The blooming in the lower elevations is quite a contrast from a year ago when April and May in Northern New Mexico were filled with fires, smoke plumes, public land closures and prayers for precipitation.

Matt Dahlseid
About
Matt Dahlseid is a digital enterprise producer and outdoors writer for the Santa Fe New Mexican.A vehicle drives through standing water at the intersection of Santa Clara Bridge Road and Lower San Pedro Road in Española on Friday afternoo…
Trained volunteers provide extra eyes on the ground for land management agencies that have limited personnel.
St. Michael's Madeline Imus follows through after a tee shot Monday during the first round of the NMAA Class A-3A Girls State Golf Tournament …
Santa Fe Indian School's Devery Suina stares down a putt Monday during the first round of the NMAA Class A-3A Boys State Golf Tournament at Th…
St. Michael’s Kaitlyn Armijo lines up a putt Monday during the first round of the NMAA Class A-3A Girls State Golf Tournament at The Canyon Cl…
Santa Fe Indian School’s Kennen Quintana hits a wedge shot onto the green on the 18th hole Monday during the NMAA Class A-3A Boys State Golf T…
Santa Fe Indian School’s Keiana Chavez hits a chip shot onto the green Monday during the first round of the NMAA Class A-3A Girls State Golf T…
Santa Fe Prep’s Nutthanan Leardsakulphasuk follows through on a tee shot Monday during the first round of the NMAA Class A-3A Girls State Golf…
Matt Dahlseid commented on Man cycles through Santa Fe on 15,000-mile journey to see U.S. capitols
Hi, David. I had to look this up when writing the story to confirm what Bob told me. It is possible to reach Juneau with a car, but it requires getting on a ferry. The city is not connected to the continental highway system due to the surrounding terrain of ice fields, mountains and ocean…
Matt Dahlseid commented on Las Vegas refuge offers fine fall wildlife viewing opportunities
Hello, Richard. This cancellation was last year and they haven't updated that web page. I went to the refuge on the first Sunday of this month and can confirm that the event is taking place this year.
Matt Dahlseid commented on Volunteers traverse Valles Caldera to document dendroglyphs before they disappear
Hello, John. Please take a look at the info box at the bottom of the article for contact info.
Matt Dahlseid commented on A good time to explore badlands
I'm glad you enjoyed the pieces, Angel. Coco's guidebook is a great resource on the Valles Caldera and she was a joy to interview. Have fun on your upcoming adventures. There's so much out there to explore in this stunning state.
Matt Dahlseid commented on White Ridge Bike Trails offer fascinating geology, otherworldly views
Hi Meredith. Yes, the trails are open to hikers. There are generally more bikers, but it's a fun place to hike, too.
Matt Dahlseid commented on Finding a place outdoors in the winter
Thank you for the kind words, Kathy. I'm glad to have the opportunity to write about wandering around this beautiful state.