• PNM Resources Foundation awards a $5,000 grant to NWP's Apprentice Ecologist Initiative™.
• The Albuquerque Community Foundation awards a $3,000 grant to NWP's Apprentice Ecologist Initiative™.
• NWP Apprentice Ecologist™ interviewed by Woman's Day (readership > 20 million) for volunteer opportunities article.
• NWP exceeds Charity Navigator's criteria for a Four Star (top rating) national nonprofit organization.

Dear !*FIRST NAME*!,

I'd like to invite you to join us on Make a Difference Day 2007.  Please spread the word to your friends and family.  Here is a full description of the event:

Date: Oct 27, 2007
Time: 8:30 am - 12:30 pm

This opportunity is part of the Apprentice Ecologist Initiative and is primarily for kids, teens, and their families. Any participant that writes an essay will receive a personalized certificate and have their essay published online.

We also highly encourage participation by disadvantaged and at-risk youth (e.g., minorities, low income, physical/mental impairment, court-ordered service, delinquency). A supervising adult must be present.

We will be working at Piedra Lisa Open Space in the Sandia Mountain foothills to do the following environmental projects:

1. Trail building, rehabilitation, & soil erosion control.
2. Native habitat restoration & side trail closures.
3. Trash cleanup & exotic vegetation removal.

RSVP to: mail@wildernessproject.org by October 15

FREE T-shirts (must RSVP) and refreshments will be provided!  Trail tools, equipment, and water will also be provided.

Directions: Drive to east end of Candelaria Rd., take a right onto Camino de la Sierra and it’s the first left.
**Please note that this is NOT the Forest Service's Piedra Lisa Trail.

Volunteers should dress in layers appropriate for changing weather. Wear sturdy hiking shoes or boots and bring work gloves, sunscreen, and extra water.