From 10 am until 2 pm
At Sandia Mountain Wilderness
Hello, old-growth forest seekers! Join us for a hike that we are hosting in partnership with the Old-Growth Forest Network to explore the medallion trees of the Sandia Mountains to acknowledge and enjoy this remarkable forest.
We’ll hike to learn about these special old trees and the history of this endangered urban wilderness. These brass tags of unknown origin were used to cover the hole on trees where a core sample was taken, and link the trees' germination dates with historical events, giving us a glimpse into the vast timeline of this ancient ecosystem. The 80+ medallion trees have become somewhat of a local mystery, with no official record of their author or exact locations, and many hikers make a hobby out of tracking down the full collection. We'll see just a few of them on our hike, which will also be a celebration of the induction of the Sandia Wilderness into the national Old-Growth Forest Network.
After the hike, we'll head to Rumor Brewing in Cedar Crest for an optional social hour where we will provide guidance on a postcard writing activity to reach out to legislators advocating for our public lands!
Note: This trailhead is located in a US Forest Service Fee Site. A $5 day pass is required per vehicle. Cash or check accepted at pay station. The New Mexico Enchantment Pass and other interagency passes are accepted at this location.
Thanks for your interest in this hike! It's now full, but subscribe to be notified of future medallion tree hikes here.
