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Every one of us had or will have a “first time,” and this section summarizes what to expect, what to bring, what we can loan you, and the answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs). If a project interests you, simply contact the project leader (most prefer email), ask any questions you may have, and if it seems like a good match, simply tell the leader that you’d like to sign up. You don’t need any previous experience!
What to Expect
We have three types of projects: Day, weekend, and backpacks. Day projects are just that – one day of work - arriving in the morning, working, and then leaving in the afternoon. Volunteers usually bring their lunches to eat at the worksite. Most of our projects in the local areas are day projects. The majority of our projects span a weekend, with volunteers arriving Friday evening or Saturday morning, working Saturday and half of Sunday, and camping out at or near the worksite. The VFO usually provides Saturday dinner and Sunday breakfast. Backpacks are multi-day activities that can range in duration from three to ten days. Some backpacks are supported by pack animals carrying tools, cooking equipment, food, and perhaps some personal equipment. All meals are usually provided by the VFO on backpacks. We provide tools on all projects.
Every project has a one to three “Pulaski Rating.” “1 Pulaski” projects are the least physically demanding. There is usually a short hike or walk on a fairly level trail to the worksite, and the work itself is not exhausting. Examples are lopping, painting, and building rock cairns for trail markers. Most of our projects are rated “2 Pulaskis.” These may entail a short hike or up to a two- to three-mile hike to the worksite carrying tools and your daypack with lunch and water. Examples of work involved are cutting new tread, building or repairing drainage structures and/or retaining walls, removing earthen berms from the trail edge, or lopping. All our backpacks are rated “3 Pulaskis” because of the hiking distance to the worksite and because the work often entails heavy trail maintenance. Pack animals may be available to carry much of the heavy loads; what they carry varies from project to project, and the project leader will relay these details, established by the agency representative, to the volunteers.
We will train you in trail maintenance/trail building. If possible, try to attend one of our workshops wherein we mix classroom lectures and discussions with hands-on trailwork; however, you’d be welcome on any of our projects even if you don’t. You’ll be assigned to work with an experienced volunteer who will teach you the skills you need that day. Again, tools are provided on every project, and the safe and proper use of these tools is reviewed at the start of each project.
What to Bring
For day projects, wear long trousers, long-sleeved shirts, sturdy work shoes or boots, and a hat. Bring rain gear, sunscreen, water bottles (at least two quarts for a full day), gloves, and your lunch and snacks. Depending on the locale, you may wish to bring insect repellent.
On weekend projects, bring the above as a minimum, plus what you desire for camping overnight, such as toilet articles, a change of clothes, and a sun shower if you desire (play it safe and bring it filled). Your camping equipment includes a tent, a sleeping bag (with extra blankets if desired), a sleeping mat, a flashlight and/or lantern, and eating implements (plate, cup, utensils). A folding chair and your beverage of choice are comfortable options. Water and toilet facilities will be available. Check with the project leader on precisely what meals will be provided and what you must bring.
Backpacks require all the clothes you’ll need (underwear, long trousers and long-sleeved shirts), plus comfortable and sturdy boots, toilet articles, eating implements, rain gear, sunscreen, water bottles, gloves, flashlight, sleeping bag and mat, and tent and peripherals. A small pack is handy for carrying water, lunch, and raingear to a remote worksite. Water, food, and cooking/dishwashing gear are usually provided. Check with the project leader for details such as expected temperature ranges, weather conditions, and other variables that may influence your type of personal gear.
What We Can Loan You
We have, for loan on a first-come, first-served basis, a tent, foam sleeping pad, and a 0o sleeping bag. Let the project leader know if you want to borrow any of these items. Other project volunteers may have spare gear that they may be willing to loan you; ask the project leader if he/she may have leads on this.
FAQs
Q. When do I need to be there?
A. Projects usually start around 8 or 8:30 AM on Saturday. Consult with your project leader for details. On weekend projects, some volunteers arrive Friday night and camp out, while others prefer to travel early Saturday morning.
Q. Do I have to come for the entire weekend?
A. No, you can come for whatever amount of time you can give. Some volunteers only come for one day (Saturday is best) for a weekend project. Work usually lasts until 4:00 or 4:30 on Saturday, and until about noon on Sunday.
Q. Can I bring my dog(s)?
A. Please refrain from bringing your dogs. Our projects are not geared towards pets, and your dog(s) will be safer and more comfortable at home. Exceptions to these restrictions are our cooks and campground hosts who stay in camp alone during the day and desire protection and companionship.
Q. Can I bring my children?
A. We have some great kids in NMVFO. Some of our projects include light work or activities specifically for children - read the project descriptions carefully or call the project leaders to see if there are activities kids would enjoy. Please note some of our projects are not recommended for kids (steep hillsides, long hikes, high temperatures, etc.) A parent or legal guardian must accompany minors at all times.
Q. Is it all really hard work?
A. No. We have work for everyone. Some of our projects include light work or other activities. We also do tremendous amounts of behind-the-scenes work. We need cooks, photographers, grant writers, speakers, and office help - a lot of different skills. If you have time and talents to offer, just ask how you can be a part of the organization.
Q. What about carpools?
A. Project leaders will try to arrange carpools - ask about getting a ride or indicate if you are willing to give a ride.