FOSM Founders Meet Steve Stucker
May 24, 2023
KOB 4 has been very supportive of FOSM including on-air reports about us and our activities including snowshoe events, Matt Thompson’s Watermelon 100 run, Sim Cook’s Pay it 4Ward appearance, and construction of the Challenge Trail extension.
Steve Stucker briefly interviewed FOSM co-founders Sam Beard and Don Carnicom during a May 24 telecast from Lantern Ridge Farm Market in San Antonito. Air time was short, but Steve, Sam, and Don expressed mutual appreciation for FOSM’s work and support of that work by KOB 4. Sam and Don also presented Steve with a copy of “Field Guide to the Sandias.” Thanks Sam and Don for representing FOSM so well.


Regular viewers of KOB TV know that Steve recently retired from his early morning weatherman duties after 33 years. “Steve Stucker’s Thank You New Mexico Tour” is KOB TV’s way of letting New Mexico say goodbye to Steve and Steve say thanks to New Mexico. As Steve visits locations throughout the state during April and May, live broadcasts feature him discussing local issues with people of the state. https://youtu.be/4TlqntQEqMo
FOSM Member Sim Cook “Pays it 4ward”
May 1, 2023
FOSM member Sim Cook recognized the efforts of Greg Elbring and Toby Lovato in Mora County who stepped up for their community soon after the Calf Canyon/Hermit’s Peak fires broke out. Sim, who regularly works with all of FOSM’s weekly crews, generously nominated his two new friends for the award. Nonetheless, Sim should be recognized as the third member of the STP (“Same Three People”) crew who accomplished the wood effort for which Greg and Toby were recognized⏤making the long drive from Albuquerque to do so. Way to go, Sim!
KOB-TV Features Successful 19th Sandia Snowshoe Classic
January 21, 2023
FOSM is proud to have sponsored this event once again. The day started cold, but the weather and snow conditions were perfect by the time the event began. Details are available here.
Albuquerque Journal features work of FOSM Trail Construction Crew
January 5, 2023
Today’s edition of the Albuquerque Journal features the work of FOSM’s Trail Building Crew in an excellent article that starts on the front page above the fold.
Click on the image above to access the article online.
If the link leads to a paywall, you can view a pdf version of the article here.
FOSM Trail Construction Crew Featured on KOB-TV
November 17, 2022 – Click on the image above to hear Jenny Blackmore, leader of our trail construction crew, along with other FOSM members and Cibola National Forest Trail Manager Kerry Wood discuss the Challenge Trail extension project.
2022 Sandia Ranger District Volunteer Appreciation Event
Sandia Ranger District (SRD) held a volunteer recognition event at the Oak Flat Picnic Area on October 21, 2022. FOSM and several of our members were among the volunteer organizations and individuals recognized. District Ranger Crystal Powell began the ceremonies by saying, “FOSM is awesome.” Thanks for the recognition, SRD!








Additional information can be found on the Cibola National Forest website.
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.)