Each quarter, we choose an organization that is near and dear to our hearts as our Pledge 1% recipient. The Pledge 1% movement challenges companies to donate 1% of their revenue, product, or employee time (or all three) to support local nonprofit organizations. This summer quarter, we are excited to announce Nature Ninos as our Pledge 1% recipient again.
“It's important to us that we give back to the world that supports us. Pledge 1% makes it easy to honor that commitment by making sure that we are always donating to charitable causes, whether a little or a lot, in good times and bad.” – Tavis Malcolm, Founder of Morrison Outdoors
This incredible organization expands access to the outdoors, especially for youth and families, so they can explore and enjoy the lands of New Mexico safely. They encourage making connections and memories associated with the land so that our youth can grow to be better stewards of the environment. Nature Ninos is like family to us. In fact, Kohen, the son of Sarah, Executive Director of Nature Niños New Mexico, has joined the Morrison Outdoors team as our new Office Associate. We would like to welcome Kohen, who has been a tremendous help this summer shipping orders, processing returns, and organizing inventory.
We recently sat down with Sarah to chat about what this organization has to offer the families in New Mexico, and learn how their programs and resources have evolved this year.
What is Nature Ninos?
In 2024, we celebrated an exciting milestone as Nature Niños became an independent nonprofit. Since then, we've experienced incredible growth. What began as a vision to connect children and families with the outdoors has grown into a statewide movement that reaches youth through school-day programs, homeschool classes, community events, family adventures, and summer camps. Along the way, we've expanded our work into Albuquerque's South Valley, the East Mountains, and Santa Fe while continuing to build meaningful partnerships that make outdoor experiences accessible for every family.
What is Your Mission?
Our mission has never changed—it has simply grown alongside the communities we serve. Nature Niños creates welcoming spaces where children and families discover they belong outdoors. Through outdoor education, social-emotional learning, and hands-on exploration, we help young people build confidence, develop a love for New Mexico's lands and waters, and see themselves as future caretakers of the places they call home.
Why is it important to get families and youth into nature?
We've watched firsthand what happens when a child catches their first fish, plants their first tree, or hikes a trail they never imagined they could explore. Those moments become confidence, curiosity, and connection. Every family deserves the opportunity to experience that. By removing barriers and creating welcoming experiences, we're helping youth build lifelong relationships with nature—and with each other.
What programs, events, or resources do you provide for the community?
Over the past year, our programs have continued to evolve alongside our communities. In addition to school partnerships, homeschool programs, summer camps, family hikes, fishing, and archery, we've launched youth-led urban forestry initiatives that empower young people to plant and care for trees while learning about conservation and environmental stewardship. As we continue expanding into new communities, we're also creating more opportunities for youth leadership, internships, and career pathways that inspire the next generation of outdoor professionals.
From supporting early learners on their first hike to guiding high school interns as they lead outdoor programs for younger kids, our work is building a pipeline of community-rooted leaders ready to shape the future of outdoor access. You can always follow our events on our website or on social media.
Is there anything else you would like to share?
We're incredibly proud of how far Nature Niños has come, but what excites us most is where we're headed. Every new partnership, every child who discovers a love for the outdoors, and every family that feels welcomed into nature reminds us why this work matters.
We listen to our communities, remove barriers to participation, and collaborate with schools, nonprofits, agencies, and local partners across New Mexico to create meaningful outdoor experiences that last a lifetime.
We're deeply grateful to Morrison Outdoors for continuing to believe in our mission. Your partnership helps create countless first adventures—and lifelong connections to the outdoors—for children and families across New Mexico.
In support of this wonderful organization, we are directing a portion of every sale made in July, August, and September to help Nature Ninos provide excellent programs and opportunities for families and youth in New Mexico.
We believe everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, and we are proud to support organizations that share this mindset! Check out the Nature Ninos website for more information on programs and events happening this summer.
