KNMB History

Who are we

A premier, non-profit, non-partisan organization that is dedicated to beautification and conservation of New Mexican communities through volunteerism and education.

How we formed

KNMB was founded in 1965 by Eunice Kalloch as a continuation of the first governor appointed statewide beautification committee. The original board of directors included Eunice Kalloch, Mary Olin Harrell, Harriet Oyler, Jim Grebe, Ernest McGovern, Fred Nelson, Clark Leedy, Mike Anaya, Ruth Jones, and Jim Toulouse.

Bylaws were approved in 1967 and KNMB officially became incorporated.

In 1985 KNMB, Inc. was mandated by the state legislature as the official clearinghouse for litter control and beautification projects in the State of New Mexico by the Litter Control and Beautification Act H.B. 198 as amended.

How we are funded

Keep New Mexico Beautiful is a premier non-profit, non-partisan, public service organization that has been serving New Mexico since its foundation in 1965 and is dedicated to the beautification of New Mexico through education and volunteerism.

We were mandated by the State Legislature in 1985 as the official statewide clearinghouse for all litter control and beautification projects in the state of New Mexico by the Litter Control and beautification Act H.B. 198 as amended.

Funding is provided through donations, dues, private benefactors, sponsors and an annual contract for services from New Mexico Clean & Beautiful, a division of the New Mexico Tourism Department.

Text Box: Highlights through the years 1964- Mary Olin Harrell creates KNMB's mascot, Dusty Roadrunner, and artist Jean Rankin develops the Dusty rendition. 1966- Dusty Roadrunner is chosen as one of Smokey Bear's friends in a nation-wide mascot recognition. 1969- Dusty Roadrunner is declared the official New Mexico State clean-up mascot by House Memorial 13. 1970- The first Dusty Roadrunner activity booklet was created by Eunice Kalloch, Mary Olin Harrell, and Harriet Oyler. 1971- The first "New Mexico Day" is hosted by KNMB in recognition of the State of New Mexico birthday (January 6, 1912) of statehood, as legislated through the Joint Memorial 7. - KNMB starts recycling efforts in Albuquerque and Santa Fe through a state grant which is managed by Mary Olin Harrell. 1985- KNMB is mandated as the official New Mexico clearinghouse for beautification by House Bill 198 as amended. 1990- "Dusty Roadrunner Visits National Monuments" activity booklet was created by a teacher, Shirley Olbert. 2005- KNMB celebrates its 40th Anniversary and a legacy of supporting projects to improve communities throughout the Land of Enchantment.