By Berit Robnett,
AmeriCORPS VISTA Collaboration Specialist
I joined NMFWRI as an AmeriCorps VISTA in August, 2025 and stepped into coordinating the Connecting for Conservation Santa Fe (C4C Santa Fe) network. 
The C4C Santa Fe Network aims to support and connect collaborative groups in the greater Santa Fe region and link local efforts to larger regional networks in the Southwest. It also focuses on improving community cohesion, restoring ecosystem health and function, as well as helping to create opportunities through information and knowledge sharing. The network directly supports the NMFWRI Collaboration Program’s goal of creating, coordinating, and participating in regional, collaborative networks and initiatives.
This project opened my eyes to a new realm of community I hadn’t known existed. I was introduced to my role as a VISTA Collaboration Specialist with little initial understanding of what that truly meant, but quickly learned how important collaboration and relationship-building are to conservation work across New Mexico.
In my short time with the NMFWRI, I’ve learned the importance of collaborative conservation and how my role fits into the bigger picture at a local and state level. As I continue to build relationships in the Santa Fe region, I’m also establishing new ones in south-central New Mexico. My goal is to build a network in this region, similar to Santa Fe, connecting not only the collaboratives but community members as well.
Transitioning from a well-known, established community in Santa Fe, to the rural, close-knit communities in the southern part of the state will be vital to advancing forest and watershed health in the years to come. By fostering connection, trust, and resource sharing, my hope is that the C4C network helps support collaboration across landscapes and communities throughout New Mexico.
As part of this work, I produce a quarterly newsletter with network updates, events, and opportunities, as well as maintain a previously established funding log. This role has given me the chance to connect with my community in new ways while allowing me to follow a path I’m passionate about.
If you would like to share information, upcoming events, funding opportunities, or other news relevant to the C4C network, please feel free to reach out to me at berit.robnett@nmhu.edu. We welcome contributions related to natural resource management from collaborative groups, partners, and community members across New Mexico.