Valles Caldera Wetland Restoration
2023-06-02 09:00 - 16:00 (America/Denver)
RESULTS: On June 2, 2023, 16 NMVFO volunteers joined Steve Vrooman of Keystone Restoration Ecology to haul rocks to create one-rock dams, and use shovels to build sod riffles, allowing water to spread more evenly on wetlands near Coyote Call Trail in the Valles Caldera National Preserve.

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Note: This project is now waitlisted, but check out the project on the following day, which still needs volunteers.
Description: On Friday June 2, NMVFO will return with partners Rio Puerco Alliance and Keystone Restoration Ecology to help restore a wetland area in the southeast corner of the Valle Grande, the largest valley in Valles Caldera National Preserve. This is part of a larger New Mexico Environmental Department (NMED) wetlands project, the East Fork Headwaters Restoration Project, which will restore 400 acres of the headwaters of the East Fork of the Jemez River. Our job will be to put some finishing touches on the project by building rock dams along a spring-fed channel and a small intermittent creek. The site is close to a road and can be accessed with a short hike.
More info about meeting location to follow, for those who sign up. Hope you can join us!
Difficulty:

Group Size: 15
Please sign up below by Wednesday May 31. If the project is full, contact the project leader to be put on a waitlist.
For more information: If this is your first NMVFO project, you can find more information about difficulty ratings and what to expect at Volunteer FAQ, or email the project leader. A reminder that pets are not allowed on NMVFO projects.
Please read our Volunteer Guidelines before signing up for this project.
On the signup form please leave the "Number of Volunteers" at 1. If you would like to sign up additional volunteers please submit multiple signups.

Jemez Mountains Cleanup (Jemez RD)
2023-06-03 09:00 - 14:00
Project Description: Come join us as we partner with other outdoor-oriented organizations and the Jemez Ranger District on a post-Memorial Day cleanup on June 3rd from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm at three locations in the Jemez Mountains. NMVFO volunteers will meet at the Jemez Ranger Station at 51 Woodsy Lane in Jemez Springs, NM 87025 Map at 9:00am to get pickers, gloves, and trash bags then travel to one of the three locations. Please plan on bringing a full tank of gas, lunch, water, snacks, a hat and sunblock and be prepared for the possibility of rain.
You can sign up below until Wednesday, May 31 st . Thanks for volunteering to help the Jemez!
Difficulty:

Group Size: 25
For more information: If this is your first NMVFO project, you can find more information about difficulty ratings and what to expect at our Volunteer FAQ’s, or email the project leader.
The deadline to sign up has passed.

Sawyer Certification Class 1
2023-06-03 09:00 - 16:00
RESULTS: Sawyer certification, Little Tesuque Picnic Area, Santa Fe National Forest. This Saturday four NMVFO volunteers and 3 USFS staff earned their crosscut certifications after a full-day class.

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Are you interested? Are you a member and volunteer, who goes on an unreasonable number of projects each year, and enjoys clearing downed trees? Are you ready to earn your sawyer certification? Contact j.sells@nmvfo.orfg to get in the queue.

Sawyer Certification Class 2
2023-06-04 09:00 - 16:00
RESULTS: 5 NMVFO volunteers, one Termite, and one SFNF staff earned their crosscut certification at Winsor Trailhead in the SFNF, with instructors Jennifer and Courtney from the Carson NF.

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Are you interested? Are you a member and volunteer, who goes on an unreasonable number of projects each year, and enjoys clearing downed trees? Are you ready to earn your sawyer certification? Contact j.sells@nmvfo.orfg to get in the queue.

South Sandia Peak Backpack (Cibola NF)
2023-06-09 08:00 - 2023-06-11 16:00
RESULTS: 12 NMVFO volunteers brushed back ~2.25 miles of the South Crest Trail.

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Description: Join us for a rare opportunity to camp off the Crest Trail near South Sandia Peak as we work to clear the trail corridor from overgrowth and deadfall. The hike to camp is approximately 7 miles, with 3000’ of elevation gain. We will hike in on Friday morning and hike out on Sunday, with the bulk of the work taking place on Saturday (some on Friday and Sunday too, but we will take our time hiking in and out). The Back Country Horsemen will support us by transporting tools and water to base camp.
Volunteers will need to bring their own breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and snacks, and their own backpack and camping gear (including tent, sleeping bag/pad, water containers, spoon, coffee mug, headlamp, t.p., trowel, etc.). If you have a backpacking stove and fuel, please bring those too. A day pack is highly recommended for work days. Long pants, long-sleeved shirts, sturdy boots, work gloves and eye protection (sunglasses) are required by the USFS. We assume anyone signing up for this project will have some backpacking experience and will be aware of clothing needs, including rain gear, and come prepared for the wide range of temperatures which could occur! Beginning backpackers are welcome, but must inform the trip leader(s) in advance. Volunteers also have the option of hiking in separately to meet the group for one or more days; please contact the project leader(s) if you intend to do so.
Difficulty:
Group Size: up to 15
For more information: If this is your first NMVFO project, you can find more information about difficulty ratings and what to expect at Volunteer FAQ, or email the project leader.
Please read our Volunteer Guidelines before signing up for this project.
On the signup form please leave the "Number of Volunteers" at 1. If you would like to sign up additional volunteers please submit multiple signups.

Adopt-a-Trail #24 (Carson NF)
2023-06-17 09:00 - 2023-06-18 14:00
RESULTS: 13 volunteers camped at Santa Barbara Campground, and sawed and lopped on Middle Fork Trail #24, Jicarita Creek Trail #38, Centennial Trail #100, and West Fork Trail #25.

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Description: Come join us for our returning project on NMVFO’s adopted trail, Middle Fork 24 on the Camino Real Ranger District. We will begin work 9AM Saturday morning from our group campsite, but you are welcome to join us anytime Friday after 2PM for camping. Our adopted section takes us roughly two miles south along the Rio Santa Barbara from the campground. We’ll remove downed trees, brush back encroaching vegetation and, if time remains, address erosion and drainage issues along the trail. Tools and hard hats will be provided. Certified crosscut sawyers are especially invited to join us, to deal with several 2-foot diameter logs.
Required gear: sturdy boots, work gloves, long sleeves, long pants, eye protection (sunglasses okay). Please also bring a day pack, snacks, trail lunch, sunblock, rain gear, and plenty of water for each work day. We’ll plan for a long day on Saturday, ending at around 4:00. On Sunday we’ll plan to be heading out by 2PM.
For camping, feel free to bring a cooler for beverages (adult or other). A camp chair is also a good idea. Nights could be chilly and rain is possible, so come prepared!
The Santa Barbara Campground has pit toilets. It’s a nice campground, and our adopted section of trail is very pleasant, in sight of the Rio Santa Barbara for most of its length. Hope to see you there!
Parking is limited to about 8 vehicles at our group site, so ride-sharing is strongly encouraged.
Difficulty:
Group Size: up to 15, no more than 8 vehicles
Sign up below by Monday, June 12.
For more information: If this is your first NMVFO project, you can find more information about difficulty ratings and what to expect at Volunteer FAQ, or email the project leader.
Please read our Volunteer Guidelines before signing up for this project.
On the signup form please leave the "Number of Volunteers" at 1. If you would like to sign up additional volunteers please submit multiple signups.

Tijeras Biozone Center Trail with Valle de Oro YCC
2023-06-22 08:00 - 16:00
RESULTS: The Valle de Oro Youth Conservation Corp (YCC) crew and volunteers from NMVFO worked with Albuquerque Open Space staff to build a section of new trail at the Tijeras Biozone Center. Open Space staff provided hands-on trail construction and rock work training to the YCC crew. On the previous day, June 21, NMVFO presented an overview of NMVFO’s accomplishments and a tutorial on Trail Building & Maintenance to the YCC crew. The collaboration of Albuquerque Open Space and Valle de Oro staff members allowed this project to happen and is greatly appreciated.

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Would you like to participate in future NMVFO Small Group Projects (short notice, may not be published on the main NMVFO schedule) at Valle de Oro? Please email the project leader.

Sawyer Certification Class 3
2023-06-24 09:00 - 16:00
RESULTS: 7 NMVFO volunteers earned their Sawyer Certification at Winsor Trailhead in the SFNF, with instructor Jennifer from the Carson NF.

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Are you interested? Are you a member and volunteer, who goes on an unreasonable number of projects each year, and enjoys clearing downed trees? Are you ready to earn your sawyer certification? Contact j.sells@nmvfo.orfg to get in the queue.

Upper Trigo ADD-ON (Mountainair RD)
2023-06-25 08:00 - 17:00
RESULTS: A small group of volunteers went up New Canyon Trail, then worked down Trigo for about a mile.

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What is an add-on? These are our small impromptu projects, often mid-week, not on our published schedule. If you have attended many projects, you may be invited. Or reach out to the project leader if you are interested.

FGYC Manzano ADD-ON (Mountainair RD)
2023-07-06 08:00 - 17:00
RESULTS: Three NMVFO volunteers joined 4 people from the Forest Guild Youth Corp and their supervisor to clear dead fall and overgrowth on Box Springs Trail and the 2 spur trails out of Red Canyon Campground in the Manzanos.

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What is an add-on? These are our small impromptu projects, often mid-week, not on our published schedule. If you have attended many projects, you may be invited. Or reach out to the project leader if you are interested.

Horsethief Meadows Backpack (Santa Fe NF)
2023-07-06 09:00 - 2023-07-09 16:00
RESULTS: NMVFO volunteers cleared 233 deadfalls on 7.7 miles of trails, built a rock crossing, and brushed about a mile of trail. Our partners at Pecos Chapter of Back Country Horsemen hauled tools and water, helping us to do the work.

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Description: Join us on a four-day backpacking project to clear downed trees and brush on the trails around Horsethief Meadows in the Pecos Wilderness. We will be setting up a base camp in the Meadows area surrounded by spruce-fir forest at about 9,840 ft MSL. The Backcountry Horsemen of America will be supporting us by transporting our tools and cooking equipment to the base camp. The base camp will be about 5.6 miles from the Panchuela Admin Site near the Panchuela Campground. While the project starts on Thursday, July 6th, you are welcome to join us on Friday or Saturday and spend as much time working with us as you can. All tools will be provided. We will be using one- and two-person crosscut saws, pruning saws, and loppers. USFS rules require all volunteers to wear ankle-high boots, long pants, long sleeves, hard hats (provided), work gloves, and eye protection (sunglasses okay) while working. Please bring a daypack to carry your lunch, snacks, sunblock, rain gear, and a full day’s supply of water.
Meet at: Panchuela Admin Site, GPS Coordinates 35.82953, -105.66411
Difficulty:
Group Size: Up to 15
Closing date for signups is July 4th, 2023
For more information: If this is your first NMVFO project, you can find more information about difficulty ratings and what to expect at Volunteer FAQ, or email the project leader.
Reminder: Pets are not allowed on NMVFO projects.
Please read our Volunteer Guidelines before signing up for this project.
On the signup form please leave the "Number of Volunteers" at 1. If you would like to sign up additional volunteers please submit multiple signups.

Hop Canyon ADD-ON (Magdalena RD)
2023-07-22 08:00 - 17:00
RESULTS: A small group of volunteers cleared deadfall on Hop Canyon Trail in the Magdalena Mountains

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What is an add-on? These are our small impromptu projects, often mid-week, not on our published schedule. If you have attended many projects, you may be invited. Or reach out to the project leader if you are interested.

Sugarite Canyon State Park (EMNRD)
2023-07-28 08:00 - 2023-07-30 12:00
RESULTS: On July 28th and 29th, ten trail crew volunteers cleared grass and brush from 1.1 miles of the Opportunity Trail at Sugarite Canyon State Park using motorized brush/grass cutters and loppers. Meals were provided by two NMVFO cooks. Unfortunately, an intense rain/hailstorm on the afternoon of July 29th caused the cancellation of the remainder of the project.

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Description: Join NMVFO on a car-camping project to improve several hiking trails at Sugarite Canyon State Park in northern New Mexico at a cool 7,000 feet. We will be improving drainage from trails and clearing trees, brush, and grasses that are encroaching upon the trails.
Volunteers will camp at the Valve Tender’s Group Campground and need to provide their own recreational vehicle or camping gear including tent, sleeping bag and pad, camp chair, headlamp, etc., plus a cooler/beverages, if desired. NMVFO will provide breakfasts and dinners; volunteers will need to supply their own lunches and snacks. Please bring your own plate, bowl, utensils, and coffee mug. Chemical toilets will be provided by the park.
Please bring a daypack to carry your lunch, snacks, sunblock, rain gear, and a full-day’s supply of water. All tools will be provided.
While the Project starts at 9:00 am on Friday, July 28th , you can join us Thursday evening (dinner will not be provided), Friday evening, or Saturday morning. Please join us by 5:00 pm on Friday evening if you would like dinner. Join us by 7:00 am on Saturday morning if you would like breakfast. Just let us know what your plans are by contacting the project leader by email or phone. The project will end at about 12:00 pm on Sunday, July 30th.
Meet at: Sugarite Canyon State Park; Coordinates 36.95522, -104.38739 [Google Map] Elevation: 6,965 ft How to find us: Look for short green NMVFO signs on NM Highway 540
Reminder: Pets are not allowed on NMVFO projects.
Please sign up by Monday July 24th. One person per signup.
Difficulty:
Group Size: 15. If the project becomes full, please email the project leader to add your name to the waitlist, and we will contact you if a spot opens up.
For more information: If this is your first NMVFO project, you can find more information about difficulty ratings and what to expect Volunteer FAQs or call/email the project leader.

Stewart Lake Backpack (Santa Fe NF)
2023-08-10 09:00 - 2023-08-13 16:00
RESULTS: Six volunteers spent four days based out of Stewart Lake camp in the Pecos Wilderness clearing blowdowns from the upper Winsor and Skyline trails between Stewart Lake and the saddle above Puerto Nambe. We also added some variety to the cross cut bucking (and cooled down) by getting our feet wet with a few stream crossing and drainage improvements. All enjoyed good fellowship around camp, which was enlivened by many chattering boys from the annual St Mark’s School wilderness immersion program who shared the campsite. Most of us old guys agreed that the highlight of the trip was a lunch-time nap on the shore of beautiful Spirit Lake!

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Description: Join us on a four-day backpack to a base camp near Stewart Lake, a highlight of the Pecos Wilderness at 10,000 feet elevation along SkylineTrail #251. Starting from Cowles, we will hike in 7.5 miles along Winsor Ridge Trail #271, to clear downed trees and lop corridor, and improve tread in the area as necessary. The Back Country Horsemen will support us by transporting tools and cooking equipment to base camp.
Location: We will park at Winsor Ridge Trailhead near Cowles, Google Map link.
Please sign up below by Tuesday, August 8. One person per signup.
Difficulty:
Group Size: Up to 15
For more information: If this is your first NMVFO project, you can find more information about difficulty ratings and what to expect at Volunteer FAQ, or email the project leader.
Please read our Volunteer Guidelines before signing up for this project.
On the signup form please leave the "Number of Volunteers" at 1. If you would like to sign up additional volunteers please submit multiple signups.

Juan Tomas (ABQ Open Space)
2023-08-19 08:30 - 14:00
RESULTS: Nineteen NMVFO volunteers along with four personnel and two volunteers from Albuquerque’s Open Space Division built about 1200 feet of a new trail through a heavily forested area of the 1300-acre Juan Tomas Open Space. After the project, Don and Deb hosted a get-together at their nearby home.

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Description: Albuquerque’s Open Space Division maintains five areas on the east side of the Sandia and Manzanita Mountains. The largest of these is the Juan Tomas Open Space, which encompasses 1,290 acres of primarily piñon-juniper and ponderosa forest growing at elevations up to 7,760 feet. Join us as we do new trail construction to bypass an eroded social trail.
Participants should wear sturdy boots or work shoes (no sandals or soft shoes), long pants, hat, and other apparel appropriate for the predicted weather, especially rain gear. Also bring work gloves and a day pack with water, snacks, a light lunch, sunscreen, and other personal items. We expect to finish by 2:00 PM, but volunteers are welcome to leave earlier if necessary.
Meeting Place: TBD
Difficulty:
Group Size: 20. If the project is full, please email the project leader to be put on a waitlist.
For more information: If this is your first NMVFO project, you can find more information about difficulty ratings and what to expect at Volunteer FAQ, or email the project leader.
Please read our Volunteer Guidelines before signing up for this project.
Please read our Volunteer Guidelines before signing up for this project.
On the signup form please leave the "Number of Volunteers" at 1. If you would like to sign up additional volunteers please submit multiple signups.

Peñas Negras Backpack (San Pedro Parks, Cuba RD) - CANCELED
2023-08-24 09:00 - 2023-08-27 14:00
This project has been canceled because of the fire in San Pedro Parks.
Description: Join us on a four-day backpacking project to clear downed trees and brush on the Peñas Negras Trail #32 and others in the south eastern part San Pedro Parks Wilderness. We will camp along the Rito de las Perchas to ensure a good source of water. While the project starts on Thursday, August 24th, you are welcome to join us on Friday or Saturday and spend as much time working with us as you can.
All tools will be provided. We will be using one- and two-person crosscut saws, pruning saws, and loppers. USFS rules require all volunteers to wear ankle-high boots, long pants, long sleeves, hard hats (provided), work gloves, and eye protection (sunglasses okay) while working. Please bring a daypack to carry your lunch, snacks, sunblock, rain gear, and a full day’s supply of water. NMVFO will reimburse volunteers for food expenses at the rate of $20/day. Further information such as probable camping sites and water sources will be provided after the Project Leader scouts the entire loop just before the start date.
Reminder: Pets are not allowed on NMVFO projects.
Closing date for signups is August 21st, 2023.
Difficulty:
Group Size: 15
Meet at: Palomas Trailhead #50 on FR70 [Google Map] We will hike Palomas Trail #50 and Perchas Trail #418 to our campsite.
For more information: If this is your first NMVFO project, you can find more information about difficulty ratings and what to expect at Volunteer FAQ, or email the project leader.

Limestone Canyon (Magdalena RD)
2023-09-01 18:00 - 2023-09-03 17:00
RESULTS: An NMVFO crew of 9 joined forces with our friends at Albuquerque Wildlife Federation to continue work on this watershed restoration project on the Cibola National Forest. We repaired older and built a number of new structures, all made from local materials gathered within the canyon. The work is slowly reuniting a deeply incised creek with its adjacent floodplain.

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Description: NMVFO returns with partner Albuquerque Wildlife Federation over Labor Day weekend to help restore wetland meadows in Limestone Canyon. Albuquerque Wildlife Federation has been working this area for over 16 years! We will be hand-building one-rock dams to slow and spread water to help re-wet a meadow. We may also repair or expand fencing enclosures that were built in years past to protect cottonwood saplings.
We’ll meet at our dispersed camping location(map). **Note that FR 549 has been impacted by the Bear Trap fire. Those who sign up will receive specific directions via FR 476. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended.** FR 476 has been recently scouted and is in good shape. Our camping locale is in a beautiful Ponderosa forest with lots of suitable tent locations. Portable toilets will be onsite, supplied by AWF. Volunteers do not need to be present for the entire weekend to participate. Camping at the site on Friday night is highly recommended, but you are welcome to join us just for the workday Saturday (please arrive by 8am), or camp for just one of the two nights. You are also welcome to stay at camp until Monday. Please let us know your plans. You are welcome to email any questions to the project leader.
Required Gear: Bring everything you need for a weekend of camping and restoration work, including work gloves, hat, long sleeves, long pants, sturdy boots, and sunscreen. We recommend bringing a change of shoes, and high waterproof boots, or boots you don’t mind getting wet. Rain gear, layers, warm clothes for the evenings and plenty of water are essential. Please bring your own dishes, silverware, cup and water for camping. Don’t forget that camp chair.
Food: AWF will provide vegetarian breakfast burritos on Saturday morning and bison or veggie burgers on Saturday evening. Please bring a dish to share for the Saturday potluck dinner, along with your own lunches, Friday dinner, Sunday breakfast, and lots of water!
Difficulty:
Group Size: 15
Sign up below by August 24. One person per signup.
For more information: If this is your first NMVFO project, you can find more information about difficulty ratings and what to expect at Volunteer FAQ, or email the project leader.
Please read our Volunteer Guidelines before signing up for this project.
On the signup form please leave the "Number of Volunteers" at 1. If you would like to sign up additional volunteers please submit multiple signups.

Capulin Trail Backpack (Espanola RD, Santa Fe NF) - CANCELED
2023-09-07 09:00 - 2023-09-10 16:00
Description: Join us on a four-day backpacking project to clear downed trees and brush on the Capulin Trail (#158) in the Pecos Wilderness. The Capulin Trail was hard hit in the Pacheco fire, and it has almost disappeared over the years. We will be hiking about 5.3 miles from the Aspen Ranch trailhead at GPS Coordinates 35.79832, -105.83347 to a base camp along Capulin Creek at about GPS Coordinates 35.85564, -105.82158. More details will be provided after the Project Leader scouts the trail and base camp this summer
While the project starts on Thursday, September 7th, you are welcome to join us on Friday or Saturday and spend as much time working with us as you can.
All tools will be provided. We will be using one- and two-person crosscut saws, pruning saws, and loppers. USFS rules require all volunteers to wear ankle-high boots, long pants, long sleeves, hard hats (provided), work gloves, and eye protection (sunglasses okay) while working. Please bring a daypack to carry your lunch, snacks, sunblock, rain gear, and a full day’s supply of water. NMVFO will reimburse volunteers at the rate of $20/day for meals.
Reminder: Pets are not allowed on NMVFO projects.
Closing date for signups is September 6, 2023.
Difficulty:
Group size: Up to 15
Meet at: Aspen Ranch trailhead at GPS Coordinates 35.79832, -105.83347 and proceed to a base camp at about GPS Coordinates 35.86856. (The trailhead is not visible on Google Maps; driving directions will follow.)
For more information: If this is your first NMVFO project, you can find more information about difficulty ratings and what to expect at Volunteer FAQ, or email the project leader.

Visitor Center Trails (Sevilleta NWR) - CANCELED
2023-09-16 08:30 - 15:30
Unfortunately this project had to be canceled. Please check our other projects for possible volunteer opportunities.
The Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge protects a large expanse of land north of Socorro encompassing a variety of terrain and habitats on both sides of the Rio Grande.
Description: This year we will be working on the trail network adjacent to the Visitor Center, which includes a short interpretative nature trail and longer walks into the surrounding Chihuahuan Desert environment. We will be performing light trail maintenance such as leveling the tread, improving drainage, removing intrusive vegetation, and perhaps aligning rock borders along some sections. If warm sunny weather is forecast, wear light-colored colored clothes and brimmed hats as well as work gloves and boots or sturdy work shoes. Also bring a day pack with extra sunscreen, snacks or a light lunch, a waterproof jacket if rain is possible, and at least a liter container of water. A cooler with cold drinks and bottled water will also be available at the parking lot. Upon arrival volunteers will sign-in at the Visitor Center and convene in an adjacent classroom for an introduction to the Wildlife Refuge.
Directions: The Sevilleta Visitor Center is located 60 miles south of Albuquerque’s “Big I” on Interstate 25. Turn off at Exit 169 and make a sharp right at the first intersection. As shown on this map, the Visitor Center is about ¼ mile up this road. Please plan to arrive by 8:30 AM.
Group Size: No more than 15. (So it’s advisable to sign up fairly early.)
Difficulty:

Jemez Mountains Cleanup 2 (Jemez RD)
2023-09-16 09:00 - 14:00
RESULTS: Partnering with New Mexico Wild the Jemez Ranger District for a cleanup along Forest Road 144 and 376 in Jemez. NMVFO collected 14 bags of trash along Forest Road 144, covering nearly 3 miles.

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Description: Come join us as we partner with other outdoor-oriented organizations and the Jemez Ranger District for a cleanup on Saturday, September 16th from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. We will be assigned a work location during the morning briefing (depending on what the need is at that time). We will probably work along FR 376 and the Rio Guadalupe. We will meet at the Jemez Ranger Station at 51 Woodsy Lane in Jemez Springs, NM 87025 Map at 9:00am to rendezvous, sign-in, and equipment pick-up then travel to one of the three locations. Please plan on bringing a lunch, water, snacks, work gloves, hat, and sunblock and be prepared for the possibility of rain.
Difficulty:
Group size: 25
Please read our Volunteer Guidelines before signing up for this project.
On the signup form please leave the "Number of Volunteers" at 1. If you would like to sign up additional volunteers please submit multiple signups.

Spud Patch Trail Backpack (Aldo Leopold Wilderness, Gila NF) CANCELED
2023-09-21 08:30 - 2023-09-24 16:00
PROJECT CANCELED, NOT ENOUGH VOLUNTEERS. SORRY.
Description: Partnership with the Gila chapter of the Back Country Horsemen and and Natural Curiosity Map of project: https://caltopo.com/m/ATM8K Trail work is brushing and tread work. Backpack to basecamp 5.5 miles. Horse packers will take in tools, food and some of the volunteers’ gear. During the day hiking – up to 6 miles round trip. Most of the trail work will happen between basecamp and the Crest Trail.
Day by Day Plan: Optional camp at Hermosa the night before. Meet at Hermosa on the morning of the 21st. We meet with the packers to give them our gear and then we will backpack up to our basecamp and set up camp. Sept 22 and 23rd will be trail work days. On the 24th we will return to our vehicles and drive home.
For more information please contact Melissa Green.
BCH will provide breakfast and dinners for the volunteers.
Difficulty:
Group Size: 8
Please sign up below by Monday September 18 . If the project is full, contact the project leader to be put on a waitlist.
For more information: If this is your first NMVFO project, you can find more information about difficulty ratings and what to expect at Volunteer FAQ, or email the project leader. A reminder that pets are not allowed on NMVFO projects.

Landavaso Trail Add-On (BLM Socorro)
2023-09-23 08:30 - 14:00
RESULTS: NMVFO teamed with Socorro Trails, and 28 volunteers from the Socorro and Magdalena communities built a bit under one mile of the 4.5 mile Landavaso Trail System.

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Manzano Crest Lopping (Cibola NF)
2023-09-23 08:30 - 17:00
RESULTS: Fourteen volunteers cleared 40 trees and removed overgrowth from the 1.6-mile-long Trail Canyon Trail and the upper 2.25 miles of the Comanche Trail. Nine volunteers camped at the trailhead the night before and were treated to a delicious dinner and breakfast prepared by David Broudy (who also joined the work effort on Saturday). For three of the volunteers, it was their very first NMVFO project.

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Description: Join us on National Public Lands Day to clear heavy overgrowth from the Manzano Crest Trail #170 between Bosque Trail #174 and Trail Canyon Trail #176. The work will be easy but the hike in will make this a difficult project. There will be over 1500 feet of elevation and about 7 miles of hiking. The trail head is about 2 hours from Albuquerque so we will offer camping for Friday night. Also we will provide food for Friday evening and Saturday breakfast. You are welcome to come Saturday morning. Bring your own food and drink for the trail on Saturday. The last few miles of the road are very rough and rutted so high clearance vehicles are needed (we can arrange carpooling for the last few miles).
Participants should wear sturdy boots or work shoes (no sandals), long pants, hat, eye protection, gloves, and bring gear for rain.
Pets are not allowed on NMVFO projects
Difficulty: due to distance
Group size: 17 (including 2 cooks)
Deadline: Sign up by September 18, 2023
For more information: If this is your first NMVFO project, you can find more information about difficulty ratings and what to expect at Volunteer FAQ, or email the project leader.
Please read our Volunteer Guidelines before signing up for this project.
On the signup form please leave the "Number of Volunteers" at 1. If you would like to sign up additional volunteers please submit multiple signups.

Las Vacas Loop Backpack (Cuba RD)
2023-09-28 09:00 - 2023-10-01 16:00
RESULTS: On a four-day backpacking trip, 14 volunteers, including 8 members of University of New Mexico’s Mountaineering Club, cleared 128 deadfalls and lopped brush and limbs that were encroaching on 10.2 miles of trails in the southern San Pedro Parks Wilderness Area. The volunteers also constructed a rock stream crossing and reinstalled three signposts. The trails improved were the Las Vacas, Damian, Clear Creek, and Lucero Trails.

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Description: Join us on a four-day backpacking project to clear downed trees and brush on the Damian Trail and others in the southern part San Pedro Parks Wilderness. Here is the link to the Las Vacas Trail Loop that we will try to complete. We will camp at various locations depending upon the availability of water and the amount of work we can accomplish. While the project starts on Thursday, September 28, you are welcome to join us on Friday or Saturday and spend as much time working with us as you can.
All tools will be provided. We will be using one- and two-person crosscut saws, pruning saws, and loppers. USFS rules require all volunteers to wear ankle-high boots, long pants, long sleeves, hard hats (provided), work gloves, and eye protection (sunglasses okay) while working. Please bring a daypack to carry your lunch, snacks, sunblock, rain gear, and a full day’s supply of water. NMVFO will reimburse volunteers for food expenses at the rate of $20/day.
Further information such as probable camping sites and water sources will be provided after the Project Leader scouts the entire loop just before the start date.
Reminder: Pets are not allowed on NMVFO projects.
Closing date for signups is September 25, 2023
Difficulty:
Group size: Up to 15
Meet at: Vacas/San Gregorio Lake Trailhead, Coordinates 36.02776, -106.84638 [Google Map]
For more information: If this is your first NMVFO project, you can find more information about difficulty ratings and what to expect at Volunteer FAQ, or email the project leader.
Please read our Volunteer Guidelines before signing up for this project.
On the signup form please leave the "Number of Volunteers" at 1. If you would like to sign up additional volunteers please submit multiple signups.

Osha Peak Add-On (Mountainair RD)
2023-10-15 08:00 - 17:00
RESULTS: Four volunteers removed 10 logs and cut back overgrowth from New Canyon Trail and the Manzano Crest Trail near Osha Peak. This work was done mostly in the burn scar from the Trigo Fire.

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Little Whitewater Backpack (Gila NF)
2023-10-19 08:00 - 2023-10-23 13:00
RESULTS: NMVFO volunteer partnered with Gila Back Country Horsemen to reestablish 2.25 miles of the Little Whitewater Trail #214 in the Gila National Forest.

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Description: (This trail project was cancelled in the spring of 2023 (due to weather/high water), and we would like to try again. Slightly different camp but same idea.)
Map of project: https://caltopo.com/m/AN1TT
The work will be tread, logging, brushing, and trail markings. The hike to basecamp is 3.5 miles but steep trail with lots of elevation gain. Hiking during the day is up to 4.5 miles.
Come join us as we partner with the Gila Chapter of the NM Back Country Horsemen on a horse-supported backpack project near Glenwood. See below for information from the Gila BCH website:
“Our work will tie into later Forest Service trail work, reopening more loops in the Glenwood District. Most of the repairs are from deferred maintenance and post-Whitewater Baldy Fire in 2012. Optional: camping at a nearby campground the night before the project (please bring your own food and water). Camping options include Bighorn Campground just off of 180, only a few minutes from the meeting place, or Cosmic Campground north of Alma on 180, 20-minute drive to meeting place.
On Thursday we will meet between 8:00-8:30AM at Glenwood Community Park for introductions, work objectives, safety talk and gear check. We will give the packers our food and a bit of our gear, then carpool to a location near our trailhead. Because the last ¼ mile on the road to the trailhead is in bad condition, we will park at a small pull-off at the gate and hike to basecamp from there. People with high clearance vehicles are welcome to drive all the way to the trailhead. From the trailhead the hike to basecamp is 3.5 miles. This is a dry camp so water will be packed in. We will have our Seek Outside hot tent with us for the cool mornings and evenings. Day temperatures should be pleasant.
Food: Gila BCH homemade vacuum sealed meals (breakfasts and dinners) will be available for this project. We can accommodate meat eaters, vegetarians, and some gluten free diets. But you can also bring your own breakfasts and dinners if you prefer. Everyone will need to provide their own lunches and snacks. Water: Please bring water for the hike to basecamp. We will provide jugs of water at basecamp. There is no water on the trail where we will be working so bring 3-quart water capacity. We will provide: Tools, hard hats, trail and safety training, project supervision, and first aid kit with Wilderness First Responder trained personnel.”
Please see the BCH website description for a packing list and more information! Sign up below by Sunday, October 15.
Difficulty:
Group Size: 8
For more information: If this is your first NMVFO project, you can find more information about difficulty ratings and what to expect at Volunteer FAQ, or email the project leader.

Carlito Springs (Bernalillo County Open Space)
2023-10-28 09:00 - 13:00
RESULTS: The project focused on clearing the drainage areas that have been impacted by recent rains along the trails at Carlito Springs. The project helped open space improve effective drainage on the current trail systems.

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Description: Come join us on a Saturday project at Bernalillo County’s Carlito Springs Open Space. We’ll meet there at 9:00 AM (exact location TBD) and hike in with tools to our work site(s). We’ll stop for lunch around noon and begin our hike out in early afternoon. Tasks for the day will mainly consist of tread work. Required: work gloves, eye protection (sunglasses), boots and long pants. Please bring a long-sleeved shirt as well, and a day pack with lunch, snacks, sunblock and water (and rain gear if applicable).
The project will be focusing on clearing the drainage areas that have been impacted by recent rains along the trails at Carlito Springs. Bernco Open space wants to focus on improving effective drainage on the current trail systems, as well as other trail improvements that might be needed.
Difficulty:

Pecos River Willow Add-On
2023-11-08 08:00 - 12:01
RESULTS: Six NMVFO volunteers spent a half-day trimming and planting willows along a thousand-foot stretch of the Pecos River near Cowles, NM. We partnered with the Upper Pecos Watershed Association and the National Forest Service Pecos/Las Vegas District

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Lilley Park Trail Backpack (Gila NF)
2024-03-08 09:30 - 2024-03-11 14:00
RESULTS: Eight volunteers brushed, rocked and installed 30 drains in 4.75 miles of trail.

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Description: Join us for brushing and rocking on Lilley Park Trail #164 from Big Bear Trail #28 to Woodland Park (map) in the Gila. We will meet at Woody’s Corral Trailhead near the Gila Cliff Dwellings and hike to base camp 7.5 miles away. Volunteers should be prepared to hike up to 6.5 miles each day,
This is a well-used trail that is not near water. As a result, there has been minimal trail work done on this section. We will work on the remaining bad parts.
Food: Gila BCH homemade vacuum sealed meals (breakfasts and dinners) will be available for this project. We can accommodate meat eaters, vegetarians, and some gluten free diets. But you can also bring your own breakfasts and dinners if you prefer. Everyone will need to provide their own lunches and snacks. Water: Please bring water for the backpack to base camp. We will provide jugs of water at base camp. There is no water on the trail where we will work, so bring a 3-quart water capacity. We will provide: Tools, hard hats, trail and safety training, project supervision, and first aid kit with Wilderness First Responder trained personnel.
Please see the BCH website description for a packing list and more information! Sign up below by Sunday, March 3.
Difficulty:
Group Size: up to 7
Please read our Volunteer Guidelines before signing up for this project.
On the signup form please leave the "Number of Volunteers" at 1. If you would like to sign up additional volunteers please submit multiple signups.

Box Enterprise Trails (Socorro BLM)
2024-03-09 09:00 - 14:00
RESULTS: The 26 volunteers between NMVFO and Socorro Trails made 0.51 miles of new trail.

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Description: Join us to build the first of the stacked loop trails in the BLM Box-Enterprise Trail System in Socorro. The Box-Enterprise Trail System extends from the sports complex at the western edge of Socorro to the scenic Box Canyon recreation area. A set of stacked loops will provide variety for regular users of the trail network and increase the system capacity. This project will focus on the first of the shorter stacked loops, extending north of the existing Blue Canyon Trail. Work will consist of constructing a bench-cut trail with hand tools (mostly McLeods) through a high desert landscape.
Volunteers should bring a daypack with lunch/snack and water, and wear sturdy boots or work shoes (no sandals), long pants, hat, eye protection, gloves, and bring gear for rain. Pets are not allowed on projects. Tread tools will be provided, but you are welcome to bring your own.
Difficulty:
Location: We’ll meet at the Blue Canyon Trailhead just west of Socorro on Highway 60.
Group Size: Up to 15.
Please read our Volunteer Guidelines before signing up for this project.
On the signup form please leave the "Number of Volunteers" at 1. If you would like to sign up additional volunteers please submit multiple signups.
