Sandia Mountain Hiking Field Trip for Homeschoolers

Sandia Mountain Hiking Field Trip for Homeschoolers

Join us on a Hiking and Exploration Field Trip to the Sandia Mountain Natural History Center (SMNHC) in Cedar Crest. The class is being taught by Albuquerque Public Schools (APS). Ecology, Geology, Plant Life, Animal Life and Habitat concepts will be the discussion. The SMNHC is operated by the New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science and owned by APS.


WHEN: April 26th (Thursday)

TIME: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

SIGN UP: with Teresa teresajeansonne@yahoo.com or call 489-3652.

RESTRICTIONS: Children 8 and up only. Sign up by April 20th. We need a minimum of 10 kids, otherwise the trip will be cancelled. If you decide to cancel after signing up, please notify Teresa.

DIRECTIONS: From Albuquerque, follow I-40 east through Tijeras Canyon. Take the Cedar Crest Exit (175) and follow State Highway North 14 through Cedar Crest. Watch for the Conoco Station on the right and the coffee shop on your left, approximately 3 miles from I-40. Turn left immediately after the coffee shop onto Columbine Lane approximately 1 mile to the Center. Columbine Lane ends at the Center.

Address: 60 Columbine Lane
Cedar Crest, NM
Tele: 281-5259

Please note that the SMNHC and trails are not open to the public except during public programs.

BRING: Sack Lunch (no glass), Water, Dress appropriately.

Participants need to be prepared to hike and learn outside. Weather at the SMNCH is typically ten degrees cooler than in Albuquerque. Snow or rain can occur at any time. We like to spend as much time outside as possible, even if it is raining or snowing lightly (we do have heated indoor classroom space and activities available if the weather is very poor). You and your child will participate in a 2-hour guided hike that is approximately 1 1/2 miles in length. The hiking trail is appropriate for novice hikers, but it does contain rocky areas and two steep sections. Groups with younger children may take an abbreviated hike or families with younger children may choose to go back to the buildings early. Activities and hikes are lead by an environmental educator from the SMNHC. Parents Participate in all activities to assist students and provide discipline if necessary.

Participants should dress appropriately. We suggest dressing in layers. Long pants and comfortable walking shoes (no sandals or slick bottom shoes) are a necessity! Brand new clothing and shoes are not recommended, as conditions at the SMNHC can be muddy. A clothing and equipment lists provided at the end of this note. Participants should also bring a sack lunch and a water bottle for the field trip. Please do not bring glass containers or gum. Also, electronic devices, including Gameboys and Walkmans, are prohibited at the SMNHC.

Clothing Suggestions: Long Pants, Sweatshirt or light jacket, Rain jacket or poncho, Sun hat, Heavy jacket (October thru May), Warm hat and gloves (October thru May), Plastic bags to wear inside shoes to keep feet dry in snow or rain (bread bags work well), Day pack or backpack to carry jacket, water bottle, and notebook while in the field, lunch, sunscreen.

In the event of rain or light snow, we will continue the program. The SMNHC is equipped with heated classrooms. We are able to provide indoor as well as outdoor learning experiences. However, if harsh weather adversely affects road conditions and Albuquerque Public East Mountain Schools are canceled or delayed our programs are canceled as well. If possible, we will reschedule your group for another date.

Your attention to preparing for this field trip will make it an enjoyable and a successful learning experience. We look forward to your visit to the Sandia Mountain Natural History Center!

Sincerely,
Sandia Mountain Natural History Center Teaching Staff