THE WOODWARD HOUSE OUTDOOR CLASSROOM
AND TREE NURSERY
Nestled in the Rio Grande bosque, the Woodward House Tree Nursery is a collaborative effort between Tree New Mexico and Albuquerque’s Open Space Division. This unique site is where we store and nurture our trees, surrounded by cottonwoods and NM olives on the Candelaria Nature Preserve.
Located within the largest remaining cottonwood-willow gallery in North America, the facility is part of a 2,500-acre forest that once flooded annually, providing vital moisture for local flora and fauna. Today, it faces challenges from farming, engineering projects, and flood control measures.
We welcome volunteers to help water and care for our trees. If you’re interested in lending a hand, please reach out to Aidan at aidhendrickson@gmail.com.
LEARNING ABOUT TREES:
Outdoor Classroom Education
Since 1990, Tree New Mexico (TNM) has brought the wonder of trees to the citizens of NM through its diverse educational programs. More recently available is our Woodward House Outdoor Classroom and Tree Nursery. It is used by teachers and students, clubs and organizations, and local businesses interested in knowing more about trees. The management of this facility is a partnership between the City of Albuquerque’s Open Space Division and Tree New Mexico. Nestled in the Rio Grande bosque, it is available to small groups of all ages. TNM’s staff works with partners and collaborators to craft the perfect learning experience for each group.
Training Opportunities
Throughout the year, Tree New Mexico holds training workshops for specific groups and the general public. Topics Include: tree and site selection, tree planting and care, proper tree pruning, trees and beneficial insects, and identifying and addressing tree problems. We also provide education on the utilization of trees for specific purposes such as live windbreaks, riparian restoration, soil building and carbon sequestration. TNM staff, along with experts from State Forestry, City Forestry, Cooperative Extension Service, and local ISA Certified Arborists lead these training opportunities. As a partner in the CABQ Tree Stewards Training Program, we use portions of the program’s current Training Manual as a basis for instruction.
Volunteer Participation and Learning
Experiential learning opportunities are available at the Woodward House Outdoor Classroom and Tree Nursery. Volunteers are often needed to assist with various facets of the management of this facility. In exchange for donating their time, Woodward House volunteers learn about tree seed germination, tree planting and nursery maintenance, tree education and tree benefits. Teaming with TNM staff, there are even opportunities to learn how to create and facilitate a learning experience for others.