Please visit the calendar for more information or to register for any of these events.
July 2026
Friday, July 10 – Nambe Lake hike. The trail is 6.5 miles roundtrip with 2,000 ft elevation gain. The majority of the trail runs up along the creek, making this a very pleasant experience. When you get to the alpine lake, you will be stunned how beautiful it is. Well worth the hike up! The group will accommodate a range of hiking paces. There will be an option to eat and rest at leisure or take some of that break to hike around the lake before hiking back.
Wednesday, July 15 – Green Book Club. Join the Green Book Club to read and discuss a wide range of books that address different facets of green advocacy. This month’s choice is Rachel Carson’s “Silent Spring.” Originally published in 1962, “Silent Spring” is an exploration of the dangers of DDT as it accumulated upwards in the environmental hierarchy, especially in birds. It was landmark advocacy writing that led to revolutionary changes in the laws and regulatory procedures affecting our land, air and water. The questions Carson raised are with us today in every discussion of how much of substance X can be released into the environment, who it will impact and who pays the costs (think in NM of “processed water”). Please bring your coffee and your book.
Saturday, July 18 – Ruidoso – Eagle Creek Trail at Alto Lakes. Join us for a short brisk hike through the cool pines of Ruidoso. Our hike starts at the Alto Lake Parking lot & we’ll take a leisurely 2 mile round trip hike along and behind Alto Lake, and we might catch a glimpse of some wild horses or elk. This trail is used by bird watchers and hosts several songbirds, ducks and hawks. The Eagle Creek Trail has a minimal elevation gain and we’ll discuss a little of its hydrology. We will also discuss & view two drinking ground water wells along the trail. This area has several drinking water wells that the Water Dept. for the Village of Ruidoso uses for public consumption. We will discuss a little about the water system and how it is maintained and sent into distribution and storage. Finally we will discuss EPA Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) requirements, laws, sampling & testing, public notice issues and Consumer Confident Reporting. No dogs. Bring: water, snack, foul weather gear, binoculars
Saturday July 25 – Annual Member Appreciation Picnic. Sierra Club members and friends are invited to join us for a potluck of yummy offerings, plus panoramic views, bird watching, fresh air and sunshine!
When: July 25, 2026, 10 am to 2 pm
Where: Capulin Springs Picnic Area in the Cibola National Forest. For details, visit http:www.rec.gov
Some highlights – This picnic site is surrounded by heavily wooded land that affords shade to escape the heat of the day. The spring at Capulin Spring runs year-round and is a much visited spot by birders, especially in the dry season because thirsty birds flock to this area for a nice, cool drink of water. Bring a potluck offering to share.
August 2026
Saturday, August 1 – Cienega Nature Trail QiGong Walk. Have you noticed there are fewer wildflowers? Want to learn more about this? Join us in the lower Sandias to observe and discuss. We’ll learn a simple walking practice that allows us to slow down and deeply absorb nature’s messages and calm. QiGong is related to Tai Chi and after practice on paved trails, we’ll observe what is in bloom in this lush green meadow and see what insect pollinators are out. Along with nature illustrator and QiGong practitioner Laurie Lange, we will note how the drought has decreased our wildflowers and the severity of the loss. Not suitable for those with balance issues; long pants and closed toe shoes required. This will be less than a one-mile walk. Young adults encouraged; youth with parent or legal guardian.
Sunday, August 2 – Valles Caldera South Mountain Hike. The South Mountain Trail in Valles Caldera is lovely and very peaceful. We will walk from the second (inner) visitors center through a forested section and up to a mountain meadow. This trail is eight miles with 1,200 ft elevation gain, ending up about 10,000 feet up. If you are wanting to enjoy life and increase your fitness at the same time, this hike might be for you.
Thursday, August 13 – Zero Waste Tour of ABQ Computer and Electronics Recycling. Almost anything with a cord or cable can be recycled at this business as well as phones. Larger items do require a fee. See how all data is wiped from devices. They also refurbish computers, laptops, etc. and sell them at reasonable rates.
Saturday, August 15 – South Fork Trail #19 and Placer Gold Sifting in the Lincoln National Forest. We’ll be hiking Trail #19 that follows the South Fork of the Rio Bonito above the closed South Fork Campground. We’ll discuss the devastating 2012 Little Bear Fire, the historic original and present Bonito Pipeline and history of the Nogal Mining District and discovery of gold and other mineral resources starting back in 1865. Be prepared for weather and stream crossings with an approximate 250 ft elevation gain and 3-4 miles of hiking. We’ll also spend some time placer gold sifting, so bring your kit. No dogs please; appropriate for participants 18 years and older.
Thursday, August 20. Green Book Club. Join the Green Book Club to read and discuss a wide range of books that address different facets of being green. This month’s choice is Dan Nott’s non-fiction graphic book “Hidden Systems: Water, Electricity, the Internet and the Secrets Behind the Systems We Use Every Day.” Published in 2023, the book details the historical development, decision-making processes, costs and benefits of the Internet, electric grid and water systems. The book won several awards for its STEM-based explanations and teaching value. The analysis is environmentally based. For NM-based people, the water systems section will be particularly interesting. Please bring your coffee and your book. We will have some snacks.
Saturday, August 22 – Migrating Birds Along the Animas River. The Farmington Riverside Trail has been said to be the best thing in Farmington. Let’s look for more migrating birds along the Animas Riverwalk. This is a pleasant stroll, and at least one birdwatcher was heard to brag they have seen up to 34 species at this location. Dress for the weather. 18 year olds or above only. No pets please. Bring water and snacks in order to chat after the hike.
September 2026
Saturday, September 5 – Fall Birds Along the Animas. The Farmington Riverside Trail has been said to be the best thing in Farmington. Let’s look for more migrating birds along the Animas Riverwalk. This is a pleasant stroll, and one birdwatcher was heard to brag they have seen up to 34 species at this location. Dress for the weather. 18 year olds or above only. No pets please. Bring water and snacks in order to chat after the hike.
Tuesday, September 22 – Zero Waste Tour of the Surface Water Treatment Plant. Learn how water from the Rio Grande is taken in and treated to become your drinking water. In an introduction, you will see the entire 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. Long pants and closed-toed shoes are required. Bring a hat, water bottle and your questions. This tour is dependent on a good monsoon season to bring the water level in the Rio Grande high enough for the plant to operate.