Sandia Ranger District Programs presented in the Summer of 2011
Call the station at (505) 281-3304 for more information, forest closures AND about what's going on in the Sandias this year.
All Summer: Living With the Land Tour the Tijeras Pueblo Archaeological Site: The site is located directly behind the Sandia Ranger Station. Take a self-guided tour any time during daylight hours (stop at Ranger Station for directions). If you would like a guided tour, call 281-3304 two weeks in advance to schedule your tour. The Education Center is open any day that you see the "Welcome" sign in front of the door.
All Summer: For Kids Only! Become a Junior Archaeologist! Earn a button and certificate! Here’s how: 1) Visit the Tijeras Pueblo Archaeological Site (behind Sandia Ranger Station) with your mom, dad, aunt, uncle, grandparents or other guardian 2) Ask a ranger at the Ranger Station Front Desk for a worksheet and take the self-guided trail through Tijeras Pueblo. 3) Return your worksheet to the ranger. (Be sure to start your visit any time between 8:30 am to 3:30 pm, weekdays.)
All Summer: For Kids Only! Become a Junior Ranger! Earn a patch to wear proudly! Here’s how: 1) Visit the Sandia Crest Visitor Center, Four Seasons Visitor Center (top of the Tram), Doc Long Picnic Area (on weekends), Cedro Creek or Cienega Nature Trails with your mom, dad, aunt, uncle, grandparents or other guardian. 2 )Pick up a worksheet at the site or at the Ranger Station. 3) Explore the trail while you answer questions on the worksheet. 4) Return your worksheet to have your answers checked on site (Crest, Tram and Doc Long) between 10 a.m. and 3 p.p. or bring it to the Ranger Station. 5) Prizes are offered to children who complete all 5 worksheets. Program runs from Memorial Weekend - Labor Day Weekend .
Weekend Activities
Exploring the Sandias, Volunteers are on hand to answer questions and suggest interesting activities at the Four Seasons Visitor Center at the top of the Sandia Peak Tram, at the Sandia Crest Information Center and at Doc Long Picnic Area. Free, Memorial Day - Columbus Day. Call 242-4177 or 248-0190 for more information.
Saturdays Celebrating Wildflowers! Come and see what's blooming in the Sandias! Meet at the Ranger Station every Saturday at 9 a.m. Go with the leader to a site on the mountain. Hikes are free but parking fees apply in most areas. Walks are scheduled in the months of June, July and August.
and During the Week ...
Tuesdays Tuesday Morning Bird Walks Discover birds in several distinct mountain habitats from spruce-fir forests to riparian woodlands. Leaders are Audubon Society members and locations will be scouted weekly for best viewing. Meet at Sandia Ranger Station on Tuesday mornings at 8:00 am .... Daily amenity fee of $3 is required at some locations.
Wednesdays Sandia Crest Geology Walks Have you ever wondered why the Sndias are where they are? Or wondered what kinds of rocks you are seeing on the mountain? When and where: On Wednesdays, ......., meet at the south end of the lower parking lot at Sandia Crest. ($3 amenity fee)
MONTHLY STAR PARTY! Astronomy Night at the Oak Flat Picnic Ground, Juniper Area Saturdays: Stargazing starts at sunset. Come earlier with a picnic supper and flashlights. Features telescopes from the ABQ Astronomical Society (TAAS). Free. Call 281-3304 for directions.
The Friends of the Sandia Mountains Lectures Series. These friends offer a free public lecture on the first Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. The presentation is held in the Sandia Ranger Station large conference room.