New Canyon Small Group Project (Mountainair RD)
2024-06-19 08:00 - 16:00 (America/Denver)
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.

PHOTO ALBUM LINK

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.

PHOTO ALBUM LINK

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.

PHOTO ALBUM LINK

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.

PHOTO ALBUM LINK

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.

PHOTO ALBUM LINK

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.

PHOTO ALBUM LINK

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.

PHOTO ALBUM LINK

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

PHOTO ALBUM LINK

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.

PHOTO ALBUM LINK

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.

PHOTO ALBUM LINK

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.

PHOTO ALBUM LINK

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.

PHOTO ALBUM LINK

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.

PHOTO ALBUM LINK

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.

PHOTO ALBUM LINK

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.

PHOTO ALBUM LINK

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.

PHOTO ALBUM LINK

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.

PHOTO ALBUM LINK

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.

PHOTO ALBUM LINK

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.

Pecos River Cleanup (National Public Lands Day)
2024-09-28 08:00 - 17:00
RESULTS: 9 NMVFO volunteers spent National Public Lands Day in Pecos Canyon cleaning up a mile of Pecos River frontage, an area heavily used by anglers. We also cleaned trash from Rt. 63 frontage and the Dalton Canyon dispersed camping area. We partnered with the Upper Pecos Watershed Association and Santa Fe National Forest on this project.

PHOTO ALBUM LINK

Description: Saturday, Sept. 28th, is National Public Lands Day! Since launching in 1994, Public Lands Day has been the nation’s largest single-day volunteer effort for public lands.
For our part, NMVFO is again teaming up with The Upper Pecos Watershed Association, removing litter along the beautiful Pecos River north of Pecos, NM. The cleanup project is part of a larger one-day effort, “Pecos 2 Pecos” which will have volunteer crews cleaning up the river from Pecos, NM all the way to Pecos, TX. NMVFO’s work will take place on USFS land in the scenic Pecos Canyon. Litter pickers, visibility vests and trash bags will be provided, and the USFS will remove collected trash at the end of the day.
Volunteers should dress in layers, including long sleeved shirts and long pants, sun and rain protection, eye protection/sunglasses, work gloves, sturdy boots, a day pack, lunch and/or snacks, and water.
More information will be available to volunteers closer to the date.
Please Contact Dan Potter d.potter@nmvfo.org with any questions.

Difficulty:
Group Size: 15
Sign up below by September 26.

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.

La Ventana Arch (Rio Puerco BLM)
2024-09-28 11:00 - 15:00
RESULTS: 14 volunteers worked with the BLM on National Public Lands Day to clean up the area around the parking area for La Ventana Arch and installed 2 park benches.

PHOTO ALBUM LINK

Description: Join NMVFO and the Rio Puerco BLM for a project on National Public Lands Day. This project will be at La Ventana Arch, on the south east side of El Malpais National Monument. You will go west of Albuquerque, about 70 miles to exit 89 for highway 117, just before getting to Grants. From there drive south on 117E for 18 miles. We will work from 11 to 3. The project will be installing benches and signs, closing user trails, and cutting weeds in the parking area. The BLM will have drinks and snacks, but you should bring your own lunch.
Wear work gloves and eye protection (sunglasses okay) while working. All tools will be provided.
Pets are not allowed on NMVFO projects.
Difficulty:
Group size: up to 20
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.

Grand Enchantment Backpack Small Group Project (Magdalena RD)
2024-10-01 08:00 - 2024-10-31 17:00
RESULTS: One volunteer logged and lopped and backpacked on Shipman Trail and Apache Kid Trail in the Apache Kid Wilderness for an entire month. 10.7 miles of trail were cleared of deadfall.

PHOTO ALBUM LINK

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 South Small Group Project (Mountainair RD)
2024-10-03 08:00 - 16:30
RESULTS: Five volunteers joined a day project on the Manzano Crest Trail to finish the downfall removal and lopping on the Crest Trail for about 1.25 miles south of the junction with Trail Canyon Trail. This completes the work on the 3-mile section of the Manzano Crest Trail between Trail Canyon and Capilla Peak that was started by NMVFO in early August.

PHOTO ALBUM LINK

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 (Santa Fe National Forest)
2024-10-05 08:00 - 16:30
RESULTS: Eight volunteers from NMVFO and Santa Fe Fat Tire Society cut back vegetation and installed numerous erosion-control structures on this two-mile long well-used trail near Santa Fe. Two SFNF staff joined us on this project.

PHOTO ALBUM LINK

Description: Join NMVFO and the Santa Fe Fat Tire Society as we collaborate on a one-day project to improve the tread of the two-mile long 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 that are obstructing traffic using pick/mattocks and McLeod hoes. We will also do some light lopping and limbing to cut back brush and tree limbs that are encroaching onto the trail. All tools will be provided.
The Juan Trail can be reached from the Little Tesuque Trailhead at Coordinates 35.72597, -105.88721. Since parking is limited at this Trailhead, we will meet at the Sierra del Norte Trailhead at Coordinates 35.71094, -105.89943 at 8:00 am then carpool 1.8 miles to the Little Tesuque Trailhead.
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.
The closing date for signups is October 3rd, 5:00 pm
Difficulty:
Group size: Up to 20
Meet at: Sierra del Norte Trailhead, Coordinates 35.71094, -105.89943. Look for the green NMVFO sign along NM 475 (Hyde Park Road).
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.

Little Whitewater Backpack (Glenwood RD)
2024-10-09 08:30 - 2024-10-14 14:00
Description: Come join us as we partner with Gila Chapter of the NM Back Country Horsemen on a horse-supported backpack on Little Whitewater Trail, for logging, brushing, trail marking & tread work. This is a continuation of a project from last year. This trail is close to Glenwood, making it nice for tourist and locals. 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 Wednesday 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 drive/carpool to our 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 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 Saturday, October 5.
Difficulty: Up to 6.5 miles per day, a steep climb to basecamp
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.

Canjilon (Carson NF)
2024-10-10 17:00 - 2024-10-13 12:00
RESULTS: 12 NMVFO volunteers had perfect weather to clear brush, install signs and rebuild cairns on the two-mile Canjilon Mountain Trail (FT 54) to the Canjilon summit. Additional time was spent lopping brush from the Lower and Middle Canjilon Campgrounds and Forest Road 129.

PHOTO ALBUM LINK

Description: Join us on a car-camp at Canjilon Lakes Campground on the west side of the Carson National Forest. We will be working at several nearby sites, and may split into groups as needed. One project will be to trim back aspen at the campground and nearby road. Another project will involve tread and lopping on the Canjilon Mountain Trail, starting from the Upper Lakes Trailhead. And finally, a kiosk at the top of Canjilon Mountain needs shingles replaced.
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, but bring your own lunches.
Difficulty:
Group Size: Up to 20. 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.
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.

Coronado Historic Site
2024-10-26 08:00 - 16:00
RESULTS: Eleven volunteers installed 27 wooden steps made from railroad ties in a steep section of the trail from the uplands to the Bosque at the Coronado Historic Site.

PHOTO ALBUM LINK

Description: Join NMVFO on a one-day project to install wooden steps on a steep, highly eroded section of the trail from the uplands down to the bosque at the Coronado Historic Site in Bernalillo, New Mexico.
Please bring a daypack to carry your lunch, snacks, sunblock, rain gear, and water. Since we’ll be working with creosoted railroad ties, we highly recommend wearing long sleeve shirts, long pants, sturdy boots, and gloves. All tools will be provided.
The Project starts at 8:00 am on Saturday, October 26th and ends at 4:00 pm
Meet at: Coronado Historic Site Visitor Center
How to find us: Look for the signs to the Coronado Historic Site on Highway 550 west of I25. After parking in the parking lot, join us on the patio of the Visitor Center.
Reminder: Pets are not allowed on NMVFO projects.
Please sign up by October 23rd. One person per signup.
Difficulty:
Group Size: 15. If the project becomes full, please add your name to the waitlist, and we will contact you if a sp ot 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.

Galisteo Basin Preserve 2
2024-11-02 09:00 - 15:00
RESULTS: NMVFO organized a crew of 17 volunteers to remove 1.25 miles of 4-strand barbed wire fence at Commonweal Conservancy’s Galisteo Basin Preserve, near Lamy, NM. This habitat restoration project spooled up a total of 5 miles worth of barbed wire that will no longer endanger wildlife or interfere with wildlife movement, and pulled about 1,000′ of T-posts remaining from a previous project.

PHOTO ALBUM LINK

Description: NMVFO returns for the second time this year to the 10,000 acre Galisteo Basin Preserve near the town of Lamy, NM near Santa Fe. We are 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.
We will meet at the Cowboy Shack Trailhead. After a brief introduction and safety talk, volunteers will hike in and spend the rest of the day removing 2 miles of 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. After the workday, all volunteers are invited to reconvene at a local cafe to enjoy a meal before returning home.
Difficulty:
Group Size: 20. 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.

Organ Mountains Aguirre Springs Recreation Area (Las Cruces BLM)
2024-11-09 08:30 - 2024-11-10 12:30
RESULTS: NMVFO worked 2 trails here, the four-mile Pine Tree Trail Loop Trail and 2 miles of the Baylor Canyon Trail. The work included some brushing, but focused primarily on check-dams to stop sediment loss, grade-reversals to remove water from trail tread, and closing off social trails.

PHOTO ALBUM LINK

Description: Come join NMVFO on a car-camp at Aguirre Springs Campground. We will be working with the Bureau of Land Management doing trail work at the Aguirre Springs Recreation Area (Organ Mountains National Monument). We will be working on the Pine Tree Trail Loop and Baylor Canyon Trail. The work will include brushing out overgrown sections of trail, closing braided sections of trail, cleaning out waterbars and check dams, and removal of graffiti/vandalism.

Volunteers can join us for camping on Friday evening.
All tools will be provided. Volunteers should wear wear boots, long pants, long sleeves, 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.
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.
