Forest Service to Celebrate National Public Lands Day in Tijeras on Saturday

TIJERAS, N.M. — The U.S. Forest Service will host a community celebration in Tijeras this Saturday to mark National Public Lands Day, inviting visitors to explore the Sandia Mountains and learn more about conservation efforts on their local public lands.

The event, themed “Celebrating the Sandias,” will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Sandia Ranger District Station, located at 11776 Highway 337 in Tijeras. The open-house gathering requires no advance registration, allowing visitors to drop in throughout the morning.

Attendees will have the opportunity to meet the district ranger and staff to receive updates on forest management, trail maintenance, and regional recreation initiatives. Partner organizations will also host family-friendly interactive activity stations highlighting ways community members can get involved in local stewardship.

As part of the festivities, organizers are launching the Sandia Mountains Bingo Challenge. Participants can pick up a bingo card at the station, complete squares at designated activity booths, and earn bonus squares while embarking on self-guided hikes throughout the forest. Visitors can submit a photograph of their completed cards for a chance to win prizes.

In addition, special event giveaways will be handed out to the first 100 people who arrive.

Coordinated nationwide by the National Environmental Education Foundation, this year’s National Public Lands Day carries the national theme “Caring for Our Shared America.” In New Mexico, the event is organized in partnership with the Public Lands Interpretive Association and Cibola National Forest.

Forest officials advise visitors to prepare for fluctuating outdoor conditions by bringing plenty of water, sun protection, sturdy walking shoes, and layered clothing, noting that mountain weather can change rapidly.

More information is available by contacting events@plia.org or by calling (505) 954-2002.