Latest Actions, Outings & Events – Rio Grande Chapter

2026 General Election Endorsements

Ellen Loehman — Sat, 03 Oct 2026 16:25:00 +0000

Authorized and paid for by The Rio Grande Chapter of the Sierra Club PAC.

Note: the endorsements below are for contested races in which there is an endorsement. If there is no recommendation, it either means the race is not contested or the Rio Grande Sierra Club has not made an endorsement.

For general election information, please visit NMvote.gov. On this site – by the NM Secretary of state – you can verify your voter registration, find your congressional districts, identify early voting locations and much more.

Rio Grande Sierra Club endorsements for state-wide contested elections

Governor’s Office
Deb Haaland and Stephanie Garcia Richard

As Secretary of the Interior under Joe Biden, Deb Haaland reduced methane waste on federal and tribal lands, accelerated permitting for clean energy projects, and launched large-scale orphaned well remediation—cutting emissions while creating jobs. As the first Native American cabinet secretary, she focused heavily on Indigenous rights, public land protections, and climate change. She supported Tribal nations and Indigenous communities’ stewardship of lands and waters using Indigenous traditional ecological knowledge.

As Land Commissioner, Stephanie Garcia Richard increased the bonding requirement for oil and gas operators to ensure that they pay for the costs of well capping and site remediation and that the state is not stuck with the bill. She raised the royalty rate for oil and gas lease sales to 25%, created the Office of Renewable Energy within the Land Office to capitalize on New Mexico’s solar and wind potential, established the first Cultural Properties Protection Rule to safeguard historical and cultural artifacts on state trust lands, and worked with the NM Dept. of Wildlife to expand recreational opportunities on State Trust Lands.

Secretary of State
Amanda López Askin

Doña Ana County Clerk Amanda López Askin was appointed as Clerk five days before the 2018 election and was immediately confronted by falsehoods and election-denial in the close Torres Small-Herrell congressional election that year. López Askin has also seen firsthand the fear and intimidation that communities will experience when federal law enforcement officers are present in the community on election day. This experience with election-denial, disruption, intimidation, personal attacks, and threats during her tenure as Doña Ana County Clerk has prepared her to be a steady hand to guide the state through the polarized elections we may be facing in the future in NM.

Attorney General
Raúl Torrez

Attorney General Raúl Torrez has amassed a stellar record during his first term leading the NM Dept. of Justice, both in environmental litigation and in 59 lawsuits resisting the illegal actions of the Trump regime. Torrez has emphasized that his job is first and foremost to protect vulnerable New Mexicans.

Torrez has backed the emergency petitions challenging air and water permitting decisions for the Project Jupiter data center. He sued oil and gas operators for fraudulently scheming to avoid the cost of plugging depleted wells. Torrez has defended public access to natural rivers and streams like the Pecos River from private landowners’ attempts to privatize access. Torrez led a multistate coalition opposing federal regulations that would fast-track licensing for unproven nuclear microreactors without adequate environmental review. He opposed proposed federal rollbacks to radiation safety standards.

Torrez sued the United States Postal Service over its unlawful attempts to interfere with mail-in voting. He obtained a $942 million judgment against Meta as a result of mental health harm to children from social media, along with an agreement to reform its platforms to reduce harm to children. He sued the U.S. Justice Department to obtain unredacted federal files concerning Jeffrey Epstein’s activities at the Zoro Ranch in NM so that wrongdoers can be prosecuted.

Commissioner of Public Lands
Juan de Jesus Sanchez III

Juan Sanchez is committed to protecting Chaco Canyon, including continuing the current moratorium on oil, gas and mineral leases in the greater Chaco area, and refusing to grant easements over state lands within the buffer zone that would facilitate oil and gas projects on federal lands. He supports putting into law the Land Office’s new Office of Cultural Resources in order to ensure no future land commissioner can avoid input from archeologists and tribal liaisons in order to protect sacred sites when implementing land office projects.

Sanchez has vowed to implement and defend Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard’s executive orders, regulations and work, including adequate bonding for the cost of remediation of oil and gas well sites, no fresh water for fracking, setbacks of oil and gas leases from schools, higher royalties on oil and gas leases and more renewable energy leases. Sanchez wants to create a new outdoor recreation office within the Land Office to create more opportunities for outdoor recreation, including camping and trails.

Rio Grande Sierra Club endorsements for New Mexico State House of Representatives

Rickie Gonzales
HD 7

Rickie Gonzales is running to address long-ignored issues in underrepresented parts of District 7. He will work for smart development and plans for growth that ensure water and the environment are top priorities, for environmental justice for the many disenfranchised populations, and to bring services that help his constituents.

Katherine Gauer
HD 8

Katherine Gauer knows Valencia County’s issues from her years of working on social justice and education issues. She wants to address the problems faced by her constituents in her mostly rural district, including infrastructure, health care, and water. She will work for a moratorium on data centers.

Andres Romero
HD 10

Since his first term, Romero has made environmental policy a central issue, and he continues to be a strong advocate for climate action, pushing for policies that protect the environment and promote sustainability. He serves as Chair of the Education Committee, and on the Transportation and Public Works Committee.

Art De La Cruz
HD 12

Art De La Cruz has a lifetime conservation score of 95% from Conservation Voters New Mexico. He has supported many of our priority bills, including the Game Commission reform, oil and gas royalty rate structures, the strategic water reserve, and uranium mine cleanup. Along with conservation, he advocates for veterans and military families.

Miguel Garcia
HD 14

Conservation Voters NM gave Miguel Garcia a 97 percent lifetime environmental voting score. Along with protecting labor, health, and human services, he brings his expertise and commitment to the House Energy, Environment, and Natural Resources Committee and the Water and Natural Resources Committee. He has sponsored bills to protect both our ancient acequias and our new Americans.

Debra M. Sariñana
HD 21

Debbie Sariñana is Vice Chair of the Energy, Environment and Natural Resources Committee and a member of the Water and Natural Resources Committee, two very important committees for the environment. She has used her experience and leadership to sponsor bills to promote energy affordability and low-income home solar, regulate oil and gas and produced water, and to direct the Environment Department to prioritize hazardous waste issues. She virtually always votes right on environmental bills.

Elizabeth Thomson
HD 24

Liz Thomson has been a rock-solid supporter of environmental and other progressive legislation during her fourteen years in the State House. As a pediatric physical therapist and the mother of an autistic son, her focus has been on legislation to provide healthcare and opportunities for children, especially those with disabilities.

Cristina Parajón
HD 25

Cristina Parajon is our sole Gen Z member of the State House. She sponsored the new law allowing independent voters to vote in the major party primary elections. She has sponsored legislation creating new transmission lines for green energy, strengthening privacy rights, and amending the Oil and Gas Act with provisions for penalties, financial assurance, transfers, and gas capture.

Eleanor Chávez
HD 26

Eleanor Chávez is a longtime fighter for immigrants, children, healthcare, and free speech. She has a perfect 100% Conservation Voters NM lifetime voting score. She sponsored legislation protecting against lawsuits designed to silence criticism (SLAPP suits), prohibiting local governments from entering into agreements with ICE to detain individuals, and protecting employee free speech

Abby Foster
HD27

Abby Foster is a lawyer who advocates for children and disabled adults. She is committed to affordable housing, child wellbeing, and healthcare access. Abby emphasizes that we need to protect New Mexico’s water supply through smart conservation and investing in infrastructure to handle long-term drought. She also supports growing clean energy jobs and opposes the purchase of PNM by Blackstone.

Pamelya Herndon
HD28

Pamelya Herndon has spent her career advocating for social justice and women’s rights. She has served as the president and CEO of KWH Law Center for Social Justice and Change, the CEO of the Women’s Center of Social Justice and Change, and the executive director of the Southwest Women’s Law Center. She has served as the first vice president of the NAACP Albuquerque Branch. Pamelya has a 98% lifetime Conservation Voters NM voting score.

Joy Garratt
HD29

Joy Garratt is a longtime educator, where she has strived to integrate environmental and conservation education in her language-arts and social-studies assignments. She cares deeply about preserving our state’s natural beauty and resources for future generations, and she stresses that education is a vital component in ensuring that this happens. She strongly opposes unregulated data centers.

E. Diane Torres-Velásquez
HD30

Rep. Diane Torres-Velásquez has a PhD in education and has worked with grassroots groups to establish public education as a fundamental right in New Mexico and to make sure there is an equitable distribution of education resources. While the focus of her legislative work has been on education, she has been a steadfast supporter of the Chapter’s environmental priorities and has a 100% lifetime Conservation Voters NM voting score.

Lisa Curtis
HD31

Lisa Curtis is an Albuquerque attorney, business owner, and community leader, who has spent more than 30 years representing New Mexico families. Lisa is smart, progressive, and strategic. She believes we should use today’s oil and gas revenue to build tomorrow’s economy, which includes water infrastructure, clean energy, and a renewable buildout. She wants to limit private equity from acquiring the companies that provide our healthcare.

Laura Parra
HD 32

Laura Parra is a city councilor and the mayor pro tem of Deming. A community organizer with a background working with our nonprofit allies, she is the founder of the nonprofit Voices for Change, an organization that develops youth leadership. Laura impressed the political committee with her knowledge of her community and her desire to be a strong voice in the legislature for rural communities and working families.

Micaela Lara Cadena
HD33

Micaela Lara Cadena is the research director at Young Women United, a New Mexico nonprofit, and has worked as an advocate for women in correctional facilities. She has sponsored and supported legislation to protect and strengthen water resources and infrastructure in New Mexico. Micaela has become a leader in opposing Project Jupiter. She has a 94% lifetime Conservation Voters NM voting score.

Angelica Rubio
HD35

Angelica Rubo’s work in the legislature focuses on policies that center on disproportionately impacted communities that are deeply affected by extractive industries and working towards a vision of building a restorative economy for all New Mexicans. She is the chair of the interim Radioactive & Hazardous Materials Committee. Angelica has served in the legislature for ten years, and during that time she has always supported environmental legislation. She has a 100% lifetime Conservation Voters NM voting score.

Nathan Small
HD36

Nathan Small was the principal sponsor of the 2019 Energy Transition Act, mandating electricity generation utilities to transition from fossil fuels to clean energy sources. He has been a strong advocate for renewable energy and has a lifetime 97% Conservation Voters NM voting score. He is Chair of the powerful House Appropriations and Finance Committee.

Lori Martinez
HD37

Lori Martinez is the Executive Director of Ngage New Mexico, an education nonprofit. She will bring a high level of expertise in education and mental health to the House and would work to fill gaps in services by creating new state programs, including Paid Family Leave. She supports legislation to restrict private-equity control of hospitals, energy and data centers.

David Mooney
HD 38

If the Chapter could create a candidate with ideal qualifications, it would be Dave Mooney. Dave is a strong environmentalist and is an activist against Project Jupiter; he has extensive experience leading campaign ground games; and he is a community organizer. He wants to help New Mexico make sound best policy decisions based on practical, community and environment-focused solutions.

Raul Turrieta
HD 39

Raul Turrieta is an active and visible member of the Silver City community. He pledges to work to ensure access to affordable health care, educate a skilled workforce, place a moratorium on data centers, protect the Gila, for post-fire watershed restoration, to expand our Strategic Water Reserve to protect our rivers, and to meet renewable energy goals faster than those outlined in the Energy Transition Act.

Kathleen Cates
HD44

Kathleen Cates is Vice Chair of the Agriculture, Acequias, and Water Resources Committee and has sponsored and supported water project bills. Her priorities as a legislator are water, housing and human rights. She has been an ironclad supporter of environmental bills, with a 100% lifetime Conservation Voters NM voting score.

Tara Lujan
HD48

Tara Lujan supports a balanced energy future that creates jobs, lowers costs, and protects New Mexico’s environment through investments in clean energy, innovative technologies, and resilient infrastructure. She supports responsible water planning, conservation, modern infrastructure, and policies that protect our land and natural resources for the future. She has a lifetime 100% Conservation Voters NM voting score.

Sarah Boses
HD50

Sarah Boses is a registered oncology nurse and a two-term member of the Santa Fe Public Schools Board of Education. Her campaign priorities include education, healthcare, affordable housing, and supporting sustainable growth and climate resilient renewable energy transitions.

Grace Nagamine
HD51

Grace Nagamine impressed the Political Committee with her knowledge of, empathy for, and hands-on work to alleviate the hardships of challenged members of the Otero County community. Grace is a survivor herself, having experienced homelessness and survived domestic violence, and she is a Certified Nursing Assistant. She founded Royal Angels to provide joy to special needs children, inspired by her granddaughter. She is committed to helping children, families, seniors, veterans, and people suffering from mental health issues and disabilities.

Sarah Silva
HD 53

Sarah Silva was heavily involved in the efforts that led to the designation of the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument. In the legislature, she was a sponsor of the medical malpractice reform that which will help attract and retain doctors in NM. She also sponsored a successful bill to use oil-and-gas revenue to pay for the SNAP benefits cut by the Trump regime. She has become a strong opponent of Project Jupiter and supports strong guardrails against the negative impacts of data centers. In addition, she pledges to work to pass Paid Family Leave and legislation to prohibit digital price tags.

Chriselle Martinez
HD 57

Chriselle Martinez supports reducing greenhouse gas emissions below 2005 levels and making microgrids and data centers subject to requirements to transition to renewable energy. She supports a moratorium on data centers until we have a comprehensive framework that addresses water use, energy usage, impacts on consumer energy costs, and community benefits. She believes that New Mexico should continue to lead on climate and environmental protections regardless of federal actions.

Luke Jungmann
HD 60

Luke Jungmann is running in Rio Rancho because our freedoms are under attack, the environment ravaged, and people struggle to afford life. He is focused on the needs of his constituents-to-be, and is accordingly prioritizing affordable healthcare and housing, paid family and medical leave, and labor and union protections. He is a strong supporter of renewable energy, and he supports a statewide moratorium on data centers so that we can craft appropriate guardrails.

Charlotte Little
HD68

Charlotte Little is a member of San Felipe Pueblo and is Vice Chair of the State Government, Elections & Indian Affairs Committee. She sponsored the bill to protect access to reproductive and gender-affirming healthcare that became law, and access to healthcare generally is a priority for her. She sponsored the law that requires disclosure that a political advertisement has been altered or created by AI and that prohibits political ads that show people making statements or engaging in conduct that they did not say or do. Rep. Little has a 100% lifetime CVNM voting score.

County and municipal contested races

Bernalillo County

Eric Olivas, Bernalillo County Commission District 5

Doña Ana County

Daisy Maldonado, Doña County Commission District 1

Constitutional amendments

Rio Grande Chapter endorses a YES vote on three constitutional amendments.

The Chapter has endorsed the following three constitutional amendments and urges you to vote “yes” on these measures.

Constitutional Amendment 1 – Repeal Pocket Veto – vote YES
This amendment would do away with the pocket veto and reverse the result of not signing a bill. If this passes, a bill would become law if the governor did not take any action on the bill. The amendment requires a “substantive explanation” of any veto.

The governor should be required to inform residents why a measure passed by the Legislature is being vetoed.

Constitutional Amendment 2 – School board election dates – vote YES
This amendment would repeal the NM constitutional requirement that school board elections be held at different times than partisan elections and let school board elections be held at the same time as statewide and federal elections.

Holding school board elections at the same time as statewide and federal elections would increase participation in school board elections.

Constitutional Amendment 4 – Legislative compensation – vote YES
This constitutional amendment would provide a salary for legislators starting in 2029. The salary would be set at and adjusted to the median salary in the state, currently about $67,800.

Making this a salaried position would allow people who otherwise could not afford to run for Legislature to do so.

We need legislators who have paid time to work on complex, technical legislation that can be key to the future of our state.

Word to the wise: Early voting is election protection

Ellen Loehman — Sat, 03 Oct 2026 16:24:02 +0000

Richard Barish, Chair, Political Committee, richardbarish@gmail.com

President Trump has been signaling for months that he intends to undermine the November election. He has taken actions to try to do this, for instance, by seeking to restrict mail-in voting. We can expect he will do everything he can to keep eligible voters from casting their ballots and to prevent valid votes from being counted so his corruption can continue without oversight from Congress.

We do not know how Trump’s actions will affect us here in New Mexico. We can be confident that our Secretary of State and Attorney General will do everything they can to protect our vote. However, as individuals we also need to take all prudent actions to ensure everyone’s vote is counted. This article will address what you can and should do to protect the vote.

Check your registration often

NM has strict statutory guidelines that govern the removal of voters from the voter rolls, so it is unlikely you will be removed. But the safest course is to check your registration. It’s easy to do that at nmvote.org.

Early in-person voting is election protection

Election day is when you are most likely to encounter problems with in-person voting. But you can’t be affected by problems at polling sites on Election Day — or by problems with mail ballots — if you vote early and in-person. New Mexico has lots of sites for early in-person voting with accommodating hours. Put a date and backup date to vote early and in-person on your calendar, and bring friends and family with you. Encourage others to vote early. You can find voting times and locations at your county clerk’s website, which you can find at nmvote.org.

Key dates for early voting
October 6 – Early voting begins at your county clerk’s office (the clerk’s annex in Bernalillo County)
October 17 – Early voting begins at other locations in your county
October 31 – Last day of early voting

If you must vote by mail, make sure your ballot is in the mail early

On September 14, the Supreme Court denied Trump’s request for an emergency order that would allow him to set the rules for who gets to vote by mail. As a result, voting by mail is an option. If you do vote by mail, and if you are not on the permanent mail ballot list, request your mail-in ballot early (TODAY, for instance). You can request a mail-in ballot at nmvote.org.

Fill your ballot out right away once you get it. Your best option is to return it yourself to a dropbox or to an early or election day polling site. If you have to mail your ballot, get it in the mail early. You won’t be affected if there are problems with the mail near Election Day if you put your ballot in the mail early. Also, be certain to fill it out correctly so it won’t be rejected.

Key dates for mail-in voting
October 6– Clerks begin mailing out ballots
October 20 – Applications must be received by your county clerk
November 3 – Election Day, County clerk must have the ballot in-hand by 7 p.m.

Want to help out?

Be a poll monitor on election day
Poll monitors keep an eye on polling sites from the outside, report problems and help voters with voting issues. If you can, sign up for training and two-hour shifts organized by Common Cause NM.

Be ready for a sustained mobilization, if needed after the election, to enforce the results

In the interest of covering all eventualities, you should know what to do if Trump does send troops or ICE to polling sites or interferes with the counting of ballots anywherein the country, or if he or his lackeys refuse to seat Democrats who were duly elected to serve in the US House of Representatives. If demonstrations become necessary, please look for additional details on our Facebook page or your local Indivisible group.

Make sure you vote!
Political strategist Anat Shenker-Osorio says “your vote is your ICE whistle.” It is also how you act to protect our public lands, keep unwanted data centers out of our communities, protect science and so much more. Be sure to vote yourself and try to make sure your family members and friends vote, too.

I am hopeful our democracy will survive. I hope I can look back in January after a new Congress is sworn in and have a good laugh at how needlessly worried I was. But if that is going to happen, we all need to do our part to zealously protect the election in November.

Fall 2026 Outings

Ellen Loehman — Sat, 03 Oct 2026 16:20:58 +0000

Outings are normally free and open to non-members, although we do like it if you join the Club to increase our local and national clout.

Events can be also found on our event calendar, and many on the Chapter Meetup site. The Santa Fe Group outings are listed on their Meetup site. Remember that outings may be added or changed as the season progresses.

Important! We rely on participant self-screening to ensure an outing that is safe and appropriate for all. We will do our best to detail the outings so you can decide if your fitness level and experience are fitting. Some things to consider are the elevation:

Are you acclimatized to the stated elevations expected?
Are you recovering from sickness or medical procedure or taking any medication or have a recent change of medication that may reduce or impact your fitness and ability?
Do you have any issues or concerns that might impact you and possibly the whole group’s safety?

Please contact the outing leader with any questions or concerns.

Sign-up using the link below each listing. This link will take you to the calendar event listing with more information and registration.

October 2026

Friday, October 2 — The Story of the Crash of TWA Flight 260, 70 Years Ago, 7:15-8:30 p.m. We’ll hear the story of the Crash of TWA Flight 260. Terry Owen, an outdoor adventurer and outings leader, will share the story of the crash that occurred on Feb. 19, 1955 in the Sandia Mountains and the memorial hike to the crash site. Enjoy a beverage and snacks as well as a great evening with like-minded friends
Leader: Terry Owen
Level: Easy
Location: Albuquerque (Sierra & Beer)
RSVP for this event

Friday, October 9 — Zero Waste Tour of Solutions Compost, Soil and Mulch,. 10- 11:30 am. Come see how this soil business has changed in the last two years. Hopefully we will get to see how the Denali machine separates food from packaging.
Leader: Laurie Zunner, lmzunne@gmail.com
Level: Easy
Location: Albuquerque
Register for this event

Saturday, October 10, Salinas Pueblo National Monument Tour, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tucked away in the middle of New Mexico you’ll find Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument. We will visit two of the three distinct sites, Quarai and Abo, offering a glimpse into a unique time in history. These sites offer a quiet place to reflect on history, local archaeology and the Land of Enchantment. This outing affords abundant photo opportunities with time to walk about, maybe finding inspiration for a quick poem or a quick sketch. Wear comfortable attire and sturdy shoes. Bring clothing layers, hats, sunscreen,water and a picnic lunch. Total combined walking distance is one mile, at about 6,000- feet. elevation, 50 feet of elevation change. Please consider the health of others if you are experiencing any symptoms of being ill. No dogs, except service animals on leash. Youth 10 and older welcome with accompanying responsible adult. Those who wish to carpool are responsible for making their own arrangements and any reimbursement to the driver with whom they travel.
Leader: June Parsons
Level: Easy and accessible
Location: Mountainair (carpool from Albuquerque)
Register for this event no later than October 3

Saturday-Sunday, October 17-18, Wilderness First Aid Course, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. each day. Rio Grande Chapter os sponsoring a Wilderness First Aid course. This course is in high demand and typically fills up months in advance. The SOLO Wilderness First Aid Course is a two-day training for anyone who spends time hiking, skiing, engaging in other outdoor pursuits or just wants to know what to do when things go wrong. The course is a blend of lecture, demonstrations and scenarios. Students will have ample opportunity to practice skills in life-like situations, both as patients and caregivers. At the successful completion of the course, you will be certified or re-certified in Wilderness First Aid. Attendees must participate in all portions and all hours of the course and demonstrate understanding to obtain certification. Why should you attend? People get hurt, sick, or lost. The temperature drops, the wind picks up and it starts to rain. Would you know what to do? If you’re ever more than an hour away from a hospital or one mile from any road, you need to know what to do. Many backcountry emergencies are preventable, and even when bad things happen, sometimes the wrong care can make things worse. By learning a few basic skills, you can make the difference between a good outcome and a bad one — and maybe even save a life. For more information on SOLO’s curriculum, visit www.soloschools.com . Cancellation policy: Activity is held rain or shine, but may be altered due to inclement weather. Signup restrictions: The minimum age to attend this course is 14 years old.
Coordinator: Debbie Bryant
Level: Easy
Location: Tijeras
Cost: Tuition is $200
Register for this event

Saturday, October 24 — Hike to the top of Cerro Grande, Santa Fe Meetup: 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. This beautiful out-and-back hike leads through an open forest of ponderosa, aspen and conifers to the top of Cerro Grande (the highest point in Bandelier). You will hike on the rim of the Valles Caldera and enjoy sweeping views into Valle Grande and beyond. Weather permitting, we’ll have at least a half hour on the top to rest, refuel and enjoy those views. If we’re lucky, we will hear bugling eElks and see the herds down in the valley. Bring binoculars, if interested. The trailhead is a one hour drive from Santa Fe. Hiking time is 3 or more hours. The hike is moderate with some short, steep parts. The total elevation gain is 1,300 feet in about 2.2 miles (round trip 4.5 miles), with the summit at 10,199 feet. The high altitude throughout hike can make it feel more challenging. The time stated above is when carpoolers will leave Santa Fe. If you choose to meet at the trailhead, please arrive by 9:30 a.m. Water and rain gear required. Bring a snack for the top if you want one. Any changes or cancellations will be posted through the Santa Fe Meetup. Dogs are not permitted in Bandelier.
Leaders: Lisa and Craig Hammond
Level: Moderate
Location: Bandelier Monument (carpool from Santa Fe)
Register on Santa Fe Meetup

Friday, October 30 — Acoma Sky City Pueblo Walking Tour, 10 a.m .- 4 p.m. Tucked away in the middle of New Mexico you’ll find Acoma Sky City Pueblo. It is a fantastic place to visit, wholly unique and you will experience years of history. Upon arrival we will begin with a walk through the visitor center, gift shop and museum. Then we will travel by Acoma Pueblo bus to the top of the inhabited mesa for a guided tour of the “city,” offering a glimpse into a millennia of unique human migration from Mesa Verde to Chaco to Acoma. Along the walking tour local artisans and residents explain and sell their unique handmade goods and traditional baked items. This Acoma site dates back over 1,000 years, the oldest continuously human-inhabited site in New Mexico. History will be shared by our guide throughout the walk. Acoma offers a quiet place in the sky with views many miles in the distance in every direction and an opportunity to reflect on its history and local archeology. This outing provides abundant photo opportunities outside of the mission church and graveyard. The walk takes about two hours. We will then visit and enjoy our packed lunches that we brought (although you can chance the visitor center cafe being open). Walking stick is suggested, and bring layers, hats, sunscreen, water and lunch. Ground will be uneven but less than 1-mile walk.
Leader: June Parsons
Level: Easy
Cost: There is a $25 contribution ($20 seniors) to the Pueblo purchased at the visitor center and museum.
Signup restrictions: No dogs except service animals. Kids 10 and older welcome if with a responsible adult. Register no later than Oct. 26.
Location: Acoma (carpool from Albuquerque)
Register for this event no later than October 26

November 2026

Sunday, November 1 – Fort Stanton Historic Site and BLM National Conservation Area. We’ll be leisurely touring the self guided Fort Stanton Historic Site grounds and hiking on BLM’s Fort Stanton North Trail (short carpool) to the Internment site of the SS Columbus crew at Fort Stanton during World War II. We’ll talk about the history of the area and the recent 2025 Camp Fire. Bring good hiking footwear and dress for the weather. No dogs please and appropriate for participants 18 years and older. Registration is limited to 10 people. RSVP no later than October 29th, 2026. The hike(s) will be no more than 3 miles with minimal elevation gain.
Leader: John Pijawka
Level: Easy
Location: Fort Stanton, east of Carrizozo, leader can connect participants for carpooling
Cost: first Sunday of every month – free admission for NM residents with ID – $7 for non-residents of New Mexico
Register for this event

Saturday, November 7 — Valley of Fires & Malpais, 9:30 a.m.-noon. Come join us for a leisurely morning hike enjoying the cool fall weather at the BLM Valley of Fires Recreation Area west of Carrizozo. We’ll be exploring one of the youngest lava flows in the continental United States. It was observed by the Indigenous people who inhabited the Tularosa Basin over 5,000 years ago. We will hike tThe Kipuka and Nature Trails as well as a quick scamper up to the overlook. There is minimal elevation gain and a little less than 3 miles of hiking. Please dress for cool weather with good supportive footwear. We’ll discuss the history and geology of the lava flow. The wildlife is notably melanistic, contrasting sharply with their pale-colored kin in the White Sand dunes to the south. Please note there is a $5 entrance fee per vehicle, or any federal interagency pass is also valid. No dogs and hike is appropriate for participants 18 years and older.
Leader: John Pijawka
Level: Easy
Location: Valley of Fires Recreation Area west of Carrizozo. Note: If carpooling from Albuquerque/Santa Fe is desired, the leader can assist in connecting participants.
Register for this event no later than November 5, limited to 10 people

Tuesday, November 17, Zero Waste Tour of the Surface Water Treatment Plant, 10-11:30 a.m. Learn how water from the Rio Grande is taken in and treated to become your drinking water. In an introduction, you will see the journey from the San Juan and Chama rivers to the Rio Grande and the treatment plant on a large floor model in the lobby. Then we will do a lot of walking, going in and out of buildings and climbing stairs, seeing different parts of the plant.
Leader: Laurie Zunner
Level: Easy
Location: Albuquerque
Register for this event

December 2026

Thursday, December 10, Zero Waste Tour of BARCO Recycling Facility, 9-10:30 a.m. Come see how all of our blue-bin recycling is sorted. Find out how much is actually recycled and get answers to moreother recycling questions. Must be able to climb stairs and not be bothered by a very noisy environment.
Leader: Laurie Zunner
Level: Easy
Location: Albuquerque
Register for this event, limit 10 people

Featured image – Pecos hike by Diane Owens