Sandia Mountain Natural History Center

The Sandia Mountain Natural History Center (SMNHC) is owned by Albuquerque Public Schools (APS) and run by the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science along with APS. It is located in Cedar Crest, New Mexico and has provided environmental education programming on-site since 1967. In 1971, the SMNHC was named a National Environmental Education Landmark by the National Park Service. It received an Environmental Excellence Award for Environmental Education in 1998. More recently, the SMNHC was recognized as Outstanding Environmental Education Organization for 2019 by Environmental Education New Mexico.

SMNHC educators lead Ecology Field Programs for all 5th graders in APS, Rio Rancho Public Schools, and other area schools. During their program, students go for a hike in the mountains, learn about and explore the components and connections in the ecosystem, and carry out hands-on activities aligned with Next Generation Science Standards.

SMNHC APS staff members also created and teach an ecology program for all APS 3rd graders at Los Padillas Elementary School near the Rio Grande bosque. SMNHC museum educators provide a statewide outreach program to students across New Mexico, at state parks and other natural areas near them. Other initiatives by the SMNHC include special public events, participation in local and regional events, custom programs, and curriculum and activity development. Staff regularly collaborate with other organizations, conduct and participate in scientific research, and are welcoming of new opportunities to work with and provide resources for teachers and students.

Activities/Resources

Access SMNHC curriculum and activities on our website .
Activity/Resource Website: https://www.aps.edu/sandia-mountain-natural-history-center/curriculum-activities

Contact Information

Fiana Shapiro
Environmental Education Instructional Coordinator
fiana.shapiro@dca.nm.gov
505-281-5259
https://www.aps.edu/smnhc