San Cristobal, NM | July 7, 2026
On Tuesday, July 7th, SAF NM Chapter hosted it’s 3rd Walk in the Woods to celebrate SAF’s 125th anniversary. San Cristobal residents, local land managers and SAF Foresters met at the San Cristobal Community Center for coffee and biscochito muffins before heading up to the pinyon-juniper forest to look for bark beetles. Dr. Steven Souder, USFS R3 Entomologist led the walk, teaching attendees about the pinyon ips bark beetle life cycle, how to identify the beetles, and trees attacked by them, and how to manage your forest in times of greater beetle activity. The day wrapped up back at the San Cristobal Community Center where everyone enjoyed amazing breakfast burritos on homemade tortillas prepared by Wendy and Alex Medina.
Sandia Mountains | June 5, 2026
On June 5, the SAF New Mexico Chapter led its second successful “Walk in the Woods” at Milne-Gutierrez Open Space in the Sandia Mountains. Attendees learned about insects and diseases affecting pinyon-juniper woodlands from USDA Forest Service and New Mexico Forestry Division scientists and managers. Additionally, forest health staff from the Ciudad Soil and Water Conservation District discussed thinning treatments on City and County Open Space, as well as available landowner programs. Following the walk, a large group gathered for lunch and conversation at Rumor Pizza and expressed their appreciation for all they learned. We couldn’t accommodate everyone who signed up and hope to host another walk in the Sandias soon.
Zuni Mountains | May 13, 2026
On May 13, the SAF New Mexico Chapter hosted its first “Walk in the Woods” event in the beautiful Zuni Mountains with support from an SAF Walk in the Woods grant. Dr. Greg Reynolds, Plant Pathologist with USDA Forest Service Region 3, led the group on a walk to observe rare local examples of White Pine Blister Rust infection, along with other forest pests and diseases affecting the area. Attendees also had the opportunity to see the effects of past wildfires and older thinning projects on the Mount Taylor Ranger District. It was a valuable day of learning, discussion, and time spent together in the scenic Zunis.
Southwestern SECTION | Society of American Foresters 