Restoring connections: How the Asombro Institute and outdoor equity funds are transforming science education in southern New Mexico

This blog was authored by Semilla Strategies in collaboration with Asombro Institute in an effort to spotlight how the Outdoor Equity Fund is helping improve access to the outdoors for youth across New Mexico. We extend our sincerest gratitude to Asombro Institute and Semilla Strategies for their partnership in this storytelling series. 

The Chihuahuan Desert, often perceived as barren and lifeless, holds a world of wonder for those willing to look closer. For over two decades, the Asombro Institute for Science Education has been dedicated to fostering this sense of wonder, inspiring thousands of New Mexico youth to explore and connect with their environment. With the support of the Outdoor Equity Fund (OEF), Asombro has expanded its innovative, place-based science education programs, creating transformative experiences for students across southern New Mexico.

Founded in the early 2000s, the Asombro Institute for Science Education began with a mission to increase natural science literacy through hands-on, inquiry-based education. Serving more than 22,000 K-12 students annually, the organization operates out of its 900-acre outdoor classroom, the Chihuahuan Desert Nature Park, located just north of Las Cruces. Over the years, the Institute has developed a reputation for designing engaging programs that blend rigorous scientific concepts with outdoor learning.

The name “Asombro,” Spanish for “wonder,” reflects the Institute’s guiding philosophy: to inspire awe and curiosity in every participant. For many students, Asombro’s programs offer their first opportunity to experience the desert as more than just a harsh environment. They learn that the desert is a vibrant ecosystem teeming with life, ripe with opportunities for exploration and discovery.

The Outdoor Equity Fund has been a critical partner in helping Asombro bring these opportunities to economically disadvantaged and historically underserved communities. Since receiving its first OEF grant in 2021, Asombro has launched and expanded impactful programs such as Restoring Connections and Enhanced Elementary Field Trips, providing students with unique outdoor learning experiences while addressing equity gaps in education.

Restoring Connections, the Institute’s flagship OEF-supported program, has brought more than 500 middle school students into the field. Designed to reconnect youth with the environment and their local community, the program emphasizes the science behind the transformation of the desert landscape—from grassland to shrubland—and the ongoing efforts to restore its natural balance.

“OEF funding was instrumental in creating and launching this program,” said Stephanie Bestelmeyer, executive director of the Asombro Institute, “It allowed us to develop high-quality lessons, pilot test them and ultimately create a sustainable program that continues to impact students.”

Restoring Connections is a two-part program that immerses middle school students in both their schoolyard and the Chihuahuan Desert Nature Park. During the first phase, students learn about desert ecology and human impact by collecting data and exploring how desert landscapes have changed over time. The second phase focuses on solutions, as students visit the nature park to learn about restoration techniques, such as shrub removal and grassland recovery.

“We wanted to create a program that not only taught students about environmental challenges but also empowered them to see themselves as part of the solution,” said Bestelmeyer, “Through hands-on activities, they gain a deeper appreciation for the desert and its unique role in their lives.”

Teachers have praised the program for its ability to engage students who might struggle in traditional classroom settings. “Some of the quieter kids or those who aren’t usually excited about science really come alive when we’re out in the field,” one teacher noted, “They work in teams, solve problems and lead discussions—it’s amazing to see.”

Restoring Connections doesn’t just foster environmental stewardship, it also plants the seeds for future careers. By introducing students to local scientists, land managers and ecologists, the program exposes them to professions they may never have considered.

“We want kids to understand that there are exciting, meaningful careers in science and conservation right here in New Mexico,” said Bestelmeyer, “Meeting professionals who work outdoors, study ecosystems or manage public lands helps them see that they can contribute to their community in these ways.”

Breaking stereotypes about science and scientists is a core component of the program. Many students initially describe scientists as older men in lab coats working in chemistry labs. Through their participation in Restoring Connections, they meet diverse professionals who work in the field and see themselves reflected in these roles. The hope is that these encounters will inspire some students to pursue science-related careers, helping to address New Mexico’s challenges with brain drain and talent retention.

In addition to continuing Restoring Connections, Asombro recently secured a second OEF grant to launch a new program: Enhanced Elementary Field Trips. This initiative will bring elementary students into outdoor learning environments, building foundational science literacy and fostering curiosity at an early age.

“This is something we’ve wanted to do for years,” said Bestelmeyer, “The OEF funding gives us the resources to develop lessons specifically for younger students, providing them with meaningful outdoor experiences that align with science standards.”

The program is still in its early stages, with lesson development underway. However, it promises to build on the successes of Restoring Connections, creating a pathway for younger students to grow into environmentally aware and scientifically literate citizens.

Asombro’s programs also address broader issues of equity and well-being. Many of the students they serve come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, and their families may lack the resources or opportunities to explore the outdoors. By providing transportation, meals and free programming, Asombro removes these barriers, ensuring that every child has access to transformative outdoor experiences.

Moreover, these programs offer a vital outlet for mental health, particularly for students facing challenges at home. Teachers and parents have reported seeing significant improvements in students’ confidence, teamwork skills and overall well-being after participating in Asombro’s programs.

“Getting outside, working together and learning something new—it’s more than just science. It’s building a sense of community and purpose for these kids,” said Bestelmeyer.

Asombro’s work with OEF exemplifies the power of strategic investment in outdoor education. With continued support, the institute hopes to expand its reach, bring even more students into the field and inspire the next generation of conservation leaders.

“We’re grateful for the OEF’s commitment to equity and education,” said Bestelmeyer, “Programs like Restoring Connections show how much we can achieve when we invest in our youth and their relationship with the natural world.”

For New Mexico legislators, Asombro’s story underscores the importance of securing recurring, sustainable funding for the Outdoor Equity Fund. The return on investment is clear: a generation of young people who are scientifically literate, environmentally conscious and ready to take on the challenges of the future.

By fostering a sense of wonder and connection, the Asombro Institute is not only changing lives but also ensuring that New Mexico’s natural heritage remains a source of inspiration and opportunity for generations to come.