoor enthusiasts each year with some of the finest mountain scenery in the Southwest. On behalf of the USDA Forest Service, we protected Gascon Point, a pivotally positioned 1,600-acre inholding within the forest's Pecos Wilderness Area. The newly protected acreage is frequented by healthy populations of elk, black bear and bighorn sheep.

Valle Grande Grassbank

For six years we have partnered with the U.S. Forest Service, NMSU-Cooperative Extension Service, Northern New Mexico Stockman's Association, Quivira Coalition, Ford Foundation and McCune Foundation to revitalize public grazing lands under the auspices of the Valle Grande Grass Bank. Balancing economic and environmental objectives, local ranchers place their cattle on the Valle Grande's 36,000 acres while their allotments on federal lands are restored.

Certificate of Appreciation: The Valle Grande Grass Bank, a project of The Conservation Fund, has received a Certificate of Appreciation from Natalie M. Runyan, President, New Mexico Riparian Council for Excellence in Partnership. The Grass Bank was nominated by peers based on evaluation criteria put forth by the NMRC. The award was presented at the 44th Annual New Mexico Water Conference on December 2, 1999.

Civil War Battlefield Campaign: Glorieta Pass

Our Civil War Battlefield Campaign works in partnerships to protect our nation's hallowed ground, to provide comprehensive information on the 384 principal Civil War battlefields, designated by the Civil War Sites Advisory Commission, and to honor those that fought and died in the war. The Campaign has, with its partners, protected historic sites in 73 projects in 13 states, protecting more than 8,100 acres.

In March 1862, while Confederates from Texas battled a combined force of U. S. Regulars and volunteers from Colorado and New Mexico along the Santa Fe Trail near Glorieta Pass, a Union flanking column moved behind the Confederates’ lines and destroyed their wagon train at Cañoncito, forcing them to retreat to Texas.

A grant from The Gilder Foundation enabled us to work with the owners of historic land on the Glorieta Pass battlefield in the Pecos National Historical Park. We used its Southwest Revolving Fund, established by grants from the Hoblitzelle and Summerlee Foundations, and a loan from the National Park Trust to purchase more than 100 acres of hallowed ground. We held the five properties until the National Park Service had the federal funding, supplemented by a grant from The Civil War Preservation Trust, to purchase them from us and add them to the park.

The sites include a Pueblo built by Ancestral Pueblo People, and land at the center of the Glorieta Pass battlefield.