Notices and Highlights
Sandia Crest recreation area closed until January 2027. Click here for details and alternative hiking routes.
Everyone
– We love our mountains!
– Volunteer opportunities
– Forest Service announces road closure
– Forest Service recognizes FOSM and other volunteers
– Forest Service completes Cedro area fire-pile burning
– FOSM annual newsletter published
– Adopt-a-Highway fall cleanup accomplished on October 23
– Presentation materials available from October 6 membership meeting
– Officers and board members elected for FY2027
– Bob and Sally Lowder receive Sam Beard Awards
– FOSM volunteers mentor East Mountain High School students
– SRD provides updates on projects
Tijeras Pueblo Archaeological Site Activities
– Nature Journaling Workshop Held on September 12
– Final Tijeras Pueblo Level 1 Docent Training to be held Saturday, November 14, 2026, 9am-3pm
Member Messages
– Pueblo of Sandia Land Transfer Proposal
– Welcome our new members
– Volunteer opportunities
– Report volunteer hours
– Help with In Memoriam page
Click on a link above to go to details below. You may need to scroll back up slightly to see the topic header. Click on the up arrow (^) at bottom right of page to return here.
We Love Our Mountains*
*Technically, it’s Sandia Mountain (singular), but we use the plural because of the northern and southern peaks.
Weather and Road Conditions
Whether you are a hiker, mountain biker, cross-country skier, trail runner, or you just enjoy being in the Sandias, you know that our mountains are one of nature’s special gifts.
Have you ever wondered what you could do to help protect our mountains? 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 website to learn more about the goals and many activities of the Friends of the Sandia Mountains (FOSM). We likely have volunteer opportunities that match your interests and abilities.
Click here to learn about the fascinating geological history of the Sandias as well as some unique features of our beloved mountains including Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway, Ten 3 restaurant, 84 medallion trees, and sadly more than a dozen aircraft crash sites.
New to Albuquerque or just new to the Sandias? Explore the many recreational opportunities our mountains offer. Please carefully read the Safety section.
Please check out our La Luz Trail webpage if you are planning to hike this iconic but sometimes dangerous trail.
Volunteer Opportunities
About Us
Who We Are
Our History
More About Us
Our Board of Directors
Our Awards and Recognition
Trail Construction
Description
Reports and Photos
Trail Maintenance
Description
Reports and Photos
General Projects
Description
Reports and Photos
Other Activities
Painting and Graffiti Removal
Youth Outreach
Visitor Orientation
October 6, 2026 – FOSM secretary Silke Bletzer presented the data in the above chart summarizing volunteer hours contributed by FOSM members during the just-completed fiscal year. The total hours represents almost 5 full-time equivalent employees that the Sandia Ranger District of the Forest Service did not have to employ. Thanks to everyone who contributed!
Join Friends of the Sandia Mountains
if you enjoy the outdoors and want to give something back!
A great way to get involved is to join Cibola Trail Rangers, an email group consisting of hikers, bikers, XC skiers, horsemen, etc., who frequent the trails in the Sandia Ranger District and are interested in exchanging information on trail conditions on both an immediate and continuing basis. The group includes FOSM members trained to correct reported problems. Please report corrective actions as well as problems so the FOSM trail maintenance crew doesn’t hike to fix a problem that no longer exists. FOSM member Sally Lowder maintains a comprehensive database of reported trees and their disposition.
Special thanks to CTR members who cleared 90 trees from our trails during the first 6 months of 2026!
Or join our partner organization
New Mexico Volunteers for the Outdoors
Our volunteer work focuses on single-day activities in the Sandia Ranger District. If you are looking for opportunities ranging across New Mexico and involving multi-day projects, check out our partner organization New Mexico Volunteers for the Outdoors (NMVFO) at https://nmvfo.org.
Announcements
Forest Service Announces Closure of National Forest Road 462
November 4, 2026 — The Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands has issued a road and area closure order (Order #03-03-05-26-24) for National Forest Road (NFR) 462, Coyote Trailhead parking area and the Chamisoso Trailhead parking area on the Sandia Ranger District within Bernalillo County, New Mexico. See attached map.
The purpose of this Order is to protect public health and safety during a road construction project because there is no safe detour around the construction zone. Crews will replace and remove aging culverts, clean and armor ditches, regrade the road surface, place new aggregate, and install 90 feet of guardrail. Work runs from the heliport on NFR 462A downhill to NM-337. The improvements will reduce erosion, improve drainage, and provide a safer, smoother road for visitors and emergency access. Visitors should plan to use alternate trailheads during the closure. Work schedules may shift due to weather.
This Order will be effective on November 9, 2026 at 7 a.m., and shall remain in effect until December 11, 2026, or until rescinded.
Forest Service Recognizes Volunteers from FOSM and other Organizations
October 30, 2026 – The Cibola National Forest stated in a press release:
Volunteering on public lands is one of our oldest traditions: the idea that citizens don’t just use these places, they take care of them. Every crew that heads out on a weekday morning carries that tradition forward, and every young person who joins one learns it. That is how a public land stays public, for the next generation and the one after that.” – Kenneth Born, District Ranger, Sandia Ranger District
The annual tradition of gathering volunteers from across the District to be honored and recognized continued in 2026 with the Volunteer Recognition Event at Oak Flat on the Sandia Ranger District. This occasion allows for the volunteers to reflect on their efforts over the years to steward public lands for the benefit of all who enjoy them.
Click on an image at right to learn more about the annual Recognition Celebration, held at the Oak Flats Group Picnic Area, or see a group photo of the participants.
Sandia Ranger District recognized FOSM as an organization as well as numerous FOSM volunteers during the event.
(Patricia Johnson, USFS)
District Ranger Ken Born gave special recognition to three FOSM members: Mike Madden for his six years of outstanding service as FOSM president; Lou Romero for his many years of service as a Forest Service employee and FOSM volunteer after retirement; and Lynn Bender for his many years of support to the Tijeras Pueblo Archaeological Site. (Neither Lou nor Lynn could attend because of health issues.)
Many other FOSM members also were recognized as were volunteers from several other organizations that support SRD.
Forest Service Completes Cedro Area Fire-Pile Burning
ALBUQUERQUE, NM – October 29, 2026 – Cibola National Forest & National Grasslands (NF & NGs) fire crews have successfully completed ignitions on 15 acres of the Cedro unit piles on the Sandia Ranger District.
Fire crews remain on scene to continue with mop-up using hand tools to turn over smoldering embers to secure hot spots until piles are cool and called out.
The 15 acres of burned piles are in the Manzanita Mountains, south of Forest Road 462, east of N.M. 337. Visitors should stay alert in the areas of Coyote, Delberts, and Mighty Mule trails, as well as Forest Road 462 while firefighters work to complete operations.
We use prescribed fires to help reduce overgrown vegetation to help protect local communities, infrastructure and natural resources from wildfires.
This will be the final update on the Cedro Prescribed Fire Piles unless conditions or the situation warrants additional information.
ALBUQUERQUE, NM – October 22, 2026 – The Cibola National Forest & National Grasslands (NF & NGs) plans to burn piles on 15 acres within the Cedro unit as early as Tuesday October 27. Officials expect the project to be a one-day operation, as conditions allow. Fire managers are taking advantage of recent precipitation, cooler temperatures, and improved relative humidity, which together create suitable conditions for burning piled slash and woody debris piled during earlier forest restoration work.
The planned burn is in accordance with the broader news release for the Cibola National Forest issued in September.
ALBUQUERQUE, NM – September 24, 2026 – The Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands is planning prescribed fires for this fall into winter as conditions allow. Certified prescribed fire specialists use prescribed fires to help remove excess vegetation, reduce wildfire risk, improve habitat, enhance watershed health and restore fire-adapted ecosystems.
Numerous projects are anticipated; however notification of the exact days of ignitions will depend on wind, weather, fuel moisture conditions and required approvals. The Forest Service will evaluate conditions in the days and hours before ignition. If conditions are not favorable, planned prescribed fire activities may be postponed or canceled.
Prescribed fires planned through fall into winter are described in detail in the accompaning map and news release.
2026 FOSM Newsletter Published
Sam Beard and Silke Bletzer once again have given us a masterpiece⏤a comprehensive summary of the great work done by FOSM volunteers during fiscal year 2026.
Thanks to all the authors who provided input to the document and to everyone who volunteered throughout the year whether on one of the weekly crews or individually.
The 9004 volunteer hours represents almost 5 full-time equivalent employees that the Sandia Ranger District of the Forest Service did not have the funds to employ. Thanks to everyone who contributed!
Special thanks to Mike Madden for his 6 years of faithful service as our president.
More information from this year’s newsletter as well as links to prior newsletters can be found here.
Adopt-a-Highway Fall Cleanup Completed on October 23
Adopt-a-Highway Fall Cleanup
Friday, October 23, 9:00 – 11:00 am
Mile 4 – 5 on NM536 Crest Road
Eleven FOSM volunteers picked up trash and cut brush along the Crest Highway on what turned out to be a great day for the project after overnight showers. Vests, trash bags, pickup grabbers, and buckets were provided.
L-R: Chuck Logan, Rav Nicholson, Tim Kirkpatrick, Ken Nicholson, Pauline Ho, Susan Gregory (project leader), Rick Buss, and Mike Madden. Not shown are Larry Larrichio and Don Carnicom, who already were hard at work, and Cliff Giles, who took the photograph.
Presentation Materials Available from Final 2026 General Membership Meeting
Photos and presentation materials from this and previous membership meetings are available here.
Officers and Board Members Elected for FY 2027
Officers and members of the FOSM board of directors for fiscal year 2027 were elected at the October 6 general membership meeting. Newly elected were Chuck Logan as president and Ken Sexe as board member focusing on Tijeras Pueblo Archaeological Site interests.
From left to right in the left photo above are treasurer Scott Dietrich, president Chuck Logan, secretary Silke Bletzer, and vice-president Kerry Jones.
From left to right in the right photo above are board members Silke Bletzer, Scott Dietrich, Susan Gregory, Kerry Jones, Jenny Blackmore, Bryron Garner, Jamey Browning, Chuck Logan, Laura Leon, and Cliff Giles. Absent from the photo are Sam Beard and Ken Sexe.
Click on the embedded link to find lots more information about present officers and board members and past officers and board members.
Bob and Sally Lowder Receive Sam Beard Achievement Awards
October 6, 2026 – FOSM president Mike Madden presented Sam Beard Achievement Award plaques to Bob and Sally Lowder for their many years of dedicated service.
This award is given to members of Friends of the Sandia Mountains in recognition of exceptional volunteer service to the Forest Service and our public lands. The award is named for Sam Beard who epitomizes the basis of the award. Sam cofounded FOSM in 1997 and still spends most days every week in dedicated service to its mission at an age when most have passed or retired to a comfortable chair.
Bob served very capably as FOSM president from 2004 through 2020. He has led the Monday trail maintenance crew for many years. He established the SWCP account that provides our FOSM and CTR email lists without which FOSM couldn’t operate, and he manages these lists to this day.
Sally served on the FOSM board from 2003 through 2022. She created and still manages the Trail Tree Report that enables the trail maintenance process to operate so effectively. She has managed our complex membership process for many years, and for many years she also managed the sawyer certification process.
Bob and Sally’s names join those of Tim Brown and Don Carnicom as award recipients on the perpetual plaque located in the Sandia Ranger District conference room.
FOSM Volunteers Mentor East Mountain High School Students
October 7, 2026 – The FOSM Wednesday crew enjoyed the great pleasure of working with 1 junior-class students and three faculty from East Mountain High School. As a part of their Fall Discovery Week, these students chose to get hands-on work experience in the mountains. Lou Romero designed the work program, which involved collecting wood at the Balsam Glade Picnic Area, before undergoing heart surgery. Rene Archer and Sam Beard capability co-led during Lou’s recuperation.
Details including lots of photos can be found here.
October 10, 2026 – Stacy Sesnie, East Mountain, Community & Family Engagement Coordinator, wrote:
Good morning East Mountain Discovery Partners,
Thank you so much for being part of East Mountain’s Fall Discovery Week! It was an incredible week, with 530 students participating in on-campus activities and heading out on 23 field trips to explore nature and hike in the foothills, learn about New Mexico Native American culture and history, discover potential college and career pathways, and find meaningful ways to give back to our community. I am grateful for your time, enthusiasm and willingness to share your knowledge with our students!
Sandia Ranger District Provides Updates on Projects
July 21, 2026 – During the bimonthly meeting of the Sandia Collaborative (of which FOSM is a member), Ken Born and Alfred Garcia of SRD provided positive updates regarding progress on the North Sandia Fuels Reduction Project and Sandia Crest Hazard Tree and Fuel Reduction Project. Click either image below to view the presentation.
July 30, 2026 – In private conversations, Sandia District Ranger Ken Borne provided the following clarifications:
- The equipment of the contractor doing the thinning work is needed elsewhere for fire suppression. Therefore, the work, which is about 80% done, is on pause until the equipment and personnel can return.
- The road barrier above 10K was manned by the contractor. SRD does not have the personnel to continue staffing this; therefore, the decision to remove the barrier even though there is no public parking above 10K while the closure order remains in effect.
- The (separate) contract for demolition of the Crest House was signed recently. Work should begin in late August and finish this fall.
Tijeras Pueblo Archaeological Site Activities
FOSM helps the Forest Service promote public understanding and appreciation of Tijeras Pueblo as an archaeological site, as the home of an Ancestral Puebloan community, and as a place of importance to the modern Pueblo community. This website is a tool used to support Sandia Ranger District’s reorganization of the Tijeras Pueblo volunteer program. Recent and upcoming activities are highlighted below.
Nature Journaling Workshop Held on September 12
The practice of Nature Journaling is an easy to grasp and fun activity that opens the door to wonder and curiosity, while creating a deeply intense connection to nature. You don’t have to be a naturalist or even an artist to ‘nature journal’ because this practice is all about your own personal experience with nature. The details you notice, the questions you want to ask, or the shapes and sounds you find in a plant, animal, or cloud are all collected within your journal.
This free workshop was open to FOSM volunteers and family of all skill levels/ages. All participants needed to bring was a blank sketchbook and a pen or pencil, and water bottle while wearing comfortable clothes, sturdy shoes, and a hat. Participants practiced basic sketching techniques, developed observation skills, and performed field-recording. They then independently explored the Tijeras Pueblo area and recorded inspiring nature discoveries in their journals using drawings, diagrams, words, and/or numbers.
Click here for photos from the workshop.
Final Tijeras Pueblo Level 1 Docent Training to be held Saturday, November 14, 2026, 9am-3pm
October 4, 2026 – Sandra Arazi-Coambs, Sandia/Mountainair Zone Archaeologist, Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands, writes:
Please join us for the final 2026 Level 1 docent training at Tijeras Pueblo. This one is scheduled for a Saturday (November 14th; 9am – 3pm) to accommodate folks that can’t easily join us on weekdays. Please email me (sandra.coambs@usda.gov) if you are interested in attending!
Looking forward to seeing you guys there!
Webpages dedicated to support of Tijeras Pueblo can be accessed here.
Member Messages
Pueblo of Sandia Land Transfer Proposal
Perhaps you watched one of the TV newscasts on the evening of July 23, read the detailed story in the July 26 issue of the Albuquerque Journal, or read Governor Paisano’s recent oped in the October 4 edition of the Albuquerque Journal.
Please remember that as a matter of policy FOSM does not take positions on political issues as an organization: “Friends of the Sandia Mountains is not a political activist organization. We are a service-oriented group of volunteers dedicated to working in a close relationship with our US Forest Service partners.”
However, members are encouraged to express their individual views on this matter.
Welcome, New Members!
Peter Lovejoy – November 1
Jeffrey McDaniel – October 28
Michael Capenos – October 20
John Quinley – October 12
Matt Bedeaux – October 9
Jon Coles – October 7
Chris Chatenka – October 6
Jordan Armstrong – September 29
Michelle Hegmon – September 15
Paul Marien – September 12
Julie Torchi – September 12
Luke Anaya – September 3
Christopher French – August 31
Timothy Nipper – August 15
Deirdre Kann* – August 8
Jan Chytilo – August 8
Lynn Bender – July 28
Courtnee Bennett – July 24
Teresa McGrew – July 21
Ann Ruhnka – July 20
Kathryn McSorley – July 20
Paul Eichel – July 20
Erin Gaddis – July 12
Andre Huffmire – July 10
Jen Reilly – July 2
Patricia Steele – July 1
Bradley Bryan* – June 29
Kay Burns – June 28
Ericka Roman – June 25
Carol Chorniak – June 24
Ryan Jackson – June 20
Ralph Wrons – June 14
Rebecca Harris – June 5
Chris Caro – May 13
*Life sponsor
Volunteer Opportunities
Tijeras Pueblo – SRD is seeking volunteers to help with Tijeras Pueblo site and museum. Click here for details.
Visitor Orientation – FOSM members are encouraged to volunteer to provide visitor orientation either at the Interpretive Hut at the Doc Long Picnic Area or at the lower Tram terminal. Hours are flexible, and training will be provided. Details are availble here.
Paint Crew Leader – Please use the form here if you would be interested in assuming this leadership position.
Volunteer Hours Reporting
Expect a monthly call for hours going forward during Forest Service fiscal year 2026 (October-September).
*The weekly crew leaders (Bob, Sam, Laura) have already provided their crew’s hours by individual into our FY2026 FOSM hours tracker, so if you signed an attendance sheet, your hours are already covered.
*Basically, report any and all individual time spent in a FOSM activity which pertains to the District.
Additional guidelines for reporting hours can be found here.
In Memoriam
Thanks, especially to Sally and Bob Lowder, for helping identify former members of Friends of the Sandia Mountains (or New Mexico Friends of the Forest) whom we’ve remembered with photos and links to their obituaries on our new webpage. Please send your suggested additions and favorite memories for sharing on the page to webmaster@friendsofthesandias.org.
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