April 27, 2026

The Wild Friends program, in conjunction with the UNM Museum of Southwestern Biology and the Xerces Society, sponsored a workshop for state agency staff from across New Mexico about insect conservation. The workshop was attended by over 40 staffers, representing almost a dozen state agencies, from the NM Department of Health to the NM Department of Wildlife, and many others. The workshop, which focused on insect biology, identification, and management, was the result of the Wild Friends' legislation from the 2026 New Mexico Legislative session (SM3 and HM26). Wild Friends students from Ruidoso HIgh School gave a wonderful introduction and overview of their experience at the Roundhouse!