The Public Lands Discovery Center

A New Chapter for Public Lands: PLIA’s Discovery Center Opens in Albuquerque’s Old Town 

America’s public lands are more than just landscapes on a map — they are shared treasures telling a story about who we are. From the desert canyons, mountains and forests of the Southwest and beyond, these lands are saturated with history, beauty, and possibility for everyone who calls this country home — and for those visiting from far away. While public lands belong to all of us, they are unable to speak for themselves. 

That’s where organizations like the Public Lands Interpretive Association (PLIA) step in. For decades, PLIA has been dedicated to connecting people with the natural and cultural heritage of public lands, ensuring that these spaces are not just protected, but understood, appreciated, and accessible. This fall, PLIA is opening a new chapter in that mission with the launch of the Public Lands Discovery Center in Albuquerque’s Old Town. 

Why the Discovery Center Matters 

Public lands are places of inspiration, but too often they can feel distant, inaccessible, or even invisible. Our new Public Lands Discovery Center will help bridge that gap. The Discovery Center will act as a hub of learning, gathering, and conversation — a place where visitors can explore maps, resources, and stories that bring public lands to life. 

For families planning a trip, teachers shaping lesson plans, or lifelong explorers looking for their next adventure, PLIA’s new Discovery Center will provide resources that make the outdoors more welcoming. Beyond that, it will serve as a gathering place for dialogue about the challenges and opportunities our public lands face today. 

With its new location, PLIA plans to expand upon its current educational programming which includes everything from its popular Whiptail Trails Club, Mobile Visitor Center program, Safety Video and Community Arts programs. With its new hub, PLIA will be able to offer a calendar of on-site programming educating locals and tourists alike. Signing up for PLIA’s newsletter can keep you up to date on future offerings.  

At its heart, the Discovery Center is about access and connection. It reflects a belief that the great outdoors — a cornerstone of the American dream — should remain open, welcoming, and enriching for everyone, regardless of background or political viewpoint. In a time when so much divides us, public lands remain one of the few things that unite us. 

Honoring a Legacy in Los Ranchos 

This exciting step forward comes with a bittersweet farewell. For nearly 30 years, PLIA’s home base in Los Ranchos de Albuquerque has been a place where ideas took shape, partnerships flourished, and a vision for public lands education came alive. 

The organization’s roots stretch back even further, to 1980, when it was first incorporated as the Southwest Natural and Cultural History Association. In those early days, long before offices and storefronts, PLIA was run from the dining room table of longtime Executive Director, Lisa Madsen. That humble beginning laid the foundation for what would become a resilient, mission-driven organization committed to education and stewardship. 

Over the decades, the Los Ranchos location served as more than just an office — it was a space where staff, volunteers, and supporters poured their energy into helping the public connect with our nation’s lands. From its library shelves to its retail counter, the Los Ranchos site reflected PLIA’s belief in the power of knowledge, storytelling, and community. 

As we prepare to close that chapter, we do so with deep gratitude for everyone who made the Los Ranchos location a home. 

Looking Ahead: The Public Lands Discovery Center 

On October 1, 2025, PLIA will officially open the doors of the Public Lands Discovery Center at 422 San Felipe St NW, right in the heart of Albuquerque’s Old Town, located next to local favorites like Kokopelli Café and The Candy Lady. 

The Discovery Center will build on PLIA’s legacy while expanding what is possible and looking toward the future. Visitors will not only find our treasured map library and retail offerings they’ve come to rely on, but also fresh, new opportunities to learn, explore, and connect with the mission of public lands. 

While doors open October 1, with a special Grand Opening Event on Friday, October 3, from 4–7pm. We invite you to mark your calendars, spread the word, and join us in celebrating this exciting new chapter. 

Looking Forward Together 

The opening of the Public Lands Discovery Center marks a turning point for PLIA — and for everyone who believes in the value of our shared lands. We hope this new space will spark curiosity, inspire adventure, and foster a deeper appreciation for the landscapes that shape our lives. We can’t wait to welcome you through our doors and continue this journey side by side.