New Mexico Volunteers For The Outdoors

Hop Canyon ADD-ON (Magdalena RD)
2023-07-22 08:00 - 17:00 (America/Denver)
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.

Trail Workshop - Classroom (CABQ Open Space)
2024-03-16 09:30 - 14:00
RESULTS: On a windy and damp day, fourteen mostly new volunteers attended a classroom session followed by building several hundred feet of new uphill trail in Albuquerque Open Space’s Tijeras Canyon Biozone.

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Description: Learn the fundamentals of building and maintaining trails with Larry and Christy as well as Jim Sattler and some of his experienced Albuquerque Open Space Division staff members. Beginners are especially encouraged to attend this class, although others who would like a skills refresher will also be welcome. To follow-up on this introduction, a full-day field training project will be held one week later on Saturday, March 23.
The workshop will begin with an indoor class at the future Tijeras Biozone Education Center. Jim will give a brief (but colorful) history of this facility and the city’s plans for its future. With his help, Larry will summarize some basics of planning and constructing trails and demonstrate the most common trail-working tools. You will also receive handouts, including a booklet on doing trail work in arid lands. To prepare in advance for the class, please go to this link and view a comprehensive PowerPoint presentation that explains and illustrates the challenges and methods for making and maintaining trails in New Mexico.
After the classroom session, we will gather tools and hike a short distance in the Tijeras Canyon Biozone to practice using the tools to clear and build a new section of trail and, if needed, close off an old section.
Preparations: Wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts, sturdy boots or work shoes, eye protection (glasses or sun glasses), caps or hats, and outer layers appropriate for the weather forecast. Bring work gloves if you have them (but extras will be available) and a daypack with water, snacks, sunscreen, pen, and notebook. An email update will be sent during the week before the project. Please sign up no later than March 14.
Directions: The Tijeras Biozone Education Center is located at 15600 Central Ave SE as shown on this map. If coming from Albuquerque on I-40, turn south at Tramway Blvd (Exit 167), then turn left on Central Ave. and continue east on Old Route 66 for 1.2 miles to the parking lot.
Difficulty:
Group Size: 20
If the project is full, please email the project leader to be put on a waitlist.
Cost: Free!
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.

Wilderness First Aid Class
2024-03-22 08:00 - 2024-03-24 17:00
RESULTS: Volunteers from NMVFO, BCH-Pecos, the Carson NF, along with trail staff, participated in a three day Wilderness First Aid class in Albuquerque, taught by Stephanie from the Gila NF and Rebecca from the Carson NF.

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Description: The US Forest Service will present a 3-day CPR/AED/Blood Borne Pathogen (BBP) & Wilderness First Aid (WFA) course, March 22-24. All three days of training will be held at the Tennis Club of Albuquerque. This will be a full 3 days of class plus outside hands-on exercises. Certification will be granted by the American Health and Safety Institute upon successful completion. CPR/AED/WFA certification will be valid for two years, blood borne pathogens for one.
There is no fee for the course for members, active volunteers, and partner organization members. Space is limited to about 20 participants.
For WFA certification you must attend the FULL THREE DAYS of training.
Refreshments will be provided, but bring your own lunch. Specific details on what to bring, start/end times, etc., will be sent to all participants at a later date (likely 8AM-5PM each day). Please contact Dave Broudy at d.broudy@nmvfo.org if you have any questions.
Difficulty: Pulaski
Group Size: 20
Sign up below by March 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.

Trail Workshop - Field (CABQ Open Space)
2024-03-23 08:30 - 14:30
RESULTS: Sixteen NMVFO volunteers and five personnel from the Open Space Division completed a new trail (started a week earlier after the Trail Workshop’s classroom session) that now goes uphill for more than 1,000 feet from the Tijeras Creek Trail to intersect with an existing trail. As shown in many of the photos, the Field Training Project including moving and working with heavy rocks to buttress more than sixty feet of the new trail along three sharply out-sloped sections. The group also closed and did erosion-control work on a steep user-created trail.

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This session will build upon skills introduced to new volunteers at the March 16 class, but anyone is welcome to sign up. For more helpful information about doing trail work with NMVFO, go to this link.
Description: This project will take place on Albuquerque Open Space land in the recently expanded Tijeras Canyon Biozone just east of the city. Experienced Open Space personnel and NMVFO members will help mentor volunteers as we build a new trail section. Its carefully planned path will be marked with pin flags that follow the terrain to permit adequate tread width and proper drainage. Any large trees in the way will have already been removed with a chainsaw, but we will use hand tools to take out stumps and smaller plants and trim back intruding branches. We will reshape and smooth the tread, digging up rocks and roots as needed, and possibly build rock walls to buttress the trail along steep slopes and at drainage crossings. If closing an old trail segment, we will scarify the tread and scatter foliage to limit erosion and block entrances with rocks, branches, and replanted cactuses where available.
Preparations: Wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts, sturdy boots or work shoes, eye protection (glasses or sun glasses), caps or hats, and outer layers appropriate for the weather forecast. Bring work gloves if you have them (but extras will be available) and a daypack with water, light lunch and/or snacks, and sunscreen. An email update will be sent out during the week before the project. Please sign up no later than March 21.
Directions: The Tijeras Biozone Education Center is located at 15600 Central Ave SE as shown on this map. If coming from Albuquerque on I-40, turn south at Tramway Blvd (Exit167), then turn left on Central Ave. and continue east on Old Route 66 for 1.2 miles to the parking lot.
Difficulty:
Group Size: 25
Cost: Free!
If the project is full, please email the project leader to be put on a waitlist.
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.

Earth Day Volunteer Orientation and Training (CABQ Balloon Fiesta Park)
2024-03-30 14:00 - 17:00
Description: The City of Albuquerque will be hosting New Mexico’s first major Earth Day Festival on Sunday, April 21 (which will be covered in a separate NMVFO project description on that date). For an overview of all the planned activities and participants, you can visit the festival’s website: https://earthdayfestivalnm.com/. It includes a section describing the various volunteer opportunities in detail at this link. To help recruit and familiarize volunteers in preparation for the festival, its organizers are hosting this orientation and training program on the afternoon of March 30. Attending this preliminary meeting will be helpful but is not a prerequisite to volunteer for the festival, which can be done up until mid-April.
Putting on this event will require a significant number of volunteers to perform a variety of tasks (known as volunteer opportunities) such as directing traffic and parking, checking in vendors, helping set up tables, booths, barricades, recycle bins, and other amenities, greeting and assisting visitors, distributing programs, answering questions, and cleaning up at the end of the festival. It is hoped that NMVFO can provide a good number of these volunteers. Volunteers will register with the One Albuquerque volunteer network to choose and sign up for specific jobs and shifts on April 21. These are listed and described in this section about Earth Day volunteer opportunities. Experienced NMVFO project leaders are encouraged to sign up as volunteer crew chiefs.
For volunteer orientation and training, we will meet at Balloon Fiesta Park’s Sid Cutter Pilots’ Pavilion, which is located at the southeast corner of the balloon launching field as shown on this map. Using the south entrance to the park, take Alameda Avenue to Balloon Museum Drive, go north for about a mile past the Balloon Museum to where Balloon Museum Drive makes a hard left turn, and continue down a short distance to the Sid Cutter Pavilion (shown in the above photo) and park nearby.
Those attending must sign up on the button below for NMVFO to have a record of attendance and record volunteer hours.
Difficulty:
Group Size: Unlimited
Cost: Free!
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 2 (Socorro BLM)
2024-04-13 09:00 - 14:00
RESULTS: Volunteers continued construction of the O2O Trail in the Box-Enterprise trail network.

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Description: Join us as we build the newest trail in the BLM Box-Enterprise trail system west of Socorro. The Box-Enterprise Trail System extends from the sports complex at the western edge of Socorro to the scenic Box Canyon recreation area. The newest trail, the O2O Trail, will form a 2.8 mile hiking, running, biking or horseback riding loop when combined with the existing Blue Canyon Trail. Additional trails are planned in this trail network and will make for an engaging all-season destination. The work will consist of constructing a new trail cut into a side slope with hand tools such as rakes and shovels. We’ll be working in a high desert landscape with limited shade but with scenic views of the Magdalena Mountains. No prior experience constructing or maintaining trails is necessary – we’ll provide a basic introduction before we start work and will pair all volunteers with experienced trail leaders who can guide the work.
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.

Galisteo Basin Preserve
2024-04-20 08:30 - 14:00
RESULTS: On April 20th NMVFO returned for a third year to the 10,000 acre Galisteo Basin Preserve near the town of Lamy, NM near Santa Fe. Our partner again was the Commonweal Conservancy, a non-profit land conservation organization. As in previous years, our work at the Preserve focused on on removing barbed wire fencing that endangers raptors and impedes free wildlife movement in and across the preserve. This year volunteers removed 1.1 miles of 4-strand fencing, including the posts.

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Description: NMVFO returns for a third year to the 10,000 acre Galisteo Basin Preserve near the town of Lamy, NM near Santa Fe. We are again partnering with the preserve’s manager, the Commonweal Conservancy, a non-profit land conservation organization. As in previous years, our work at the Preserve will focus on removing barbed wire fencing that endangers raptors and impedes free wildlife movement in and across the preserve. After a brief introduction and safety talk, volunteers will spend the rest of the day removing fencing.
Volunteers should wear long sleeved shirts and long pants, eye protection/sunglasses, sturdy leather gloves and boots, and a day pack. Please bring your own ample water, snacks and lunch.
Additionally, if any volunteers have their own fencing pliers (linesmen pliers work well) please bring them. Commonweal Conservancy will provide a couple of T-post pullers, but if you happen to have one, please bring it. Volunteers will meet at the Cowboy Shack Trailhead at 8:30 within the preserve. We will then walk about one mile to our worksite. After the workday, all volunteers are invited to reconvene at a local cafe to enjoy a meal before returning home.
Difficulty:
If the project is full, please email the project leader to be put on a waitlist.

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.

Earth Day Festival Volunteer Opportunities (Balloon Fiesta Park)
2024-04-21 07:00 - 17:00
Contact: Leader, Larry Benson, L.Benson@nmvfo.org, with any questions.
Description: The City of Albuquerque will be hosting New Mexico’s first major Earth Day Festival on Sunday, April 21. For an overview of all the planned activities and participants, you can visit the festival’s website: https://earthdayfestivalnm.com/. The festival’s activities will take place from 10 AM until 4 PM, but putting on this event will require a significant number of volunteers to perform a variety of tasks (i.e., volunteer opportunities) before, during, and at the close of the festival. These include: directing traffic and parking: checking in vendors: helping set up tables, booths, barricades, recycle bins, and other amenities: greeting and assisting visitors: distributing programs; answering questions; and cleaning up at the end of the festival. It is hoped that NMVFO can provide a good number of these volunteers. In addition to signing up as a festival volunteer as described below, NMVFO members must sign up on the button below for us to have a record of attendance so you can later get credit for your volunteer hours.
To volunteer for the event, your first step is to go to the Festival’s Volunteers page at https://earthdayfestivalnm.com/volunteers/. This describes the various ways volunteers can contribute to the festival in three separate drop-down sections. The City of Albuquerque’s volunteer network, known as One Albuquerque, is managing the signup process. So, the next step is to volunteer as an individual by clicking on the One Albuquerque signup form toward the bottom of the page. It shows ten different volunteering opportunities with details about each, including any special qualifications required and various shifts (times) from which to choose. Experienced NMVFO project leaders might be well qualified to volunteer as crew chiefs. (To begin the signup process, you will first need to register with One Albuquerque.) You can choose multiple shifts and even more than one Volunteer Opportunity, and when not working can attend activities, see displays, and visit the vendors at the festival. Please sign up no later than April 19th. Remember to also sign up with the button below, to tell NMVFO which volunteers we sent to the Earth Day Festival, and we will record the actual volunteer hours later. (The line next to the signup button indicates the event lasts 10 hours, but individual volunteer shifts are considerably shorter.)
The festival will take place in and around Balloon Fiesta Park’s Sid Cutter Pilots’ Pavilion, which is located at the southeast corner of the balloon launching field as shown on this map. Volunteers will be directing parking upon arrival.
Difficulty:
Group Size: Unlimited
Cost: Free for volunteers
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.

Woodhaul Wagon Road Backpack (Gila NF) CANCELED
2024-04-25 09:30 - 2024-04-28 12:00
This project has been canceled due to high winds.
Description: Join us for tread, brushing, and installing signs on Woodhaul Wagon Road Trail #55 (map) in the Gila. We will meet at Big Tree Trailhead and backpack 2.75 miles to base camp. This is a dry camp, so water will be packed in by horse. Volunteers should be prepared to hike up to 5 miles each day.
Fort Bayard gets a lot of recreational use. The Woodhaul Wagon Road Trail, a National Recreation Trail, connects Fort Bayard with other trails, including the Continental Divide Trail. It also connects with the Allie/Bear/Woodhaul loop that we reopened in 2023.
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 4-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, April 20.
Difficulty:
Group Size: up to 6. If the project is full, please email the project leader to be put on a waitlist.
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.

Spring Picnic, Elena Gallegos Open Space
2024-04-27 10:00 - 14:00
RESULTS: Despite weather almost 20 degrees below normal, with scattered showers all around, more than 40 NMVFO members and volunteers enjoyed a great lunch in the Kiwanis Picnic Shelter featuring Southwestern cuisine prepared by David Broudy, NMVFO’s gourmet camp cook.

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Manzano Crest (Mountainair RD)
2024-05-04 08:00 - 17:00
RESULTS: The focus of this (relocated) project was downfall removal along this popular loop in the Manzano Mountains. A dedicated group that included five first-timers completed the work (80 trees along 7 miles) in one day. The opportunity to camp the night before the project to work on the nature trail, socialize, and enjoy dinner and breakfast by David and Rifka was appreciated by all volunteers who joined us early.

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Description: We will mostly cut back overgrowth on the Manzano Crest Trail between Bosque Trail and Trail Canyon Trail. The work will not be difficult but it will be a 7 mile (round trip) hike and a 1700 feet elevation gain. For this reason, we will rate it as difficult. We will camp at or near the trailhead on Friday and work all day Saturday. It is about 90 minutes to the trailhead from Albuquerque. You are welcome to come on Saturday morning also. We will start at 8:00 am and be back at the trailhead at 5:00.
The only facility at the camp is a pit toilet so you will need to bring your own water for camping and for the trail. We will provide food Friday evening and Saturday morning but you need to bring your food for the work day. There will be a limit of 15 people (since this is a wilderness area). 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 projects.
Difficulty:
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.

Jerky Mountains Backpack (Gila NF) WAITLISTED
2024-05-08 08:00 - 2024-05-13 16:00
RESULTS: We did major work on 4.3 miles of the Lilley Park Trail in the Jerky Mountains. This trail was previously hard to find and had many logs over the trail. This trail is a part of the Forest Service Gila Centennial Trail so it had extra significance in us reopening it.

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Description: After hiking 10.25 miles to basecamp (map) from Aeroplane Mesa Campground, we will work on a variety of trails. The priority is working the trail over the Jerky Mountains. Be prepared to hike up to 6.5 miles each day. During our work on several trails, you will be able to see a large section of the Wilderness.
Camping at Aeroplane Mesa Campground the night before is recommended due to the length of the drive. Please bring your own food and water.
These trails are on the north side of the Gila Wilderness. They are in a beautiful area of Ponderosa Forest with wonderful views. It is well worth the drive and backpack. There is significant deferred maintenance on these trails.
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: There are options to refill and filter water at mile 4 and 7 on the way to camp. At basecamp, we will filter water from Quinten Spring. There is no water on some of the trails where we will be working so bring 4-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 Friday, May 3.
Difficulty:
Group Size: up to 9 total
