Open Space Division Hosting Make a Difference Day Cleanups

The City of Albuquerque’s Open Space Division is hosting trash cleanups at trailheads across Albuquerque for Make a Difference Day on Saturday, October 24 and Saturday, October 31. National Make a Difference Day brings community service to a whole new level each year. Organizations join forces on the fourth Saturday in October to make a difference, big or small, in their community.

“Step up to make a difference on our beautiful Open Space trails,” stated Dave Simon, Director of Parks and Recreation. “Trail use has skyrocketed during the pandemic, and let’s work together to keep them clean.”

People interested in participating can simply go to one of the designated trailheads in the Sandia foothills or the Bosque this Saturday, October 24 and then the Sandia foothills on Saturday, October 31. Open Space staff and volunteers will leave rolled bundles of trash bags with an information sheet for people to safely collect any trash they see while hiking the trails. Once completed, participants can bring the full bags back to the trailheads until 3:00 p.m., and Open Space staff will pick up and dispose of the trash. All participants must follow the requirements of the current Public Health Order, including wearing face coverings, remaining socially distant from other trail users, and participating in groups of five or fewer people.

Locations in the Bosque include the Alameda Open Space, Pueblo Montaño, Cesar Chavez/Bridge, and Rio Bravo trailheads. In the Sandia foothills, designated trailheads include Elena Gallegos Park, Embudito, Menaul, Indian School, and Copper.

In addition to providing tools for Make a Difference Day, staff and volunteers will be at select trailheads educating all trail users about the mandates of the Public Health Order, which requires everyone to be wearing a face covering while using the trails, to remain socially distanced from other trail users, and to use the trails in groups of five or fewer people.