Trail Watch Volunteer Program

For upcoming Trail Watch and Adopt-an-Open Space events, visit our calendar.

Trail Watch Volunteers are the foundation of the volunteer program - essentially, all volunteers are trained to be Trail Watch. 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 two-hour orientation that provides background on the Open Space Division, volunteer responsibilities, and addresses issues of law enforcement. 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. All volunteers receive a packet with maps, brochures and information, a badge, a lanyard and a patch; after completion of 25 hours volunteers receive an official Open Space Volunteer t-shirt.

Required Background Screening: The City must take reasonable precautions to ensure the safety of everyone in our parks, including park users, volunteers, and City employees. To do that, all volunteers with the City of Albuquerque must be screened by the City to determine their suitability to participate in City programs. Volunteers who are convicted sex offenders are not eligible to be volunteers for the city. Volunteers with other 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 do Open Space Visitor Center volunteers say when asked, "What draws you to Open Space?"

• "I became a volunteer because I enjoy the atmosphere at the Visitor Center."
• "The staff gives me the freedom to see a need, make a plan, and create a solution! Something I couldn't do in my paid job."
• "I keep coming back - the community of Open Space is a definite positive in my life."
• "The Open Space Visitor Center is a magical place."