Sandia Mountains from Elena Gallegos Open Space; Photo credit Sally Lowder
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 website to learn more about the goals and many activities of the Friends of the Sandia Mountains (FOSM). Be sure to visit our Projects page to look for volunteer opportunities that match your interests and abilities.
Notices and Highlights
- Snow conditions are looking good for our 18th snowshoe race on January 22, 2022! Registration is open.
- It’s membership renewal time. Deadline is January 31. Click here to renew, join FOSM, or make a donation.
- Watch KOB TV video about FOSM.
- Watch One Albuquerque Volunteer Series video about FOSM.
- Check out our many volunteer opportunities.
- Read about our history, strategic plan, and board of directors here.
Prow and Needle; Photo credit Mike Coltrin 
Tooth and La Luz Trail; Photo credit Mike Coltrin
2022 Sandia Snowshoe Race is almost here!
Register here: https://runsignup.com/Race/NM/SandiaCrest/SandiaSnowshoe
Welcome, New FOSM Members!
Ryan Platz – November 29, 2021
Stuart Kay – January 8, 2022
Vincent Amendolagine – November 16, 2021
Robert L. Grey – November 16, 2021
Robert Hembach – November 12, 2021
Jon Driskell – November 4, 2021
Diane Reese – November 3, 2021
Virginia Seiser – October 20, 2021
Jennifer Bradley – October 16, 2021
Kevin Wall – October 8, 2021
Farewell, Longtime FOSM Member
Dr. Charles Wood, Life Member of FOSM for many years, died on December 23, 2021. Longtime friend and dental patient Sam Beard reports that “…he made generous anonymous donations each year. When I saw him a few months ago, he wrote a check to FOSM, and I used part of that donation to purchase the battery-powered low pressure washer that we use when removing graffiti.”
Rest in peace, Charles.
KOB TV Features FOSM Volunteers
October 14, 2021 – Joy Wang of KOB TV’s morning show presented a short video feature on the volunteer work of Friends of the Sandia Mountains that included comments by Sam Beard, Lou Romero, and Rav Nicholson. Click on the image below to watch the feature, which consists of recordings made on September 1 during a Wednesday fence-repair project at Doc Long Picnic Area. Thanks, Joy!
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.
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
