This crew builds new or reroutes existing trails usually working on Thursdays. The crew has accomplished several major trail improvement projects since 2017:
- Cienega/Armijo Trail Improvement Project
- Challenge Trail extension project
- Ellis Trail reroutes project
The crew began another multi-year endeavor, the Faulty Trail improvements project, in 2025. Additional projects completed over the last few years are summarized here.
These activities require a good level of stamina. Crew members frequently talk about being physically exhausted after a day’s work but feeling a great sense of accomplishment.
Safety is paramount. Everyone must wear appropriate personal protection equipment (PPE), which includes gloves, long sleeves, long pants, sturdy boots, helmets, eye protection, and hearing protection when chain saws are being used to clear a new trail.
Laura Leon leads the FOSM crew working closely with Sandia Ranger District Trails Foreman Jen Medina-Gray and Trails & Wilderness Program Manager Canyon Young. Laura prepares a detailed report including several photographs after each activity. These reports provide a great means of learning about the crew’s activities.
Click here for reports, photos, and yearly slideshows of trail construction activities since 2018.
Please fill in the form below if you would like more information about these activities or are interested in joining this crew. Please email webmaster@friendsofthesandias.org should you encounter any problems with this form.