Who We Are
Open Space Volunteer
Become a vital part of Open Space - become a volunteer!
Trail Watch Volunteer Program
Trail Watch Volunteers are the foundation of the volunteer program. 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.
Getting Started
All volunteers attend a 2.5-hour orientation which provides background on the Open Space Division and discusses volunteer responsibilities. Trail Watch orientation/ training takes place in March, July and November each year. 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. After completion of the first 25 hours volunteers receive an Open Space Volunteer t-shirt or ball cap.
Required Background Screening: The City must take reasonable precautions to ensure the safety of everyone in our parks and Open Spaces, including park users, volunteers and City employees. Therefore, we require all volunteers with the City of Albuquerque to be screened by the City (background check) to determine their suitability to participate in City programs. Volunteers with convictions or pending charges will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and will be considered for a volunteer position if they do not pose a threat to the public or vulnerable populations.
What We Do
What do Open Space Trail Watch Volunteers Do?
- Report observations such as flora and wildlife sightings and visitor activities
- Notify the Division of maintenance needs and law enforcement issues
- Educate and guide the public to be good stewards
- Assist with conservation projects.
All volunteers are trained to report observations while using the trail and to educate visitors on sustainable land use.
Adopt a Trail in Open Space
As an extension of the Trail Watch Volunteer program, the Adopt-a-Trail program was formed to concentrate stewardship in a targeted area. Trail Watch Volunteer 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 efforts of the adopters.
Bosque Stewards Volunteer Program
As an another extension of the Trail Watch Volunteer program Bosque Stewards Volunteers will receive specific training and hands-on experience in a variety of areas such as invasive vegetation identification and management, habitat restoration, monitoring and other important land management activities which take place in the sensitive bosque habitat of the Middle Rio Grande Valley. This volunteer program is ideal for those looking to be "caretakers" of the Bosque -- expanding environmental stewardship opportunities for our community.
What do Open Space Bosque Steward Volunteers do?
- Monitor the growth of invasive plants in the Bosque
- Control invasive plant infestations
- Maintain trails to be clear from obstructions
- Native seed dispersal
- Inform the public on good land stewardship and how to responsibly enjoy Open Space areas
- And many more habitat restoration activities!
As with the Trail Watch Volunteer program, Bosque Steward Volunteers are required to take a background check (see Getting Started, above) before attending a compulsory 2.5-hour orientation. Bosque Stewards orientation/ training takes place in May, June and August each year. Volunteers are required to contribute a minimum of 25 hours per year. After completion of the first 25 hours volunteers receive an Open Space mini watering can, tool apron or kneeling pad.
