Albuquerque Public Schools
Traveling Ecology Field Program
The Traveling Ecology Field Program is offered to 5th grade classes throughout New Mexico.
Students gathered around instructor Paul at Coyote Creek State Park.
Program Description
For schools outside the Albuquerque area, we offer the Traveling Ecology Field Program (TEFP) statewide. In this exciting program, the State-employed staff of the SMNHC meet your students at a natural area near your school and lead students on a program covering all the same themes as the regular Ecology Field program, but focused on their local ecosystem.
Apply to the Kids 'n Parks Transportation grant for transportation money at the beginning of each school year, and you can arrange your program at a New Mexico State Park for free! Other areas that have been used for our program include National Park Service sites, National Forest areas, BLM land, city parks, and natural areas adjacent to schools.
Places We've Taught
- Navajo Lake State Park (near Aztec, Farmington, Bloomfield)
- Bluewater Lake State Park (near Grants, Gallup)
- Bottomless Lakes State Park (near Roswell)
- Coyote Creek State Park (near Mora, Las Vegas)
- Sugarite Canyon State Park (near Raton)
- Hyde Memorial State Park (near Santa Fe)
- El Malpais National Monument (near Grants, Gallup)
- Gomez Peak in Gila National Forest (near Silver City)
- Berg Park (in Farmington)
- Rio Grande Nature Center State Park (in Albuquerque)
Location Needs
Outdoor teaching areas require hiking trails with sufficient length and route options, and/or places to spread out to do activities. The more classes at once, the more different trails or areas we need available. Also required are restroom facilities and a parking area with school bus access.
Our staff have scouted many natural areas throughout the state and can provide location recommendations. Contact us to find out where we can teach near you!
Program Registration
To inquire about scheduling a Traveling Ecology Field Program near your school, contact Fiana Shapiro at fiana.shapiro@dca.nm.gov or by calling (505) 281-5259 x4.
To apply to have transportation costs covered to any New Mexico State Park, visit our Kids n' Parks Transportation Grant page for more information. The application deadline has passed for the 2022-23 school year. Next year's application period will be sometime in late summer/fall 2023.
Quotes from Students
“Thank you for coming down from ABQ and teaching us about ecosystems. We appreciated it.” -students who attended program at Bottomless Lakes State Park
“When I grow up I want to be like you because I can teach other children what you taught me.” -student who attended program at Bottomless Lakes State Park
"We have just returned from our Simon Canyon field trip, and I want to thank all of you for being so outstanding!! We all had a great time, and the students really enjoyed their day! We appreciate your professionalism and great leadership as tour guides." -teacher whose class attended program at Navajo Lake State Park