Earth Day began in 1970 as a call to pay closer attention to our environment. More than fifty years later, the premise remains simple: awareness matters, but action is what carries it forward.

In Albuquerque, that action can be as close as the Rio Grande. The Paseo del Bosque Trail runs roughly 16 miles through the city, tracing the river through one of its most defining landscapes. The Bosque is both ecological system and shared space, supporting wildlife, shaping the character of the city, and offering daily access to open space.

For the past five years, SMPC has maintained an adopted segment of that trail. This Earth Day, April 22, 2026, our team stepped away from the office and back onto the Bosque, spending a few hours walking, talking, and taking care of a place we all share.

The work is straightforward, but it changes how you see the landscape. Moving at a slower pace and paying attention to what’s underfoot, the Bosque becomes something more than a backdrop. It becomes something you’re responsible for.

That idea carries into how we approach our work. Care for place, attention to detail, and long-term thinking aren’t abstract goals. They are habits, built through small, consistent actions over time.

A trail cleanup is a small act, but it reflects a broader mindset: pay attention, take responsibility, and contribute where you can. From our adopted trail segment in the Bosque to the broader landscape, New Mexico’s natural resources are both resilient and fragile, and worth our care.

The City of Albuquerque Parks and Recreation Department offers a range of volunteer opportunities. Visit cabqvolunteers.com to learn more or find ways to get involved in the community, or reach out for more information.