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SANTA FE – The New Mexico Department of Wildlife's Share with Wildlife program will begin accepting proposals on Feb. 2, 2026, for non-game wildlife-focused projects

Projects must take place in New Mexico with a planned start date on or after Feb. 15, 2027. All project proposals are due by 4 p.m. Mountain Daylight Time on April 10, 2026.

The Share with Wildlife program was initiated in the early 1980s and welcomes proposals for projects in four categories: habitat enhancement; biological and ecological research; wildlife rehabilitation and wildlife education. The program has consistently funded between nine and 11 projects during each funding cycle. More information regarding projects funded over the past 10 years is available on the Share with Wildlife "Reports" page.

Project topics of current interest to the Department, details about the proposed format and directions for submitting proposals can be found in the Call for Project Information (CFPI) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2027, which will be available by Feb. 2, 2026, on the Share with Wildlife "Apply" page.

Research projects that focus on issues of interest for Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) as specified in the CFPI are encouraged. SGCN of particular interest for FY2027 include the Big Bend slider, Chihuahua chub and southwestern willow flycatcher; several terrestrial snail species; and a variety of SGCN bats and pollinating insects.

Other eligible project topics include enhancing nectar-feeding bat habitat on the Double E Wildlife Management Area and evaluating the use of native plants at solar arrays by pollinating insects. Permitted wildlife rehabilitators with existing rehabilitation programs and environmental educators who want to design and/or implement curricula focused on SGCN and their habitats, climate change adaptation or other science-driven, wildlife-related topics are also invited to submit project proposals.

Projects of up to two years in length may be proposed. Applicants must follow all instructions provided in the CFPI. All proposals must be submitted electronically as a single .pdf file attached to an email message sent to the Share with Wildlife Project Evaluation Manager, Karen H. Gaines, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. no later than 4 p.m. MDT on April 10, 2026.

 Please note that all individuals who plan to submit a habitat or research project proposal must contact the Project Evaluation Manager as soon as possible, but no later than 4 p.m. March 13, 2026, to discuss their project. Individuals submitting proposals for rehabilitation or education projects are encouraged, but are not required, to contact the Project Evaluation Manager to discuss their proposed project topic by the March 13 deadline.

The Department looks forward to seeing the innovative and compelling proposals that will be submitted this year by the many habitat restoration practitioners, researchers, wildlife rehabilitators and educators who are deeply invested in learning about, caring for and sharing their knowledge of the amazing diversity of wildlife in New Mexico. The Share with Wildlife program has received many terrific proposals from interested parties across New Mexico and other states since its inception, and the Department anticipates that this year's proposals will be just as exciting.

All questions about the Share with Wildlife application process should be directed to the Project Evaluation Manager at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..