If you are a hiker or if you just enjoy being in the Sandias, you know that our mountain is one of nature’s special gifts. Have you ever wondered what you could do to help protect them? Do you want to learn more about the animals and plants you find there? Do you like to meet people who share your concern for the Sandia and Manzanita Mountains?
Welcome! Please explore our web site to learn more about the goals and many activities of the Friends of the Sandia Mountains (FOSM).
Sandia Mountains from Elena Gallegos Open Space; Photo credit Sally Lowder
Prow and Needle; Photo credit Mike Coltrin 
Tooth and La Luz Trail; Photo credit Mike Coltrin
City of Albuquerque features FOSM on GovTV
August 21, 2021 – “FOSM is awesome.” Those were the words of Julie Padilla, Sandia Ranger District Recreation Staff Officer, during a 15-minute video produced by the City of Albuquerque and shown on One Albuquerque Media (GOV TV) on August 21, 2021. Six members of FOSM joined Julie in describing who FOSM is and what we do. You can view the video on the city’s One Albuquerque Volunteer Series YouTube channel by clicking here.
The city also created a webpage devoted to FOSM on its One Albuquerque Volunteers website.
FOSM Members Introduce Students to the Sandia Mountains
June 3, 2021 – Members of FOSM and Southwest Forest Service Amigos hosted high school students from the Albuquerque Digital Arts and Technology Academy (DATA), a local charter school.
Participants included nine students, four teachers, Amigos members Lou Romero (also a FOSM member) and Rene Archer plus FOSM volunteers Sam Beard and Cliff Giles.
The crew spent the day on Oso Corredor Trail performing erosion control work on the trail tread and lopping encroaching vegetation. Instructional vignettes included safety in the mountains, proper tool use, history of the Pulaski tool, fire-line construction, GPS use, tree-species identification, and use and care of crosscut saws.
Further information including photographs from the event can be found here.
Bob Lowder Recognized as Albuquerque Volunteer of the Month
March 12, 2021 – Bob Lowder, Past-President of the Friends of the Sandia Mountains (FOSM) was recognized by Mayor Tim Keller as the Albuquerque Volunteer of the Month. The award was in recognition of Bob’s leadership role as FOSM President for 16 years. The link below is the video presentation ceremony for the One Albuquerque Award for a coordinating the Little Libraries and then for Bob Lowder’s presentation (starting approximately 18:40 into the video).
Congratulations and thanks for your dedication, Bob!
(YouTube video link: click here.)
Sam Beard Recognized as Albuquerque Volunteer of the Month
September 4, 2019 – Sam Beard, long-time volunteer and FOSM Project Coordinator for FOSM was the inaugural recipient of the Albuquerque Volunteer of the Month. The award was presented by Mayor Tim Keller. The link below is a video of the presentation ceremony honoring Sam.
Congratulations and thank-you for your years of dedication and service to the Sandia Mountains, Sam!
(YouTube video link: click here.)
FOSM Recognized with National Award
May 31, 2018 – The Friends of the Sandia Mountains have been recognized by the USDA Forest Service with the National Award for Enduring Service. For more than 22 years, they have helped maintain and paint facilities, fell hazard trees, build and maintain trails, serve at the Sandia Crest Information Center, and restore historical buildings.
“So many volunteers contribute endless hours of time and energy to the success of our mission and we appreciate each and every one of them,” said Steve Hattenbach, Forest Supervisor.
(To read the complete news release, click here.)
North Sandia Peak and Rincon; Photo credit Cliff Giles
