News

Desert Critters Trail developed in Alamogordo

August 25, 2021

The City of Alamogordo in partnership with the Otero Health Council Healthy Eating Active Living (HEAL) team recently invited the community to explore the new Desert Critters Trail located on Washington Park Stage in Alamogordo, New Mexico. The Desert Critters Trail was developed to get people walking, learn about local nature and involve the community to enjoy spending time together outdoors. The trail highlights 19 indigenous species of animals on stone monuments hidden throughout the trail and park for people to locate as part of a scavenger hunt. “This project is a fun new opportunity for families. I am looking forward to bringing my own kids to the park to find the Desert Critters,” said Kayla Wedlow, Otero Health Council HEAL Chairperson. The revitalization and upgrade of Washington Park offered City leaders and the HEAL team the opportunity to create a community environment that promotes physical activity and reduces sedentary behavior. Washington Park was the ideal location, offering a safe and frequented place for families to spend outdoors time walking and playing. “Making physical activity the easy choice for individuals and families is the goal of the Paso del Norte Health Foundation’s Physical Activity initiative,” said Jana Renner, Senior Program Officer for the Paso del Norte Health Foundation. “The Desert Critters Trail does just that by providing a fun activity for families to be active together.” This project was made possible with the support of City of Alamogordo, Otero Soil and Water Conservation District, Otero County Community Health Council HEAL Action Team, US Forest Service - Lincoln National Forest, NM Department of Health, The Grindstone Group, Eco-Servants and funding from the Paso del Norte Health Foundation.

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