Most FOSM volunteers are retired, which is why we are able to work during the week. One of our greatest pleasures is when we get the opportunity to work with young adults such as outings with students from Menaul School and East Mountain High School in 2026. We look forward to these becoming yearly events.
Menaul School
February 11, 2026 – FOSM partnered with Menaul School to clean up trash and locate graffiti in the Foothills trail system south of the Embudo Trailhead as a part of the school’s annual “Mission Week” during which students participate outside the classroom in a community service project. The activity was organized by Lou Romero, FOSM Volunteer Youth Programs Coordinator, and Hannah Scanlon of the Menaul faculty. Lou’s detailed after-action report can be found at right.
Participants included:
- Sophomore students, ages 14 – 16, including students from the Philippines and China. (Menaul School typically has 40% international students from a variety of countries.)
- Menaul faculty members and drivers.
- FOSM volunteers.
The students and faculty were divided into three teams:
- Coyotes – 8 students with faculty member Chelsea Christopher and driver Nina Denisova accompanied by FOSM volunteers Mike Madden and Sim Cook traversing trails starting at Embudo Trailhead and ending at Copper Trailhead.
- Hawks – 10 students and driver Nicholas Maldonado accompanied by FOSM volunteer Sam Beard traversing trials south of Copper Trailhead.
- Bears – 10 students in two groups traversing trails north of Copper Trailhead: 5 students plus faculty member Ari Castro accompanied by FOSM volunteer Kerry Jones and 5 students plus faculty member Stephanie Kelly accompanied by FOSM volunteer Cliff Giles.
As the crews hiked and “swept” their assigned areas picking up trash and locating graffiti for later treatment, FOSM volunteer guides and Menaul faculty called frequent short breaks to engage students in a wide variety of educational topics including geology; plants; wildlife; trail etiquette, signage, and maintenance; GPS usage; electrical transmission; and fresh and waste water management. The differences and boundaries between City Open Space, National Forest lands, and the Sandia Mountains Wilderness Area also were discussed.
All groups ended up at the Copper Trailhead after circumnavigating U Mound. Photos taken by FOSM volunteers during the day are displayed below. Click any photo to enlarge it.
East Mountain High School
October 7, 2026 – The FOSM Wednesday crew enjoyed the great pleasure of working with 17 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—processing donation wood at the Balsam Glade Picnic Area—shortly before undergoing heart surgery. You can read his comprehensive plan by clicking on the image at left.
Rene Archer and Sam Beard capability co-led during Lou’s recuperation. You can read Sam’s detailed project summary by clicking on the image at right.
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!
Last updated 1 week ago