Open Space Summer Series Returns for 2020 Season
The City of Albuquerque Open Space Division will kick off the 2020 Open Space Summer Series on June 7 with a guided hike in the Sandia foothills led by UNM Professor Les McFadden. The 2020 series will consist of 11 events throughout the summer ranging from guided hikes through the City’s more than 29,000 acres of Open Space to virtual discussions about plants found in the Middle Rio Grande valley to learning about nature-inspired art.
“We have a fantastic schedule lined up for this year’s Open Space Summer Series,” stated Open Space Superintendent Colleen McRoberts. “This is a wonderful time of year to get out and enjoy the beauty and peacefulness of our public lands. We hope everyone will take the opportunity to join us.”
In order to prioritize the health and safety of participants and City employees, many events will be limited in size and require registration beforehand. Registration for most events will take place online at play.cabq.gov. All hikes will be limited to 5 people as of now, and require registration. Additionally, no shuttle service will be provided to trailheads. Directions to all Open Space properties are available online at cabq.gov/openspace under 'Open Space Lands.’
To register: Visit play.cabq.gov. At the top bar, click the search tab then activity search. In the keyword search, either “open space” or “summer series” will lead you to the registration. You can also register by contacting Kyle Bality at [email protected] or at 505-768-4205
| Date | Time | Event | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 7 |
9:00 a.m. |
Sandia Mountain Front Landscapes: Guided Walk with Les McFadden |
Enjoy a moderately strenuous guided hike mainly along the Pino Trail to learn about the surface processes responsible for the formation of features such as alluvial fans, pediments, soils, and associated plant communities. Participants limited to 10. Pre-register at play.cabq.gov. |
|
June 14 |
11:00 a.m. |
Edible and Medicinal Herb Talk with Dara Saville (Virtual) |
Join a Zoom meeting with Dara Saville, a local herbalist instructor, to discuss the medicinal and edible herbs of the Open Space Visitor Center Traditions Garden. Email Kyle Bality ([email protected]) for Zoom invitation. |
|
June 28 |
10:00 a.m. |
Coffee with Albuquerque Police Department’s Open Space Unit |
Come get to know the officer who help patrol more than 29,000 acres of Open Space and enjoy some coffee on the Visitor Center patio. |
|
July 5 |
9:00 a.m. |
Milne Open Space Hike |
Enjoy a moderately strenuous hike around the Milne property led by Kyle Bality of the Open Space Division. This East Mountains property is highlighted by the Gutierrez Canyon that features steep-sided rocky canyons containing usually dry stream beds. Participants limited to 10. Pre-register at play.cabq.gov. |
|
July 12 |
9:00 a.m. |
Tingley Ponds Photo Hike |
Enjoy a moderate to easy hike to the Tingley ponds, while getting nature photography tips from Jonathan Donovan of the Open Space Division. Participants limited to 10. Pre-register at play.cabq.gov. |
|
July 19 |
10:00 a.m. |
Spinning Poi: The Beginning |
Learn the flow art of spinning Poi with poi wizard, Jack Boynton. Originally a Maori tradition, Poi has transformed into a popular flow art seen around the world. |
|
July 26 |
9:00 a.m. |
Juan Tomas Open Space Hike |
Enjoy a moderate hike around the Juan Tomas property led by Kyle Bality of the Open Space Division. The Juan Tomas Open Space is named for the nearby village of Juan Tomas that was settled around 1860. This land became part of the Open Space system in 1983 and was part of the Elena Gallegos exchange lands from the USFS. Participants limited to 10. Pre-register at play.cabq.gov. |
|
August 2 |
8:30 a.m. |
Bosque Wild |
Enjoy a moderate guided hike around the Bosque Canopy loop, starting at the Open Space Visitor Center. Huge cottonwoods line the Rio Grande providing shade and habitat to a wide variety of plants and animals. Participants limited to 10. Pre-register at play.cabq.gov. |
|
August 16 |
9:00 a.m. |
Sandia Mountain Front Foothills: Guided Walk with Les McFadden |
The foothills of the Sandia Mountains reflect mountain uplift as well as weathering processes responsible for the character of the foothills. This is a moderately strenuous guided hike along the Pino Trail and nearby trails, focusing on features such as spectacular corestone landforms and other interesting topographic features. Meet at Elena Gallegos (Gravel lot at the top of the one-way loop). Participants limited to 10. Pre-register at play.cabq.gov. |
|
August 23 |
9:00 a.m. |
Five Pieces of Brocade-Qigong |
Enjoy an introduction to Qigong, a centuries-old system of coordinated body-posture and movement, breathing, and meditation, led by Sifu Dug Corpolong of Lotus Dragon. Masks are required. |
|
August 30 |
9:00 a.m. |
Mindful Meditation |
An instruction of varied meditation techniques will be guided by Sifu Dug Corpolongo and Jim Snyder of the Albuquerque Buddhist Fellowship. This will take place at Carolino Canyon, a 40-acre property nestled in ponderosa, piñon, juniper, scrub oak, and yucca. |
Visit cabq.gov/openspace for more information.