Valle de Oro Habitat Restoration (NWR)
2026-05-02 08:00 - 16:00 (America/Denver)
RESULTS: A crew of 19 NMVFO volunteers worked steadfastly at clearing the Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge pond area of tumbleweeds, algae, and invasive species. We also removed weeds (Dock and other invasives) plus tumbleweeds from the area surrounding the Visitor’s Center. Thank you to Ranger Dakota for his expertise and providing both a briefing on the rich history of the refuge and an end-of-project refuge tour.

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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 transitioning from agriculture fields to a diversity of native habitats and visitor amenities.
Help us with habitat restoration at the Refuge by volunteering for the annual Visitor Center pond clean up event. We will be cutting back cattails and removing tumbleweeds and invasive species to make space for native plants. This will be a great project to get your hands dirty and your boots muddy. Waders will be provided by refuge staff. Guided tours of the Refuge will be provided for interested volunteers.
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 4:00 pm.
The volunteer group will not exceed 20 participants. 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 Rail-runner 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 8:00 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.

Sawyer Training
2026-05-08 08:00 - 2026-05-09 16:00
RESULTS: In a two-day session NMVFO provided sawyer training and certification to a number of volunteers from our own ranks and to our partners Back Country Horsemen of America and Friends of the Sandia Mountains. The training included a day of classroom instruction followed by a second day of field evaluations of each sawyer-candidate.

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East Railroad Trail Backpack (Gila NF)
2026-05-08 08:00 - 2026-05-11 14:00
RESULTS: 8 NMVFO volunteers joined with the Gila Chapter of Back Country Horsemen to restore a pretty much non-existent section of trail – 1.1 miles of extensive brushing, retread, cairns and logging.

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Description: Lots of brushing, in addition to logging, trail marking, and tread work with our partners Gila Back Country Horsemen. A map of the project is at https://caltopo.com/m/865CL65.
Hikers and equine-riders will all meet the Upper Gallinas Campground. Hikers will pass off 40 lbs or less of personal gear to be packed in and then drive to the Railroad Trailhead to start hiking in. The packers will ride from Gallinas Campground, packing into the hiker basecamp. Once at basec camp, hikers will set up camp and work from there. The packers will ride back to Upper Gallinas Campground and basecamp there for the rest of the project, riding up each day to log. At the end of the project, the packers will pack out the hikers.
What to bring: Come prepared with layers. See the packing list and a more detailed description at this link

Food and Water: 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.
Please bring water for the hike to base camp. We will provide jugs of water at base camp or if there is water in the creek, we will filter water. There is not always water on the trail where we will work, so bring a 4-quart water capacity.
Why This Trail: This trail is easy to access since it starts near Highway 152.
Directions: 8 am Upper Gallinas Campground.
Difficulty: Be able to hike up to 6 miles per day. The elevation is from 7,000 to 9,660 feet.
For more information: go to the Gila Trails Info website.
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.

Upper Trigo Trail (Mountainair RD)
2026-05-15 17:00 - 2026-05-16 17:00
RESULTS: Twelve NMVFO volunteers, joined by a seasonal Forest Service employee, spent a full day working on the Upper Trigo Trail. After camping overnight at New Canyon Campground, a team of seven volunteers cleared 28 fallen trees from the section between Manzano Crest and Trigo Falls. Following lunch, the group brushed back heavy overgrowth between Trigo Falls and Log Spring. Meanwhile, a second team installed a new Manzano Crest Trail sign and improved the overgrown upper section of the Trigo Trail.

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Description: We will camp Friday night at New Canyon Campground and hike up New Canyon Trail (which should be clear) and work down the west side of Manzano Crest on Trigo Trail. This will be a hike of 6 to 8 miles round trip with over 2000 feet of elevation gain so we will rate this as difficult. The work will be lopping back overgrowth and sawing downed trees.
We will provide meals on Friday evening and Saturday morning. You will need to bring food and water for the work day on Saturday. The campground has pit toilets but no other amenities – there is no water. You could join us Saturday morning if you don’t want to camp but it is about 1.5 hours from Tramway to the campground, and the work day starts at 8AM. The campground is 5.0 miles on Capilla Peak Road from Manzano, NM. Detailed directions will be sent to volunteers.
For Saturday, bring your daypack, water, sunscreen, lunch, and snacks to sustain you throughout the day, and rain gear (just in case). Please make sure you have long pants and sturdy but comfortable boots/shoes. Long sleeves are also highly recommended. Tools will be provided. Hard hats will be mandatory and provided, but feel free to bring your own if you have one. Please also bring eye protection (sunglasses or safety glasses) and work gloves if you have them. Loaner protective equipment will also be available. As always, dogs are not allowed on projects.
Difficulty: 6-8 miles round trip, 2000 feet elevation gain
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.

South Crest Trail Backpack (Sandia RD)
2026-05-16 08:00 - 2026-05-17 17:00
RESULTS: over night trip, camping on the Crest, water packed in by horses. Cleared a mile of the Crest trail, south of Cienega.

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Description: The Crest Trail is a popular route for long hikes, with amazing views. The more remote sections have been overgrown with brush, and need to be cleared, before they are lost. In order to access this particular remote section, we will do an overnight backpack trip. We’ll hike up the Cienega Trail – 2 miles and 1,900’ elevation climb, and camp a bit south of the junction, on the Crest. This is a rare opportunity to see both sunset and sunrise from the Crest, a 9,400’ vantage point! Water, and possibly tools, will be packed in by Back Country Horsemen.
Please bring: Volunteers will need to bring their own camping gear and food. They will also need long pants, long-sleeve shirts, safety glasses (sunglasses), and gloves. Hard hats will be provided, and will need to be carried up.
Trail runners: There is also an opportunity for trail runners to participate. They could run up to the Crest in the morning, work, then run back down. If you are interested in doing this, let the trip leader know, and details will be worked out.
Location: Backpackers will meet at Cienaga Picnic Area at 8AM to start hiking up.
Difficulty: with 1,900′ elevation climb, and high elevation.
Group size – 15 campers and more trail runners, so 25 overall.
Closing date for sign-ups is May 13. More details will be sent to participants.
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.

Aldo Leopold House ADD-ON
2026-05-20 08:00 - 2026-05-21 17:00
RESULTS: Seven NMVFO volunteers traveled to Tres Piedras to assist with maintenance at the historic Aldo Leopold House. The crew stained the porch railings, painted the side soffits, and enjoyed a guided tour of the 8-acre property with caretaker Richard Rubin. The trip also included an overnight stay at the House, a visit to the local ranger station, and a scouting hike to Mosaic Rock Campground to explore future volunteer opportunities.

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What is an add-on? 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.

Capilla Peak ADD-ON
2026-05-29 08:00 - 17:00
RESULTS: On May 29th 5 volunteers hiked north of Capilla Peak on the Crest trail to remove one very large tree and lop overgrowth for about 1 mile.

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What is an add-on? 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.

Mesa Trail 13 (Magdalena RD)
2026-05-30 08:00 - 16:00
RESULTS: 14 Volunteers cleared deadfall and overgrowth on Mesa Trail 13 in the Magdalena Mountains.

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Description: Come join us in the beautiful Magdalena mountains for a day project on the popular Mesa Trail #13. The focus of this project is trail maintenance and navigation improvement on the older and newer parts of the trail. We will be removing 15-20 small to medium to small deadfall, brushing back the corridor, and building cairns in key locations on the far end of the trail. https://www.hikingproject.com/trail/7037037/mesa-trail-13
Please bring: Volunteers will need to bring long pants, long-sleeve shirts, safety glasses (sunglasses), gloves, water (2L minimum), and lunch/snacks for the day. Hard hats and tools will be provided, and will need to be carried up.
Camping: While this is a day project, we have reserved the Water Canyon group area for Friday & Saturday for those coming from out of town that may want to tent camp. There is a nice group shelter and about 8 or so unofficial spots to pitch a tent. Note that the road going to the group area can be a little rough for passenger cars, so higher clearance vehicles recommended (2wd pickup, SUV, Subaru type crossovers vehicles, etc). If you’re interested in camping in the group area, please reach out to Rob & Nick directly. Note that there is also the official Water Canyon Campground available via reservation via recreation.gov website: https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10344809
Location: We will meet at the Mesa Trail parking area at 8AM to start hiking up. https://maps.app.goo.gl/hsXY2HBWu9xDYi1S6
Difficulty: with 1,800′ elevation climb, and 8.6 mile distance round trip. Note that not all of us will need to hike the full distance, and some of the work will be 4-5 miles round trip.
Group size: 15
Closing date for sign-ups is May 28. More details will be sent to participants as we get closer.
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.

Bluewater Canyon (BLM Rio Puerco)
2026-06-06 08:00 - 17:00
Description: Bluewater Canyon [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 cutting back overgrowth and making other improvements as necessary. This is a flat trail and less that 3 miles round trip so we will rate this as an easy project, however there will be several stream crossings that might require wading if the stream is high.
We will offer camping for Friday night in the large flat parking area – campers would be OK here, but campers will need to provide their own food for dinner and breakfast. We will work from 8:00 to 5:00 on Saturday. 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.

Adopt-a-Trail (Carson NF)
2026-06-12 17:00 - 2026-06-14 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 at 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.

Friday: Meet for dinner at a local restaurant, then camp at the campground.
Meals Provided: Saturday & Sunday breakfast, Saturday dinner.
Saturday: Work on the Trail, clearing blowdowns, brushing back vegetation, and improving drainage.
Sunday: Work on the Middle Fork 24 Trail before wrapping up.

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 June 5.
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.

Zia Reservoir
2026-06-13 08:00 - 16:00
Access Improvement and Trail Construction, Zia Pueblo
Description: Join NMVFO on a one-day project to improve access along the banks of Zia Reservoir (aka Zia Lake) and construct a trail around a portion of the reservoir on the Zia Pueblo located west of Bernalillo. Zia Reservoir covers about 28 acres and is known for its birding and fishing opportunities. It is open to the public and to Zia Pueblo members for a daily or annual fee.
We will be clearing brush along the banks of the reservoir to improve access and along the new trail corridor using loppers, hedge trimmers, and pick mattocks. We’ll be using pick mattocks, shovels, and McLeods to construct the new trail.
We recommend that you wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts, sturdy boots, work gloves, protective eyewear (sunglasses OK) and a sun/rain hat while working. Please bring a daypack to carry your lunch, snacks, sunblock, rain gear, and water. Tools will be provided. Bring your binoculars if you are interested in the many species of birds around the lake.
The project starts at 8:00 am and ends at about 4:00 pm on Saturday, June 13th.
Meet at: Zia Reservoir parking lot at Coordinates 35.527263, -106.756572
How to find us: Look for short green NMVFO project signs on Indian Service Route 78, Riverside Drive, and Zia Lake Road. You can drive directly to the reservoir parking lot without checking in anywhere. There is no need to drive into the residential area.
Reminder: Pets are not allowed on NMVFO projects.
Please sign up by June 8th. 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.
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.
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.

June Happy Hour
2026-06-17 17:30 - 19:30
See you 5:30 on Wednesday, June 17 at the Canteen Brewhouse, 2381 Aztec Rd. NE, Albuquerque.

Quarai Wall Stabilization (Salinas Pueblo Missions NM)
2026-06-18 08:30 - 16:00
Description: Join NMVFO and the Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument Staff at Quarai on Thursday, June 18, 2026. The National Monument is a complex of three pueblo and Spanish mission sites located near Mountainair, NM. The sites encompass the archaeological remains of prehistoric Native American settlements, historic remains of a pueblos that were abandoned in the 1670s, the ruins of 17th-century Spanish mission compounds, and 19th-century Spanish ranching artifacts. For this project, we will work alongside the park’s Preservation Crew, who will be stabilizing 17th-c. Convento Walls and 19th-c. Resettlement Structures at Quarai. Volunteers will learn how preservation work is carried out at the park and work alongside the park’s Facilities Division and Preservation Crew to re-point mortar on historic walls.
We will meet in the Quarai Visitor Center parking lot a little before 8:30 AM to sign in, 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 preferred. 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 4:00 pm.
Directions: From Albuquerque, drive east on I-40, exit at Tijeras (Exit 175). Proceed south on Hwy 337 (old South 14) through Chilili. At the intersection with Hwy 55, turn west and proceed on Hwy 55 through Tajique, Torreon and Manzano. Approximately 5 miles south of Manzano, just as you enter the village of Punta de Agua, turn west on County Rd B076 and proceed to the Quarai overflow parking lot (North of the Visitor Center). The estimated driving time from the Big I is approximately 1.5 hours, so plan accordingly. Please be there a little before 8:30 AM. If coming from the South (Socorro, etc.) contact the Project Leader for directions as needed.
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.
Difficulty:
This project is FULL. Please email the project leader to be put on a waitlist.

Perchas Trail Backpack
2026-06-26 09:30 - 2026-06-28 15:00
Description: Escape the summer heat – camp at 10,000 feet! Join us as we clear trail in the San Pedro Parks Wilderness. Dead trees are still falling across the trails in the Penas Blancas fire scar, and need to be logged out. We’ll come in from the east side, hike about 3.5 miles to a beautiful camp in Vega Redondo, and work the upper Perchas trail.
If you have never backpacked, or its been a long time, this could be a good trip for you. The trail is a gentle climb; the 10,000 foot elevation is the factor that could make it hard. We’ll also log out a short section of trail 93G on the way in.
Please bring: Volunteers will need to bring their own camping gear and food. They will also need long pants, long-sleeve shirts, safety glasses (sunglasses), and gloves. Hard hats will be provided, and will need to be carried up. All tools will be provided, and need to be carried in.
Meet At: Resumidero Campground, 9:30AM Friday. Car pooling can be arranged if desired.
Reminder: Pets are not allowed on NMVFO projects.
Please sign up below. The closing date for signups is June 24.
Difficulty:
Group size: Up to 8: a small elite crew.
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.

Mesa Prieta Petroglyph 2
2026-06-27 08:30 - 16:30
Description: Join the Mesa Prieta Petroglyph Project (MPPP) and Wildlands Stewardship LLC for a hands-on erosion control project at the Archaeological Conservancy‘s Wells Preserve near Lyden, NM on Saturday, June 27. Mesa Prieta is home to one of the largest concentrations of petroglyphs in the Southwest, with thousands of images carved into basalt boulders by Indigenous, Spanish, and Anglo peoples over many centuries. Several of these irreplaceable boulders are now threatened by active erosion, and this project will directly address that risk.
Volunteers will work under the direction of Jeremiah Martin of Wildlands Stewardship LLC, an erosion control and restoration specialist with over a decade of experience, and Jerod Roberts, Project Archaeologist for MPPP, to construct rock dams and walls using native stone, redistribute gravels to regrade drainage channels, treat an actively eroding area, and plant native grasses to stabilize soils. Petroglyph-bearing boulders are located throughout the project area, so volunteers will receive a thorough orientation before work begins and will be guided carefully around cultural features at all times.
We will meet at the Wells Preserve near Lyden, NM at 8:30AM for sign-in, a work overview, and safety briefing. Detailed directions will be provided after signup. Volunteers must wear sturdy closed-toe shoes or hiking boots and work gloves. Bring layers for cool mornings and hot afternoons, a hat, sun protection, plenty of water, and a sack lunch. Snacks and additional beverages will be provided.
Difficulty:
Group size: Up to 20
For More Information: If this is your first NMVFO project, you can find more information about difficulty ratings and what to expect at https://nmvfo.org/volunteer/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.

Dome Trail #151
2026-07-16 17:00 - 2026-07-19 14:00
Description: Join NMVFO on a car-camping project to clear downed trees on the Rio Quemado Trail #153 and the Dome Trail #151 in the Pecos Wilderness of the Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF). We’ll be using one- and two-person crosscuts saws to buck (cut) the downed trees to allow passage for hikers and horses.
We will camp at the Borrego Mesa Campground. Breakfasts will be provided by NMVFO cooks on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday morning and dinners on Friday and Saturday evenings.
While the project starts at 5:00 pm on Thursday, July 16th, you are welcome to join us Friday morning or evening or Saturday morning before 8:00 am. Please let the Project Leader (Mike Timmer at m.timmer@nmvfo.org) know when you plan to arrive and depart so he will know how many tools to bring and the cooks will know how much food to prepare.
All tools will be provided. The Forest Service requires that you wear boots, long pants, long sleeves, work gloves, hard hats (will be provided), and eye protection (sunglasses okay) while working. Please bring a day pack to carry your lunch, snacks, sunblock, and rain gear (if rain is expected), and water.
Reminder: Pets are not allowed on NMVFO projects.
Please sign up below. The closing date for signups is July 13th at 5:00 pm
Difficulty:
Group size: Up to 15
Meet at: Meet at: Borrego Mesa Campground – Coordinates 35.97777, -105.77271
How to find us: Look for the green NMVFO signs starting at Forest Road 306 southwest of Cordova, New Mexico.
For more information: If this is your first NMVFO project, you can find more information about difficulty ratings and what to expect at https://nmvfo.org/volunteer/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.

REI Santa Fe Tabling
2026-07-25 09:30 - 15:00
Come by and chat with our tablers and potential volunteers at an outreach event at REI in Santa Fe.
If you would like to volunteer to help staff our table, please email the project leader.

CDT Canjilon (Carson NF)
2026-08-06 17:00 - 2026-08-09 13:00
Description: We partner with the Continental Divide Trail Coalition for a project at Canjilon Lake Trailhead in the Carson National Forest. We expect to do logout with crosscut saws and handsaws, and some treadwork as needed.
If you cannot arrive Thursday night, be there by Friday 8AM, ready to work.
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. Volunteers must wear sturdy boots, long pants, long sleeve shirts, eye protection (sunglasses ok), and work gloves. 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 is a good idea. There may not be a water faucet 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 July 28, 2026.
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.

August Happy Hour
2026-08-18 17:30 - 20:00
See you 5:30 on Tuesday, August 18 at Ex Novo Brewing’s downtown Albuquerque location: 701 Central Ave. NW.

Dome Trail #151 Backpack
2026-08-20 09:00 - 2026-08-23 16:00
Description: Join NMVFO on a four-day backpacking project to clear downed trees on the Dome Trail #151 in the Pecos Wilderness of the Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF). The Dome Trail hasn’t been cleared for many years. Backcountry Horsemen of America will pack in our tools and water. The location of our basecamp will be provided after the trail is scouted in July.
While the project starts on Thursday, August 20th, you are welcome to join us on Friday or Saturday and spend as much time working with us as you can. Just let Mike Timmer know your schedule.
All tools will be provided. We will be using one- and two-person crosscut saws, pruning saws, and axes. 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.
Reminder: Pets are not allowed on NMVFO projects.
Please sign up below. The closing date for signups is August 17th at 5:00 pm
Difficulty:
Group size: Up to 15
Meet at: Meet at: Rio Quemado trailhead at coordinates 35.97214, -105.74862
How to find us: Look for the green NMVFO signs starting at Forest Road 306 southwest of Cordova, New Mexico.
For more information: If this is your first NMVFO project, you can find more information about difficulty ratings and what to expect at https://nmvfo.org/volunteer/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)
2026-08-22 08:30 - 14:00
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 under the guidance of Jim Sattler of the Open Space Division. 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 2 miles to a dirt parking area with a pipe gate on the left side of the road. 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: 25. 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.

Limestone Canyon
2026-09-04 18:00 - 2026-09-06 16:00
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 18 years! We will be hand-building one-rock dams to slow and spread water to help re-wet a meadow. We may also use alternate structures to slow water.
We’ll meet at our dispersed camping location (map). 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 28.
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 Fall Project (Mountainair RD)
2026-09-11 17:00 - 2026-09-12 17:00
Description: We will lop overgrowth and remove downfall in the Manzanos, at a location to be determined. The work will not be difficult but will likely require a hike with elevation gain to the work site (plus return), because the sites near trailheads have already been taken. For this reason, we will rate it as difficult. We will camp on Friday and work all day Saturday. 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.
We will provide food on Friday evening and Saturday morning, but you need to bring your food for the workday. 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: for hike and elevation gain
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.

Women's Trail Day (ABQ Open Space)
2026-09-12 08:00 - 16:00
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. Expect a short 20-25 minute hike in from the parking area. 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 hike out around 3:00.
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 September 9. 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.

Quarai Spanish Corral Trail (Salinas Pueblo Missions NM)
2026-09-26 08:30 - 16:00
Description: Join NMVFO and the Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument Staff on Saturday, September 26 for National Public Lands Day 2026. The National Monument is a complex of three pueblo and Spanish mission sites located near Mountainair, NM. The Quarai site is located about 8 miles north of Mountainair, at about 6650 feet. Quarai encompasses the archaeological remains of prehistoric Native American settlements, historic remains of a pueblo that was abandoned in the 1670s, the ruins of a 17th-century Spanish mission compound, and 19th-century Spanish ranching artifacts. For this project, we will improve the one mile Spanish Corral Loop Trail by adding wood chips to the tread, trim back brush, and improve drainage. We will meet in the Quarai Visitor Center parking lot at 8:30 AM to sign in, 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 required for brushing. 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 4:00 pm.
Directions: From Albuquerque, drive east on I-40, exit at Tijeras (Exit 175). Proceed south on Hwy 337 (old South 14) through Chilili. At the intersection with Hwy 55, turn west and proceed on Hwy 55 through Tajique, Torreon and Manzano. Approximately 5 miles south of Manzano, just as you enter the village of Punta de Agua, turn west on County Rd B076 and proceed to the Quarai overflow parking lot (North of the Visitor Center). The estimated driving time from the Big I is approximately 1.5 hours, so plan accordingly. Please be there a little before 8:30 AM. If coming from the South (Socorro, etc.) contact the Project Leader for directions as needed.
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.
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.

Pecos River Cleanup (National Public Lands Day)
2026-09-26 09:30 - 12:00
Description: On Saturday Sept. 26th NMVFO will again join with the Upper Pecos Watershed Association and Santa Fe National Forest to remove 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. The project also represents NMVFO’s commitment to National Public Lands Day, a national event that occurs annually in honor of our public lands. Since launching in 1994, Public Lands Day has been the nation’s largest single-day volunteer effort for public lands. 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 Forest Service 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, 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, or to be placed on a waiting list if the project is full.
Difficulty:
Group Size: 10
Sign up below by September 21.
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 Habitat Stewardship (NWR)
2026-10-03 08:00 - 16:00
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 transitioning from agriculture fields to a diversity of native habitats and visitor amenities.
NMVFO has been volunteering at Valle de Oro NWR since 2018. Help us continue that stewardship relationship by restoring habitat for native plants by removing invasive species from the Visitor Center area. Guided tours of the Refuge will be provided by Valle de Oro staff for interested volunteers.
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 4:00 pm.
The volunteer group will not exceed 20 participants. 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 Rail-runner 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 8:00 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.

Los Luceros Historic Site 2
2026-10-09 08:00 - 2026-10-11 16:00
Description: Join NMVFO as we remove invasive trees (Russian olive and tamarisk) and improve trails in the bosque at the Los Luceros Historic Site just north of Espanola. We will be using loppers and hand saws to cut the trees at ground level and piling the cut trees next to a nearby gravel road and use hatchets to macerate the remaining trunks to help prevent them from sprouting. We will also improve the drainage and tread on several trails within the Site. All tools will be provided.
You can join us on either Friday or Saturday (October 9th or 10th) for a day of work starting at 8:00 am or car camp with us starting either Thursday or Friday evening (October 8th or 9th). The site will provide a level spot for tent campers and a gravel parking lot for RV campers. Both sites are near the dining hall, restrooms, and showers.
The cottonwood tree leaves will be in full color while we’re there. It’ll be gorgeous! There may be loads of apples available for the picking also!
NMVFO cooks will provide breakfasts on Friday, Saturday and Sunday mornings and dinners on Friday and Saturday evenings. Folks can eat in the dining hall adjacent to the kitchen. Please let the Project Leader (Mike Timmer at m.timmer@nmvfo.org) know when you plan to arrive and depart so he will know how many tools to bring and the cooks will know how much food to prepare.
We suggest that you wear boots, long pants, long sleeves, work gloves, hats, and eye protection (sunglasses okay) while working. Please bring a day pack to carry your lunch, snacks, sunblock, and rain gear (if rain is expected), and water.
Reminder: Pets are not allowed on NMVFO projects.
Please sign up below. The closing date for signups is October 2, 2026
Difficulty:
Group size: Up to 25. If the project becomes full, please add your name to the waitlist, and we will contact you if a spot opens up.
Meet at: Visitor Information Center, Los Luceros Historic Site, 253 County Road 41,
Alcalde, NM 87511
How to find us: Look for the sign to the Los Luceros Historic Site on State Highway 68 about 15 miles north of Espanola. Green NMVFO signs will point you to the Visitor Center at
approximate coordinates 36.1174, -106.0396
For more information: If this is your first NMVFO project, you can find more information about difficulty ratings and what to expect at Volunteer FAQs 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.

Organ Mountains Aguirre Springs Recreation Area (Las Cruces BLM)
2026-10-23 17:00 - 2026-10-25 12:00
Description: Join NMVFO on a trail maintenance project in the beautiful Organ Mountains National Monument east of Las Cruces. We will be working with the Bureau of Land Management doing trail work on the Baylor Pass Trail in the Aguirre Springs Recreation Area. Work needed includes erosion filling, installing water diversion features, clearing overgrown brush, closing braided trails, and removing a small section of old barbed-wire fence.
Volunteers can join us for camping on Friday evening. We will be camping in Aguirre Springs Campground. A campfire talk with Ranger Kevin on the geology and natural history of the Organ Mountains will be held on Saturday evening. Breakfasts and dinners will be provided; volunteers will supply their own lunches and snacks.
All tools will be provided. Volunteers should 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.
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.
