The Mayfly Project is proud to announce that our Santa Fe program has been awarded funding through the Outdoor Equity Fund from the New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Division—an investment that will expand access to meaningful outdoor experiences for youth in foster care.
“These investments open doors for young people across New Mexico, connecting them to the outdoors, their communities, and future opportunities,” said Karina Armijo. This funding will support 8–10 youth through five guided fly fishing sessions alongside trained volunteer mentors, where participants will learn fly fishing, fly tying, aquatic ecology, fish biology, and conservation while building confidence, resilience, and connection to the natural world.
Youth in foster care often face significant barriers to accessing the outdoors, including frequent placement changes, economic hardship, limited transportation, lack of bilingual resources, and fewer opportunities for consistent adult mentorship. The Mayfly Project’s Santa Fe program is intentionally designed to address these challenges by providing gear, helping with transportation, and a structured, supportive environment where youth can engage fully.
By offering curriculum in both English and Spanish and utilizing interpreters when needed, the program ensures equitable access so that every participant—regardless of background—has the opportunity to experience and benefit from time outside.
Fly fishing serves as more than just a recreational activity within the program—it is a powerful life-improvement tool. Mental health professionals increasingly recognize its restorative effects, particularly for individuals who have experienced trauma, as it promotes focus, reduces stress, and supports emotional regulation. Through The Mayfly Project curriculum, participants learn the “characteristics of an angler,” including patience, mental rest, seeking wisdom, developing grit, and caring for the environment—skills that extend far beyond the water and into everyday life.
In addition to building personal skills, youth also engage in hands-on conservation education that fosters a deeper understanding of the natural world. Participants assess stream health by studying aquatic macroinvertebrates, take part in habitat protection through cleanup efforts, learn how to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species, and practice safe catch-and-release techniques. These experiences help cultivate a sense of stewardship while reinforcing the connection between healthy ecosystems and healthy communities.
Funding from the Outdoor Equity Fund will allow The Mayfly Project to expand its reach in Santa Fe, serving more youth and continuing to break down barriers to outdoor access. Together with community partners and supporters, we look forward to continuing this important work and making a lasting impact on the lives of youth in New Mexico!!
Read more about it HERE