New Mexico Volunteers For The Outdoors

Bluewater Creek (Rio Puerco BLM)
2024-05-11 08:00 - 2024-05-12 14:00 (America/Denver)
RESULTS: NMVFO had 13 workers and 2 cooks and one BLM representative for this project. We cut overgrowth for 2.5 miles and improved several stream crossings.

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Description: Bluewater Creek [Google Map] is in a pretty canyon below the Bluewater dam just west of Grants. It has been designated as an Area of Critical Environmental Concern by the BLM. We will improve an existing trail by improving the tread, cutting back overgrowth and making the rock stream crossings better. This is a flat trail and less that 3 miles round trip so we will rate this as an easy project.
We will offer camping for Friday and Saturday nights and provide food for Saturday morning, Saturday evening and Sunday morning. We will work from 8:00 to 5:00 on Saturday and from 8:00 to 2:00 on Sunday. You could come for the day without camping. There are no facilities so you will need to bring all your own water and food for the work days.
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 20
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.

Beatty's Trail (SFNF) CANCELED
2024-05-18 08:00 - 2024-05-19 14:00
CANCELED OR RESCHEDULED DUE TO FROZEN GROUND
Description: Join us for a car-camping weekend at Jack’s Creek Group Camp Sites A and B, Pecos/Las Vegas Ranger District, Santa Fe National Forest. Volunteers wishing to arrive early may do so, the camp will be open Friday evening, May 17. The camp is provided with tables, fire rings, and a composting toilet. Nights will be chilly, so bring warm clothes and a bit of firewood (if available) to help warm the group. Don’t forget that folding chair!
Work: Our work will focus on clearing the trailhead area of brush, and bench-cutting the first mile of Beatty’s Trail, FT25. The bench-cutting will address a “trail-slip” issue on the trail, we’ll improve the tread as well, and install grade-reversals (also known as “rolling dips”) where needed. If time allows, we’ll continue beyond the first mile of Beatty’s, through a series of switchbacks to the trail crest, working as we go. As such, this project will involve some brushing with loppers, but will mostly focus on McLeod and mattock work.
Food: Our cook team will provide a light meal or snacks on Friday night, breakfast on Saturday and Sunday mornings, and supper on Saturday night. Volunteers should bring their own snacks and lunch materials, as well as beverages of their choice and a cooler.
Water: Due to maintenance issues, this will be a dry camp. NMVFO will provide some water for camp, but volunteers should be prepared with extra water for work during the day.
Tools/Equipment/Clothing: NMVFO will provide all tools needed and hard hats, which are required on this project. Participants should wear sturdy boots (no sandals), long pants, long-sleeved shirts, hat, eye protection (sunglasses are fine), gloves, daypack with plenty of room for water, sunblock, and bring gear for rain.

Difficulty:
Group Size: Up to 15, plus 2 cooks
Please remember that while we love our pets, they are not allowed on NMVFO projects.
Closing date for signups is May 12, 2024
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.

4th of July Small Group Project
2024-05-18 08:30 - 16:00
RESULTS: NMVFO went back to finish the 4th of July Trail and start the Albuquerque Trail. The winter was especially bad for the lower trails in the Manzanos.

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What is a Small Group Project? We organize several off-schedule short-notice word-of-mouth projects during the trail season. If you show up to a large number of projects, mention to your project leader that you are interested.

Juan Trail Project (CANCELED/RESCHEDULE)
2024-05-25 08:00 - 16:00
Description: Veterans – Join NMVFO on a one-day project to improve the tread of the Juan Trail (#399) in the Santa Fe National Forest. The Juan Trail has been damaged by years of use. We will reshape the trail tread to improve drainage, fill in entrenched areas, and remove rocks and roots that are obstructing traffic using pick mattocks, McLeod hoes, and Pulaskis (combination axe/mattock). All tools will be provided.
This project is set aside for veterans of our military services and their significant others.
Since parking is limited at the Juan Trailhead, we will meet at the Dale Ball Trailhead at Coordinates 35.710685, -105.899316 at 8:00 am then carpool 1.8 miles to the Juan Trailhead at Coordinates 35.72597, -105.88721.
US Forest Service rules require all volunteers to wear 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.
Reminder: Pets are not allowed on NMVFO projects.
Please sign up below. The closing date for signups is May 21, 5:00 pm
Difficulty:
Group size: Up to 15
Meet at: Meet at: Dale Ball Trailhead Coordinates 35.710685, -105.899316
How to find us: Look for the green NMVFO sign along NM 475.
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.

Sawyer Class (Carson NF)
2024-05-29 12:00 - 2024-05-30 17:00
RESULTS: Five NMVFO volunteers and five NMWild new-hires took a two-day crosscut sawyer certification class at Tres Piedras Ranger District, taught by Craig, Jennifer, and Courtney from the Carson National Forest.

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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.

Adopt-a-Trail (Carson NF)
2024-06-01 09:00 - 2024-06-02 14:00
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 and dinner at a local restaurant in Peñasco. 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 focus significantly on improving drainage and address erosion issues along the trail. Tools and hard hats will be provided.
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!
Difficulty:
Group Size: up to 15. Please sign up by May 20.
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.

CDT San Pedro Parks (Santa Fe NF)
2024-06-06 17:00 - 2024-06-09 14:00
RESULTS: Six NMVFO volunteers joined CDTC staff and volunteers to fix tread near San Gregorio Lake Trailhead, and clear trees between the trailhead and Nacimiento Mine, about 6.7 miles.

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Description: We partner with the Continental Divide Trail Coalition for a project in the San Pedro Parks, with basecamp location: Trailhead on FS Rd 70. Cuba RD, and working north from camp. We expect to do treadwork and brushing, with sawing as needed.
From the CDTC website: Itching to get into the wilderness? Join us for this wilderness logout and tread project in the Santa Fe National Forest. This early season project will be fun and challenging. We will focus on tread work and logout. Come flex your crosscut muscles with us in the San Pedro Parks Wilderness!
This is a car camp project, and breakfasts and dinners will be provided. Bring your own lunches and snacks.
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. All dinners and breakfasts will be provided by our friends at the CDTC, but bring your own lunches. Bring the normal camping gear you would need for a car camp, and a camp chair might be a good idea. There is no water at water at base camp, so bring your own supply. Base camp amenities include a vault toilet.
See the CDTC project description here.
You can sign up below until Tuesday May 28, 2024. One person per signup.
Difficulty:
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.

Women's Trail Day (CABQ Open Space)
2024-06-08 08:00 - 15:00
RESULTS: Building new trail and rock work at Tijeras BioZone Education Center

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Description: Enjoy the camaraderie of other women as we review some trail work basics, then spend the rest of our day together building brand new trail in Albuquerque Open Space in Tijeras, NM. We will some time providing instruction on trail-building tools, techniques, and tips for making user-friendly and sustainable trails. There will be opportunities for questions, feedback, and networking with fellow women passionate about New Mexico’s hiking trails. Both experienced and completely new volunteers are welcome on this introductory trail-building project!
Please bring work gloves and eye protection (sunglasses or eyeglasses are fine), lunch, snacks and plenty of water in a day pack. Come prepared with sturdy boots, a hat, sunblock, and a notebook and pen if desired. Extra layers are recommended in case it is chilly in the morning, as well as rain gear if rain is in the forecast. We’ll stop for lunch at around noon, and after work we’ll begin hiking out at around 2:00.
We’ll be joined by City of Albuquerque Open Space staff, who will be available for demonstrations and Q&A throughout the trail construction portion of the day.
Please register below by May 30. If you plan to invite a friend, she will need to register as well. Hope you can join us!
Group Size: Up to 15.
Difficulty:
To sign up, click on the button below and fill out the form. If the project is full, you can email the project leader to be put on a wait list.
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.

Penas Negras Backpack (San Pedro Parks, Cuba RD)
2024-06-13 09:00 - 2024-06-16 14:00
RESULTS: Twelve NMVFO volunteers supported by five Back Country Horsemen removed 202 downed trees along 3.3 miles of the Perchas and Penas Negras trails in San Pedro Parks Wilderness.

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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, June 13th, 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 June 6, 2024.
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.
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.

Timber Peak Trail (Magdalena RD)
2024-06-15 08:00 - 17:00
RESULTS: 20 volunteers from NMVFO and Socorro Trails cleared deadfall and overgrowth on the northern 3.1 miles of Timber Peak Trail #70 in the Magdalena Mountains

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Description: Join us for some needed maintenance on the Timber Peak Trail #70 in the Magdalena Mountains West of Socorro. This scenic trail is approximately 4 miles long and follows a north-south ridgeline between 9400′ and 10,000′ in elevation with expansive views of central New Mexico. We will focus on clearing downed trees and cutting back overgrowth that is obscuring the tread of the trail. The work will not be too difficult but it will be an 8 mile (round trip) hike at altitude. For this reason, we will rate this project as difficult.
We will meet at the Water Canyon Campground which is approximately a 90 minute drive from the south side of Albuquerque. The campground usually has vacancies if you wish to stay overnight. We will meet at 8am and be back at the campground by 5pm.
There will be a limit of 20 people on this project. Participants should wear sturdy boots or work shoes, long pants, eye protection, gloves, and bring gear for rain. Please note that pets are not allowed on this project.
Difficulty:
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.

New Canyon Small Group Project (Mountainair RD)
2024-06-19 08:00 - 16:00
RESULTS: Five volunteers cleared deadfall on New Canyon Trail in the Manzano Mountains. There were 25 down trees in this 2 mile long trail. They also went a bit north on the Crest Trail and removed one large tree.

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What is a Small Group Project? We organize several off-schedule short-notice word-of-mouth projects during the trail season. If you show up to a large number of projects, mention to your project leader that you are interested.

Cecilia Trail (SFNF Coyote RD)
2024-06-21 08:00 - 2024-06-23 16:00
RESULTS: Eleven NMVFO volunteers cleared 174 deadfalls and constructed 10 cairns along 3.4 miles of the Cecilia Trail in the northern part of the San Pedro Parks Wilderness Area.

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Description: Join NMVFO on a car-camping project to clear downed trees along the Cecilia Trail # 451 in the San Pedro Parks Wilderness of the Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF). We will camp off FR 171 at Coordinates 36.19022, -106.79420 at a cool 8220’ elevation.
All tools will be provided. We will be using one- and two-person crosscut saws and pruning saws. USFS rules require all volunteers to wear 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.
Volunteers will 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. Breakfasts and dinners will be provided; volunteers will supply their own lunches and snacks. Please bring your own plate, bowl, utensils, and coffee mug. Since this is a dispersed camping area with no water, please bring as much potable water (five gallons) as you can. NMVFO will provide a portable toilet and personal shelter.
While the project starts at 8:00 am on Friday, June 21st, you are welcome to join us on Thursday evening at 5:00 pm or so for a social gathering. Dinner will not be provided on Thursday evening.
Also, if you want to join us on Friday morning or evening or Saturday morning, just let us know what your plans are by contacting Mike Timmer at m.timmer@nmvfo.org.
Reminder: Pets are not allowed on NMVFO projects.
Please sign up below. The closing date for signups is June 17th at 5:00 pm
Difficulty:
Group size: Up to 15 (17 counting cooks)
Meet at: Coordinates 36.19022, -106.79420. How to find us: Look for the green NMVFO signs starting at Highway 96.
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.

Valle de Oro YCC Trail Project
2024-06-26 08:00 - 2024-06-28 17:00
RESULTS: The Valle de Oro Youth Conservation Corp (YCC) crew and volunteers from NMVFO worked for three days with Albuquerque (ABQ) Open Space staff at the Tijeras BioZone. Open Space staff provided hands-on trail construction and rock work training to the YCC crew. The group built 250 feet of new trail, constructed an arroyo crossing, performed maintenance on 800 feet of trail, and closed 1,350 feet of old roads. Prior to the field work, on June 25, NMVFO presented a tutorial on Trail Building & Maintenance and an overview of NMVFO to the YCC crew. During the lunch break on June 26, Jim Sattler, ABQ Open Space, briefed the crew on the extensive history of Tijeras Canyon. The collaboration of Open Space, Valle de Oro staff, and NMVFO volunteers made this project a success and is greatly appreciated.

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Horsethief Trail Backpack (SFNF)
2024-06-27 09:00 - 2024-06-30 14:00
RESULTS: Seven volunteers spent four days based at Horse Thief Meadow in the Pecos Wilderness clearing blowdowns and leaners from about 1.6 miles of the Skyline Trail. The Pecos Chapter of the Back County Horseman Association supported the volunteers by packing in tools and equipment and cooking delicious meals for us at a field kitchen they set up at the camp site.

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Description: Spend 3 nights camping in remote Horse Thief Meadow, which we will use as our basecamp for strenuous and fun days doing trail improvements and clearing blowdowns north and south along the Skyline Trail #251 and Horsethief Trail #253. Starting from the Panchuela campground, we will backpack in 5.6 miles on the Cave Creek and Skyline trails to the meadow on Thursday and set up camp. We’ll decide on a work agenda for each day depending on the group’s interests, then hike back out Sunday morning. The Back Country Horsemen Association will support us by packing tools and camp equipment from Panchuela to the meadow and back.
BCHA will also cook morning and evening meals for the group at the campsite. Participants must provide their own lunch out on the trail during the day.
Location: We will park at the USFS Panchuela Campground, driving the narrow road up from Cowles.
Difficulty:
Group Size: Up to 15
Closing date for signups is June 22, 2024

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.

Keep it Clean at Tijeras BioZone (CABQ Albuquerque)
2024-06-29 08:30 - 12:00
RESULTS: Cleaning up trash and some trail maintenance in Tijeras BioZone.

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Keep it Clean at Tijeras BioZone with Little Toad Creek Brewery & Distillery
Description: Join us for a Keep it Clean project in Tijeras, led by NMVFO and Little Toad Creek Brewery & Distillery! We’ll plan to be out on the Cottonwood-shaded trails performing light maintenance, brushing, and trash/brush cleanup between about 8:30am-noon. All skill levels are welcome on this accessible project very close to Albuquerque. Little Toad will be generously sponsoring an after party with swag, beverages, and food provided at nearby Boxing Bear Brewing Company.
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, though we love them.
Difficulty:
Group size: up to 40
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.

Six Mile Canyon Trail (Magdalena RD)
2024-07-13 08:00 - 2024-07-14 14:00
RESULTS: Volunteers from NMVFO and Socorro Trails cleared the north-western segments of Six Mile Canyon Trail and Ryan Hill Trail in the Magdalena Mountains.

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Description: Join us for some needed maintenance on the Six Mile Canyon Trail in the Magdalena Mountains West of Socorro. We will focus on clearing downed trees and cutting back overgrowth that is obscuring the tread of the trail for its upper three miles. There is a significant deadfall tangle that will require crosscut saws to clear. The work will require approximately 6 mile hikes each day (round trip) at altitude. For this reason, we will rate this project as difficult.
The project will span Saturday and Sunday. On both days we will meet at the Water Canyon Campground which is approximately a 90 minute drive from the south side of Albuquerque. We have reserved the group site at the campground, so you can choose to stay overnight on Friday and/or Saturday if you wish. Meals will be provided from Friday night through Sunday morning. We will meet at 8am and be back at the campground by 5pm on Saturday and by 2pm on Sunday.
There will be a limit of 20 people on this project. Participants should wear sturdy boots or work shoes, long pants, eye protection, gloves, and bring gear for rain. Please note that pets are not allowed on this project.
Difficulty:
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 Canyon Small Group Project (Mountainair RD)
2024-07-16 08:30 - 15:30
RESULTS: Four NMVFO volunteers joined 4 people from the Forest Stewards Youth Corps based in Mountainair to cut fallen trees and lop some overgrowth on the 1.8 mile long Trail Canyon Trail in the Manzano Mountains up to the Crest Trail.

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What is a Small Group Project? We organize several off-schedule short-notice word-of-mouth projects during the trail season. If you show up to a large number of projects, mention to your project leader that you are interested.

Manzano Crest Small Group Project (Mountainair RD)
2024-07-25 08:00 - 17:00
RESULTS: Four volunteers went with 4 people from the Forest Stewards Youth Corps to remove fallen trees and to lop the first 1.5 miles of the Manzano Crest Trail south of Capilla Peak

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What is a Small Group Project? We organize several off-schedule short-notice word-of-mouth projects during the trail season. If you show up to a large number of projects, mention to your project leader that you are interested.

Cecilia Trail 2 (Coyote RD, SFNF) WAITLISTED
2024-07-26 08:00 - 2024-07-28 16:00
RESULTS: Fifteen NMVFO volunteers cleared 22 deadfalls from 2.0 miles of the Corralitos Trail and 115 deadfalls from 2.2 miles of the Cecilia Trail in the San Pedro Parks Wilderness Area from July 25th to the 27th, 2024. In addition, the volunteers built or enhanced 22 cairns to better mark these trails.

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Description: Join NMVFO on a car-camping project to clear downed trees along the Cecilia Trail # 451 in the San Pedro Parks Wilderness of the Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF). We will camp at the Resumidero Camping Area at Coordinates 36.11174, -106.74866 at a cool 9030’ elevation.
All tools will be provided. We will be using one- and two-person crosscut saws and pruning saws. USFS rules require all volunteers to wear 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. Volunteers will 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. Breakfasts and dinners will be provided; volunteers will supply their own lunches and snacks. Please bring your own plate, bowl, utensils, and coffee mug. Potable water is not available, so please bring as much potable water (five gallons) as you can. Pit toilets are available.
While the project starts at 8:00 am on Friday, July 26th, you are welcome to join us on Thursday evening at 5:00 pm or so for a social gathering. Dinner will not be provided on Thursday evening. Also, if you want to join us on Friday morning or evening or Saturday morning, just let us know what your plans are by contacting Mike Timmer at m.timmer@nmvfo.org.
Reminder: Pets are not allowed on NMVFO projects.
Please sign up below, and the closing date for signups is July 22nd at 5:00 pm
Difficulty:
Group size: Up to 15 (17 counting cooks)
Meet at: Resumidero Camping Area – Coordinates 36.11174, -106.74866 How to find us: Look for the green NMVFO signs off FR 93.
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.

Manzano Crest South of Cepilla Small Group Project
2024-08-06 08:00 - 17:00
RESULTS: Seven NMVFO volunteers worked on a 2-mile section of the Manzano Crest Trail between Capilla Peak and Trail Canyon Trail. Three of us spent the day lopping a heavily overgrown trail section near Ojo del Indio, while the remaining four volunteers removed 24 trees, most of them downfall from the last winter.

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What is a Small Group Project? We organize several off-schedule short-notice word-of-mouth projects during the trail season. If you show up to a large number of projects, mention to your project leader that you are interested.

Carson Backpack (Carson NF) CANCELED
2024-08-08 09:00 - 2024-08-11 14:00
Description: Want more of the Carson? Come join us on a four-day backpacking project on NMVFO’s adopted trail, Middle Fork 24 on the Camino Real Ranger District. Our adopted section takes us along the Rio Santa Barbara from the campground. We’ll remove downed trees and brush back encroaching vegetation. 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, you are welcome to join us on Friday or Saturday and spend as much time working with us as you can.
Location: We will leave our cars in a parking area just outside the Santa Barbara Campground [Google Map]
Please sign up below by August 4.
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.

Red Spruce Small Group Project (Mountainair RD)
2024-08-10 08:00 - 17:00
RESULTS: This project was a joint project with Back Country Horsemen. We cleared trees and filled in a big hole on the Manzano Crest Trail.

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What is a Small Group Project? We organize several off-schedule short-notice word-of-mouth projects during the trail season. If you show up to a large number of projects, mention to your project leader that you are interested.

Juan Tomas (ABQ Open Space) WAITLISTED
2024-08-17 08:30 - 14:00
RESULTS: Twenty-one NMVFO volunteers along with four personnel from Albuquerque’s Open Space Division built at least 2/10 mile of trail through a heavily forested area to intersect with the popular Ponderosa Loop. As shown in some or the photos, this work included using pick mattocks and Pulaskis to chop and uproot numerous Gambel Oak and other tree trunks. This project completed a 3-year effort to build this 1.2-mile trail, to be named Alligator Alley in the future because of the distinctive bark of many of the adjacent Junipers.

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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 pinon-juniper and ponderosa forest growing at elevations up to 7,760 feet. Join us as we continue building a new trail to eventually replace an old eroded route. The work area will be about a mile hike across level terrain from the parking lot. An Open Space crew will have already marked the new trail corridor with pin flags and chain-sawed any large trees. Using pick mattocks, McLeods, Pulaskis, loppers, hand saws, and shovels, we will clear out smaller vegetation and excavate a smooth well-drained tread for hikers, mountain bikes, and occasional horses. We may also build some rock retaining walls if needed.
Preparations: Wear long pants, sturdy boots or work shoes (no soft shoes or sandals), sun glasses, or other eye protection. We’ll be working in only partial shade, so wear a hat and put on some sunscreen. Bring work or gardening gloves if you have them; otherwise, loaners will be available. Also bring a day pack with plenty of water or other drinks, snacks or light lunch, and a rain jacket or poncho (especially if the monsoon season will be active).
Directions: From Albuquerque, take the Tijeras exit (#175) from I-40 and drive south on Highway 337 for 9 miles (bypassing Juan Tomas Road, which leads to a village). Turn east (left) on Oak Flat Road and continue about 3 miles (past a dirt parking area with a gate) and turn into the next gravel parking lot on the left side of the road as shown in this satellite view. Please try to arrive No Later Than 8:30 AM. There will be two rosters to sign: one for the Open Space Division and other for NMVFO.
Difficulty:
Group Size: 20. If the project is full, please email the project leader to be put on a wait list.
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.

Sugarite Canyon State Park (ENMRD)
2024-08-23 09:00 - 2024-08-25 12:00
RESULTS: Thirteen NMVFO volunteers camped at Sugarite Canyon State Park from August 22nd through the 24th. The group lopped and limbed locust trees on 0.65 miles of Highway 526 and along Lake Alice to improve the view of the lake from the highway and to improve access along the lake. In addition, the group constructed or enhanced 18 drainage diversions along 1.3 miles of trail in the coal camp area.

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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 clearing trees, brush, and grasses that are encroaching upon the trails.
Sugarite Canyon State Park was once a coal mine/coal town right on the Colorado border. It offers interpretive trails of the coal town ruins, great hiking trails, and two lakes to fish in.
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 cooks will provide breakfast on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday morning and dinner on Friday and Saturday evening; 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, August 23rd, you can join us Thursday evening (dinner will not be provided), Friday morning or 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, August 25th.
Meet at: Sugarite Canyon State Park; Coordinates 36.95522, -104.38739 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 August 19th. One person per signup.
Difficulty:

Group Size: 20. If the project becomes full, please add your name to the waitlist, and we will contact you if a spot opens up.
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.

Limestone Canyon (Magdalena RD)
2024-08-30 18:00 - 2024-09-01 17:00
RESULTS: Ten NMVFO volunteers returned to Limestone Canyon with our partner Albuquerque Wildlife Federation, building one-rock dams and “beaver dams” to capture sediment in the drainage.

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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 27. One person per signup.

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.

Valle de Oro Cleanup (NWR)
2024-08-31 07:30 - 14:30
RESULTS: Refuge by clearing debris and removing invasive vegetation and non-native bullfrog tadpoles from the refuge. The invasive vegetation is primarily Kochia aka Bassia scoparia. We removed at least six trailer loads of invasive plants which will be composted. Five of our volunteers worked in the cattail pond to remove invasive bullfrog tadpoles and algae. Over 350 bullfrog tadpoles were removed from the wetland for disposition by FWS personnel. All work was done in the area around the Visitor Center and around the trail that surrounds the cattail pond.

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Project Description: The Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge is the Southwest’s first urban wildlife refuge. It serves as an oasis for both wildlife and people. Established in 2012, the refuge is beginning to transition from agriculture fields to a diversity of native habitats and visitor amenities.
We will improve the refuge by clearing debris and removing invasive vegetation. We will meet in the Valle de Oro Visitor Center parking lot at 7:30 AM to sign in. Dakota Dominguez, Valle de Oro Park Ranger, will present a short talk on the refuge. We will then proceed to the work site to review the planned work and conduct a safety briefing.
Volunteers must wear sturdy boots (preferred) or shoes (no sandals), long pants, eye protection, and work gloves. Long sleeve shirts are recommended. Bring a hat, sun protection, and other apparel appropriate for the predicted weather. Also bring a day pack with water, snacks, lunch, and other necessities. We plan to finish work by 2:30 pm.
The volunteer group will not exceed 20 participants. The Visitors’ Center restroom facilities will be open. Registrants will be updated by email in the week(s) before the project with the latest information. If you have to cancel on the day of the project, please text the Project Leader at 505-705-2584.
Directions: Valle de Oro is located approximately 10 miles south of Albuquerque’s Big I. Coming from the North, take Interstate 25 South to Rio Bravo (Exit 220). Go West on Rio Bravo, then South on Broadway for approximately 2.25 miles. Turn West on Desert, cross the Railrunner Tracks, then turn South on 2nd Street. The entrance to Valle de Oro will be on your right about 0.75 miles. At the entrance, proceed to Visitor Center parking. Please plan to be there a little before 7:30 AM.
Difficulty:
To sign up: Click on the button below and fill out the contact information. If the project is full, you can email the project leader to be put on a wait list.
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.

Manzano Crest 2 (Mountainair RD)
2024-09-14 08:00 - 17:00
RESULTS: Twelve volunteers cleared heavy overgrowth from a section of the Manzano Crest Trail between the junction of New Canyon Trail and Bosque Peak, reaching an elevation of 9,100 feet. Ten of the volunteers took the opportunity to camp at the trailhead the night before and were treated to dinner and breakfast prepared by David Broudy and Rifka Stern.

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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.

Bullseye Monitoring Workshop (Santa Fe Conservation Trust)
2024-09-14 08:30 - 16:30
RESULTS: In this “Add-On” project, three NMVFO volunteers recently attended a range-management workshop at Santa Fe Conservation Trust’s Conservation Homestead in the Galisteo Basin, near the town of Lamy, NM. Volunteers learned how the “Bullseye” monitoring technique worked, then employed it at various locales within the preserve. The workshop is part of a long-term effort by the SFCT to monitor and improve habitat.

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What is a Small Group Project? We organize several off-schedule short-notice word-of-mouth projects during the trail season. If you show up to a large number of projects, mention to your project leader that you are interested.

Ute Lake State Park CANCELED
2024-09-20 08:00 - 2024-09-22 12:00
Description: Join NMVFO on a car-camping project to repair the tread and improve the drainage on several hiking trails at Ute Lake State Park in northeastern New Mexico.
All tools will be provided. Please bring a daypack to carry your lunch, snacks, sunblock, rain gear, and a full-day’s supply of water.
Volunteers will 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. Breakfasts and dinners will be provided; volunteers will need to supply their own lunches and snacks. Please bring your own plate, bowl, utensils, and coffee mug. There are flush toilets and shower rooms near our campsite.
While the Project starts at 8:00 am on Friday, September 20th, 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, September 22nd.
Meet at: Ute Lake State Park; Ute Creek Overlook, Coordinates 35.36796, -103.48995 Elevation: 3,830 ft
How to find us: Look for short green NMVFO signs on NM Highway 540
Reminder: Pets are not allowed on NMVFO projects.
Difficulty:
Group Size: 15. If the project becomes full, please add your name to the waitlist, and we will contact you if a spot opens up.
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.

Latino Conservation Week Fiesta in the Park
2024-09-21 10:00 - 14:00
RESULTS: Five NMVFO volunteers joined a tabling event for Albuquerque’s first LCW Fiesta in the Park, organized by Latino Outdoors, at Barelas Park. We set up a sawbuck and helped people try out a 2-person crosscut saw.

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Join us at Barelas Park, alongside many other outdoor nonprofits, for Latino Conservation Week Fiesta in the Park. The event is sponsored by Latino Outdoors NM and the Continental Divide Trail Coalition.
If you would like to volunteer to help staff our booth, please email j.sells@nmvfo.org. We will set up a 2-person crosscut saw demonstration, that was a great success at our recent tabling event at Canteen Brewhouse.
