Archive for April 8, 2011

The “Master Naturalist Program” Sprouts For A Second Time

by Brianna Anderson, Bernalillo County Public Information Specialist

Bernalillo County – Bernalillo County Master Naturalists are volunteer educators, citizen scientists, and stewards helping to conserve and manage natural resources on Open Space. The program, being spearheaded in New Mexico, is in its second pilot year and the County is offering training this summer for incoming volunteers. The program is ideal for individuals who love the outdoors and are interested in supporting land health conservation measures. This unique and free opportunity presents participants with a wealth of knowledge, experience, and an accreditation for their resumes.

“This program is an exciting venture for our state, focusing on natural resource management and the human relationship to our local environment,” says Open Space Coordinator Colleen McRoberts. “I believe this program will help to enlightening our community by connecting citizens to the natural world, which we are intrinsically part of, while improving the environment.”

The deadline for receiving applications has been extended to April 15th. People interested in applying should go to www.bernco.gov/openspace and click on the “Master Naturalist Program” link. Applicants must be adults; at least 18 years of age, preferable have some field experience, and live within Bernalillo County. The 55 hours of hands-on field experience will be offered from June through July.

Space is limited to only 25 applicants, so apply today!

Public Service Announcement – Fire Preparation Class

by Karen Takai, U.S. Forest Service, on behalf of the East Mountain Fire Protection Association (EMIFPA)

WE  ARE  IN  FIRE  SEASON ……. WHAT  DO  YOU  DO  NOW?
Reservations Necessary

The East Mountain Interagency Fire Protection Association ( EMIFPA) will be hosting a Defensible Space and Fire Preparedness program for the East Mountains, Albuquerque Foothill Communities, Bosque and Placitas areas.

This is a practical training. You will leave the class with:

  • Defensible space plan
  • Personal evacuation plan
  • Please Respond – RSVP by E-Mail only to bhelmich@flash.net
  • Write the following information:
  • East Mountain or Albuquerque Program,
  • Name
  • Number of people
  • Your e-mail address

ALBUQUERQUE program 1: Limited Space 50 People
April 12, 2011 Tuesday
Manzano Mesa – Westside Social Hall 501 Elizabeth St
Take Eubank south past Central, left on Southern, right on Elizabeth
6pm to 8:45pm
Bring water, snacks, paper and pen.

East Mountain Program 2: Limited Space 100 people
April 14, 2011 Thursday
San Antonito Elementary School located approximately 7 miles north of 1-40 on NM Hwy 14
6pm to 9pm
Bring water, snacks, paper and pen.

EMIFPA Partners include:
City of Albuquerque Fire & Emergency Operations – US Forest Service – Bernalillo, Santa Fe, & Sandoval County Fire and Sheriff’s Department- New Mexico State Forestry – CERT -America Red Cross – Village of Tijeras – La Madera Fire Department – Kirtland Fire Dept – Cuidad Soil and Water Conservation Districts- NM State Department of Homeland Security