Education

Rivers & Birds has taught over 7,000 public school students in immersive, hands-on learning adventures on Northern New Mexico’s expansive public lands. We annually operate Students Explore Wilderness, Kids in the Monument, and The Watershed Learning Project which engage hundreds of culturally diverse children on in-depth, multi-day learning adventures—all free-of-charge for students, parents, and teachers. We are renowned throughout the Taos area for engaging elementary students in what it means to be part of the natural world.

Land Protections

Since 2013, Rivers & Birds has been instrumental in designating around 308,000 acres of federally protected public lands in Taos County! Enjoy the Columbine Hondo Wilderness, Rio Grande del Norte National Monument, Rio San Antonio Wilderness, and Cerro del Yuta (Ute Mountain) Wilderness, all while observing responsible outdoor ethics like Leave No Trace.

Tree Planting

Rivers & Birds’ students have planted a forest of about 700 native trees along the Rio Grande in the Orilla Verde Recreation Area. These cottonwood and box elder trees provide shade and shelter for countless birds, wildlife, humans, and an occasional feast for beavers—although we are always working to improve fencing around threatened trees!