Welcome to the City of Albuquerque

Volunteer

Information about volunteering with Albuquerque's Open Space Program

Become a vital part of Open Space - become a volunteer!

 

June 8th, 2013:

Training for Trail Watch and Adopt-an-Open Space.

 

Fill out an online interest form to become an Open Space volunteer.   

Volunteer Forms (For Active Volunteers Only)

What do Open Space Volunteers Do?

  • report observations such as flora and wildlife sightings and visitor activities;
  • they notify the Division of maintenance needs and law enforcement issues;
  • educate and guide the public to be good stewards;
  • and assist with conservation projects.

 

All volunteers are trained to report observations while using the trail and educate visitors on sustainable land use.

Visitor Center Volunteers

Visitor Center Volunteers work at the beautiful Open Space Visitor Center and are trained in:

  • How to greet visitors and educate them on the Open Space program and the Center’s surroundings
  • The geography of the Open Space program
  • The Piedras Marcadas Pueblo Village
  • The natural and human history that has shaped the Middle Rio Grande Valley
  • Visitor Center wildlife and plants, and interpretive method

Call 897-8831 or contact jhedderig@cabq.gov for more information.

    Trail Watch Volunteers

    Trail Watch Volunteers  are the foundation of the volunteer program - essentially, all volunteers are trained to be Trail Watch. Trail Watch is ideal for those volunteers who enjoy using the trails. Often referred to as Open Space "eyes and ears", these volunteers patrol areas of their choice and record observations, report problems and needs, and educate the public on proper resource use.

    YES! I Want to Volunteer!

    Fill out a volunteer interest form  mail or email it to the Volunteer Coordinator, Jolynn Maestas at jmaestas@cabq.gov.  You may also call 452-5207 for more information. 

    Adopt-an-Open Space 

    As an extension of the Trail Watch Volunteer program, the Adopt-an-Open Space program was formed to concentrate stewardship in a targeted area. TWV duties are applied, but adopters also agree to organize at least one group project per year. Some areas may require more scheduled projects within a year. In the foothills, individuals or groups can adopt trails and assist with the essential maintenance of these visitor corridors. In the bosque, groups of 10 or more can adopt restoration areas and help with non-native plant control and trail maintenance. At the City's expense, a sign is installed in the adopted area recognizing the adopters efforts.

    Call Jim Sattler at 452-5213 or email jsattler@cabq.gov for information. 

    Annual Volunteer Events 

    Interested in a one-day conservation project? Go to our Calendar of Events page and find a perfect volunteer project for you! Annual volunteer projects include: 

    Join the Open Space Division and other local organizations for these fun and family-friendly community service projects.

     

    Community Interpreters of the Environment (CIOTE)

    Education is a key component in protecting Open Space areas. Education not only enhances the visitor's enjoyment of Open Space, but also inspires greater respect for the area's unique natural and cultural resources. Giving educational programs is a fun and fulfilling way to volunteer if you are a Community Interpreters of the Environment or CIOTE. CIOTEs lead educational hikes and programs for school children and the general public.

    Connecting People to Place

    In the coming year, consider helping the Open Space Visitor Center “Connect People to Place.” As independent personalities, we might be drawn to books, DIY and self-education. Compelling studies show that our comprehension and future potential is dramatically improved by being in “a cluster of collected effort”: www.pbs.org/thisemotionallife/topics. This may or may not be the science behind what our volunteers mention when asked what draws them to Open Space. Read below for a sampling of their comments.

    “I became a volunteer because I enjoy the atmosphere at the visitor center”

    “The staff gives me the freedom to see a need, make a plan, and create a solution! Something I couldn’t do in my paid job.”

    “I keep coming back - the community of Open Space is a definite positive in my life.”

    “The Open Space Visitor Center is a magical place”

    Getting Started

    YES! I Want to Volunteer!

    All volunteers attend a two-hour orientation that provides background on the Open Space Division, volunteer responsibilities, and addresses issues of law enforcement. Volunteers are required to contribute a minimum of 25 hours per year and complete two additional trainings or attend two programs of the individual's choice. All volunteers receive a packet with maps, brochures and information, a badge, a lanyard and a patch; after completion of 25 hours volunteers receive an official Open Space Volunteer t-shirt

     

      Other Volunteer Opportunities

      Sandia Foothills Volunteers: Are you an early riser? Do you enjoy watching the sun rise over the Sandias and seeing wildlife? If you have some extra time on your hands in the mornings and you don’t know what to do with it, we can help you! Volunteers are needed to assist our Park Attendant staff with opening the Elena Gallegos Picnic Area and the Sandia Foothills Trailheads. All of these facilities are open by 7 a.m.. Opening procedures take about 1 – 1.5 hours to complete. Rewards include beautiful sun rises, wildlife and our gratitude.

      Petroglyph/Boca Negra Canyon Volunteers: We are looking for volunteers to assist our Park attendants at Boca Negra Canyon in the Petroglyph National Monument. Volunteers will typically work 4 hour shifts at Boca Negra and will spend time patrolling trails, passing out information, and interacting with visitors.

      Contact: Jim Sattler at (505) 452-5200 for details.

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