New Mexico Volunteers For The Outdoors

Mora National Fish Hatchery (FWS)
2018-06-02 08:00 - 2018-06-03 12:00 UTC
RESULTS: Fifteen NMVFO volunteers led by Gena Robertson, assisted on Sunday by two FWS biologists (Daniel Gallegos and Nathan Wiese), cleared a new hiking trail 0.57 mile long to complete a loop inside the perimeter of the hatchery.
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Help us extend the existing half-mile trail to create a loop around the Hatchery. Located in north-central New Mexico on the edge of the Sangre de Cristo mountain range, the Mora National Fish Hatchery maintains wild brood stocks of the rare Gila trout. A tour of the hatchery and discussion of Gila trout recovery will be available to interested volunteers.
Camping will be available Friday, June 1st through noon Sunday, June 3rd. Potable water and bathrooms are located nearby. NMVFO will provide breakfast Saturday and Sunday, dinner Saturday night. If you plan to eat with us, please bring your own camp dinnerware. Dinner on Friday evening and lunch on Saturday and Sunday will be on your own. Carpooling is encouraged. Registration for this project is required for planning purposes; please sign up for this project no later than 1:00 PM on Tuesday, May 29th so that we can match provisions to participants. Unfortunately, we will not be able to support restricted diets.
Volunteers need to bring their own camping equipment and should wear long pants, long sleeves, sturdy boots (no sandals or tennis/athletic shoes) and work gloves. They should also bring sunscreen, a hat, rain protection (just in case), daypack, water bottles/packs, and snacks to get you from meal-to-meal. A camp chair would also be a good idea to bring. Tools will be provided. Just as a reminder, dogs are not allowed on projects.
Directions to the hatchery:
From Mora, drive north on NM 434 approximately 1.5 miles, then turn left into the Hatchery entrance.

San Pedro Parks Wilderness (Cuba RD)
2018-05-25 08:00 - 2018-05-28 17:00
RESULT: Five volunteers renewed 3.5 miles of trail, removing 27 deadfalls.
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Join us as we help clear and restore a section of this trail located on the south end of the San Pedro Parks Wilderness. This trail is one of the longest in the Parks, but it is also one of the least used. It needs a lot of TLC to get it back in shape. This is an unsupported backpack project, which means that you will be expected to carry in everything you need for four days at basecamp. You will also be expected to carry in a (provided) tool which we will use for the project. Come prepared to do your own cooking and filter your own water. We will focus on clearing the trail of deadfall, but may also do tread work depending on time. We will hike 2.5 miles in to an area where we will have access to water, and then begin working back to the TH, spending all three nights in the same location and hiking out the last day. Carpooling options available.
There is a 10 person limit and you must be a US Citizen to participate. Therefore, you MUST pre-register with the project leader, Bill Velasquez, nmvfo@live.com or 505-292-6030. If you are not pre-registered, you will be turned away at the trailhead.

Gilita Trail (Glenwood RD)
2018-05-24 08:00 - 2018-05-28 12:00
We need your help over the Memorial Day weekend as we will be working on the Gilita trail in the northern part of the Gila Wilderness. This is a really beautiful section of the Gila and we’ll be doing tread work on the trail, brushing and clearing downed logs along the trail corridor. We’ll work all day Friday through Sunday and half a day on Monday.
We’ll be camping at Snow Lake. VFO will be supplying breakfast Friday through Monday and dinners on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Volunteers will be responsible for their own lunches, which we’ll eat on the trail, plus snacks and beverages, adult or otherwise
Most people will arrive on Thursday evening, but if you have constraints, arriving early on Friday is possible. This project does have a maximum of 12 volunteers.
To sign-up or request more information contact Jim Scanlon at scanlon.jim@gmail.com or call 505-385-0517.

Happy Hour at Kaktus Brewing on 5/16/18!
2018-05-16 17:00 - 19:00
Everyone is invited to a special happy hour event at Kaktus Brewing in Bernalillo on Wednesday May 16th to mark the beginning of our exciting new partnership with this fabulous community-oriented company. Come meet and mix with other volunteers while enjoying delicious food and unique brews. Kaktus will donate 25% of our happy-hour proceeds back to the NMVFO! We’ll be there from 5pm – ? come when you can and stay as long as you like. We look forward to seeing you there!

Devisadero Loop (Camino Real RD)
2018-05-12 08:00 - 2018-05-13 12:00
RESULTS: Signs were installed near Taos with ten volunteers, renewing 5.0 miles of trail.

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The El Nogal Area hosts several popular multi-use trails where you can see an array of wildflowers and incredible views of Taos, the Rio Grande, San Antonio Mountain, and Wheeler Peak. We will be working on the Devisadero Loop Trail near Taos, NM, installing signs and doing trail maintenance including removal of deadfall, brushing back encroaching vegetation, step construction, and tread repair. We will work all day Saturday, and half a day on Sunday. Project limited to 12 volunteers.
Camping will be available Friday, May 11th through Sunday, May 13th. Potable water and portable bathrooms are located nearby. The campsite is located approximately three miles east of Taos, at the hotshot base helipad area, so all town amenities will be available. NMVFO will provide breakfast Saturday and Sunday, dinner Saturday night. If you plan to eat with us, please bring your own camp dinnerware. Dinner on Friday evening (though snacks may be available) and lunch on Saturday and Sunday will be on your own. Carpooling is encouraged. Registration for this project is required for planning purposes; please sign up for this project no later than 12:00 PM on Tuesday, May 8th so that we can match provisions to participants. Unfortunately, we will not be able to support restricted diets.
Volunteers need to bring their own camping equipment and should wear long pants, long sleeves, sturdy boots (no sandals or tennis/athletic shoes) and work gloves. They should also bring sunscreen, a hat, rain protection (just in case), daypack, water bottles/packs, and snacks to get you from meal-to-meal. A camp chair would also be a good idea to bring. Tools will be provided. Just as a reminder, dogs are not allowed on projects.

St. Peter's Dome (Jemez RD)
2018-05-05 08:30 - 16:30
RESULTS: Nineteen volunteers organized by the NMVFO repaired and improved 2.3 miles of the St Peters Dome Trail across drought-stricken Sanchez Canyon and up the ridge on the other side. Their work included bucking a half dozen fallen tree trunks blocking the trail (using crosscut and hand saws within the Dome Wilderness), widening the tread (to include carving a new “bench” in sections where loose pumice had overwhelmed the trail), removing weeds and trimming brush intruding on the trail, improving drainage features, and building cairns to mark the obscured trail up past its junction with the Turkey Springs Trail.
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The NMVFO has helped maintain this remote and rugged trail for many years, most recently in 2016, but the trail continues to suffer after-effects from the infamous Las Conchas wildfire of 2011, especially erosion and fallen timbers. Under the guidance of Phyllis Martinez of the Jemez Ranger District, we will clear brush and any deadfall blocking the trail corridor, shore up washed out sections with rocks, and improve the trail’s tread by out-sloping, cleaning sediment, and excavating other drainage features as needed. We will work from the south trailhead into the Dome Wilderness, through cliff-lined Sanchez Canyon and possibly up the escarpment beyond. The scenic vistas are unobstructed, but shade will be scarce and hiking on segments with steep grades and switchbacks somewhat strenuous. USFS regulations require long pants, long-sleeved shirts, sturdy (and comfortable) boots, and work gloves. Also bring a day pack, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses and—if precipitation is in the forecast—a rain jacket or poncho. For additional guidance, please consult http://nmvfo.org/volunteer/volunteer-faq. (Because of blowing dust, contact lenses may be uncomfortable if strong winds are predicted.) In addition to carrying a tool, you will need to pack in your own lunch and plenty of water. Extra bottled water and other drinks will be available from a cooler at the trailhead.
Our meeting place will be at the Pueblo de Cochiti Convenience Store, 1405 Cochiti Highway (NM 22). See https://www.google.com/maps/@35.6473593,-106.3291461,16.25z?hl=en or geo-location 35°38’54.4″N, 106°19’53.6″W. This is a relatively short commute from either Albuquerque or Santa Fe. Take I-25 to Exit 264 at the bottom of La Bajada Hill, then west on NM 16 and right on NM 22 past the massive Cochiti Lake Dam and up the hill to the Convenience Store/Gasoline Station on the right. Park in the gravel lot on the left of the store, which has coffee, pastries and other snacks, as well as restrooms. Plan to arrive no later than 8:30 AM, when we will carpool in high-clearance vehicles to the trailhead, which is a few miles up Forest Road 289. (The gate for FR 289 is on the right side of NM 22 about 3/4 mile past the Cochiti Golf Course.) For anyone who would like to stay nearby overnight, the Corps of Engineers operates two campgrounds at Cochiti Lake (minimum fee: $5.00).

Trout Creek (Glenwood RD)
2018-04-27 08:00 - 2018-04-29 12:00
RESULTS: Six volunteers renewed 1.25 miles of trail in the Gila.

Join us as we return to the northwestern part of the Gila. Last year we improved the Airstrip Mesa Trail and will be working on the nearby Trout Creek Trail to create a loop. We will be doing tread restoration and construction. We’ll work all day Friday and Saturday and half a day on Sunday.
We will be camping near the small town of Luna in the same location as last year under the cover of ponderosa pines with a nearby creek. There’s plenty of space to pitch tents or sleep in a vehicle. VFO will be supplying Friday, Saturday and Sunday breakfasts, and Friday and Saturday dinners. Volunteers will be responsible for their own lunches, which we’ll eat on the trail, plus snacks and beverages, adult or otherwise.
Most people will arrive on Thursday evening, but if you have constraints, arriving early on Friday is possible. This project does have a maximum of 12 volunteers.
To sign-up or request more information contact Jim Scanlon at scanlon.jim@gmail.com or call 505-385-0517.

Indian School Trail 401 (Albuquerque Open Space)
2018-04-14 08:00 - 12:00
RESULTS: Nineteen(!) volunteers built 0.11 miles of new trail with Albuquerque Open Space.
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Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge (FWS)
2018-04-07 08:00 - 13:00 | Valle De Oro National Wildlife Refuge, 7851 2nd Street SW, Albuquerque, NM, 87105, United States
RESULTS: Thirty(!) volunteers participated in the restoration project.

Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge (VODNWR), the Southwest’s first urban refuge will serve as an urban oasis for both wildlife and people on 570 acres of a former dairy farm just five miles south of downtown Albuquerque on the Rio Grande. The refuge has little infrastructure and the beginnings of a trail system for us to maintain, therefore we’re a big part of whatever it will become! This year we’ll be expanding and improving what exists while laying the foundation for the future.

There has been a change in scope: this year we’ll be assisting the refuge with native species restoration by gathering seeds. We will also be doing some clean up in another section of the refuge. We won’t be the only volunteer group in attendance; we’ll be accompanied by a group of Girl Scout Volunteers.We will meet at the refuge at 8 am. This project has a 23 person limit so if you have to cancel, please let me know asap.

Volunteers should wear long pants, long sleeves, sturdy boots (absolutely no sandals or tennis/athletic shoes), work gloves; helmets and eye protection are highly recommended. Also, bring sun and rain protection (just in case), plenty of drinking water and snacks. Registration for this project is required for planning purposes; please sign up through the project leader (info below) no later than 12:00 PM on Wednesday, April 4th.
If this is your first NMVFO project, you can find more information about what to expect at http://nmvfo.org/volunteer/volunteer-faq or email or call the project leaders Erin, (406) 781-1666 & John, (505) 999-9182 Salinas, egaberla@gmail.com.

Trail Workshop Field Training (ABQ Open Space)
2018-03-17 08:00 - 15:00
RESULTS: 30 volunteers and 7 City of Albuquerque Open Space employees gathered at the Menaul Blvd. Trailhead. (Twenty-two of the volunteers had attended a preliminary workshop on basic trail construction and maintenance at REI on the evening of March 15, conducted by Lawrence Benson and Chris Fritzsche.) The group routed 850 feet of trail between the Menaul and Embudo trailheads. This involved making a new trail lower down the slope from a long-established but deteriorating user-made trail above Trails 365 and 401. Except for a short section leading up to the old “White Wash” Trail, the old trail was closed by scarifying with perpendicular furrows and transplanting numerous Prickly Pear and Cholla cacti.
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In partnership with REI and the Albuquerque Open Space Division, the New Mexico Volunteers for the Outdoors is conducting its annual 2-part Trail Construction and Maintenance Workshop on Thursday, March 15 and Saturday, March 17. The first session will be held in the Albuquerque REI store and the second part will consist of field training in the City of Albuquerque’s Sandia Foothills Open Space. Experienced trail workers are invited to come to Saturday’s outdoor project on March 17 and help mentor those who attended the classroom session.
Although this is the follow-up to an introductory class in trail work (held at the Albuquerque REI Store on the evening of March 15), others who would like to learn about trail work may also attend this project. Experienced NMVFO trail workers and Albuquerque Open Space employees will oversee new volunteers in re-routing part of a trail in the Foothills Open Space. Participants should wear sturdy boots (no soft shoes!), work gloves, long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and other apparel appropriate for the predicted weather. Also bring a day pack with snacks, water, and personal items. We’ll meet at 8:00 am at the Embudo Park trailhead at the eastern end of Menaul Blvd. Starbucks coffee, juice, fruit, and snacks will be available to those who arrive early enough. Depending on attendance, we’ll probably finish work no later than mid-afternoon, but volunteers are welcome to leave early if needed. To sign up for this project, contact Larry Benson at LawRBenson@aol.com.

Trail Workshop Class
2018-03-15 18:00 - 20:00
In partnership with REI and the Albuquerque Open Space Division, the New Mexico Volunteers for the Outdoors is conducting its annual 2-part Trail Construction and Maintenance Workshop on Thursday, March 15 and Saturday, March 17. The first session will be held at the Albuquerque REI store and the second part in the City of Albuquerque’s Sandia Foothills Open Space. Experienced trail workers are invited to sign up for Saturday’s outdoor project (described separately) and help mentor those who attend the classroom session.
Starting at 6:00 pm on Thursday, March 15, the workshop’s classroom session will be offered courtesy of the REI Store, 1550 Mercantile NE (near the intersection of I-25 and Montgomery/Montano). Two experienced NMVFO project leaders will discuss the fundamentals of trail work by demonstrating the tools used and giving a PowerPoint presentation featuring recent projects on public lands throughout New Mexico. Two U.S. Forest Service videos will also help show how volunteers can safely refurbish and build trails. The presenters will answer questions and provide a list of NMVFO projects scheduled in 2018. Those who want to attend the March 15 classroom session need to sign up no later than March 14 on the Albuquerque REI web site! https://www.rei.com/stores/albuquerque.html.

Piedra Lisa Trail (Sandia RD)
2018-03-03 08:00 - 17:00
RESULTS: Seven volunteers renewed 1.0 miles of the upper Piedra Lisa.
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Piedra Lisa trail is a special place and I think you will enjoy the astounding beauty of this trail as you hike into this corner of the Sandia Wilderness. This entire trail runs a total of 5 miles from its southern trailhead near Juan Tabo Canyon to its northern trailhead near Placitas over Rincon ridge. For this project, we will work approximately 1.75 – 2 miles of the southern trail.
General Information:
We will meet at the Trailhead between 0800 and 0830. If for some reason you are running late or get lost, call me on my cell phone at 505-225-5744. Remember that this project is FULL and I have a waiting list. So if you need to cancel, please let me know as soon as possible and DO NOT bring anyone that is not already signed up or that person will be turned away. NO EXCEPTIONS. Sorry, but the USFS is very firm about the 10 person limit.
We will be doing general trail maintenance along the upper part of the trail. Our primary focus will be erosion control and tread work for this project. You should be prepared for a 3.5-4 mile roundtrip hike with roughly 1100 feet of elevation gain. You will want to dress in layers, as it will be cooler in the morning and warmer as we hit midday. The current long range forecast is partly cloudy and windy with 40mph gusts (yikes – let’s hope that changes) and 62 degrees. There is a 13% chance of rain. You can work all day or any part of the day.
Parking Pass:
This parking area no longer requires a parking pass.
What You Should Bring:
Rain gear, snacks, sunscreen, lunch, water, work gloves, clothing in layers, and sunglasses
There isn’t any water available along this trail and you will likely drink more than you think, so bring plenty. I usually go through 3 quarts on a warm day. Also, pack a lunch. We will stop for a break to eat and you will need the energy. Please leave behind your dog. Trail work and canines are incompatible.
Note: This is a very basic list of items. You should bring whatever other personal items you may require.
You must wear long sleeve pants, sturdy hiking boots, and long sleeve shirts. Inappropriate attire will be cause to send you home. This is a hard hat project. If you do not have one, one will be provided for you. If you have any questions, please ask me.
The Map:
The accompanying trail map provides basic information only (click here to download map). A Sandia Wilderness map is available at local outdoor stores.
Directions to Piedra Lisa South TH:
Take NM 556 E (Tramway Blvd. N) to FR 333. Travel NE for 2 mi. until pavement ends. Continue N on FR 333D (dirt) to parking area just before a gate marked Private Road.
Remember – this day is about having fun and giving something back to the Wilderness we all love and enjoy. Work at your own pace and take as many breaks as you want.

Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge (FWS)
2018-02-17 08:30 - 15:00
RESULTS: Nineteen volunteers organized by the NMVFO as well as a crew of Americorps workers and some Sevilleta personnel finished planting more than 500 Goodding’s black willows and putting in place at least a hundred more saplings. As they grow, these willows will provide a good habitat for the endangered Southwestern Flycatcher and Yellow-Billed Cuckoo.
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The Sevilleta NWR (https://www.fws.gov/refuge/sevilleta/) protects a large area north of Socorro containing a great variety of terrain and vegetation. For a video tour, go to: https://www.facebook.com/SevilletaNWR/videos/1868508613167207/.
Volunteers for this project are invited to help restore riparian habitat along the Rio Grande—in an area not generally open to the general public—that has recently been cleared of invasive Tamarisk trees. We will be pole-planting willows and cottonwoods to create an environment favorable to native wildlife, especially the endangered Southwestern Willow Flycatcher. The NWR staff will have already bored holes using an auger and prepared the cuttings, so our main job will be inserting these small saplings and back-filling the holes with soil. Since this task needs to be done in the winter (before the growing season), please dress accordingly if the weather is chilly or precipitation is in the forecast. The area where we’ll be working may be muddy, so wearing sturdy water-resistant boots is advised. Also bring work gloves and a day pack with lunch, drinks, and snacks. Extra water will be available at the work site. The work should be completed by mid-afternoon depending on attendance.
Directions: Volunteers will need to convene at the Refuge’s Visitor Center at 8:30 AM for transportation to the work site. The Visitor Center is located 60 miles south of Albuquerque’s “Big-I” on Interstate 25. Take Exit 169 down a frontage road and make a sharp right turn at the first intersection. The Visitor Center is about 4/10 of a mile up this road. Volunteers from Albuquerque interested in carpooling can meet no later than 7:30 AM at the Bernalillo County Rail Runner Station. The parking lot is on Camino Del Tren, which branches north off Rio Bravo Blvd less than a mile west of I-25 at Exit 220. For more information or to sign up for this project, please contact Larry by February 16. Geolocation: https://goo.gl/maps/fKVrKMb3X962 (34°21’05.8″N, 106°52’56.8″W)

Volunteer Appreciation Night
2017-11-03 18:30 - 21:00
Volunteer appreciation night will be held on Friday, November, 3, 2017 at First Unitarian Church, 3701 Carlisle Blvd, NE from 6:30pm to 9pm. The church is on the southwest corner of the intersection of Carlisle and Comanche. There are 2 parking areas. The lot south of the church can be entered from Carlisle; the west lot can be accessed from Comanche. Look for the green NMVFO signs. We will be having a silent auction and giving out awards.

If you would like to donate items to the silent auction or RSVP, please let Erin know at egaberla@gmail.com.

Pino Trail
2017-10-21 08:00 - 17:00

Ute Lake State Park
2017-10-07 08:00 - 2017-10-08 12:00

Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge Birthday
2017-09-23 09:00 - 15:00

Hermit's Peak
2017-09-21 12:00 - 2017-09-24 12:00
Join fellow volunteers with NMVFO as we continue work on a trail re-route for the Hermit Peak trail.
This trail ultimately ascends to Hermit Peak which is located within the Pecos Wilderness and stands
over 10,000’ elevation, forming a prominent landmark which can be seen for many miles from the
grasslands of eastern New Mexico. The peak is named after an Italian missionary who lived in a cave
near the summit in the mid 1860s. We will be camping at the El Porvenir Christian Camp which is a
short walk from the section of trail which we will work on. The campground is accessible by automobile.
Volunteers will need to bring their own camping equipment (tent, sleeping bag, etc.) as well as a plate,
bowl, cup and eating utensils. El Porvenir Christian Camp is providing us level tent sites and access to
restrooms and hot showers!
Volunteers should wear long pants, long sleeves, sturdy boots (no sandals or tennis/athletic shoes) and
work gloves. Also bring sunscreen, a hat, rain protection, and snacks to get you from meal-to-meal.
Drinking water is available in camp, but bring some water bottles. Tools and hard-hats will be provided.
Participants can start to show up at the El Porvenir Campground at noon on Thursday, and we hope that
all folks have arrived and set up their camp by Thursday dinner so that we can have a project meeting to
go over details and safety considerations after dinner.
Meals will be cooked by an award-winning trail chef who has supported numerous projects with very
tasty meals. All meals, from dinner Thursday night to lunch on Sunday, will be provided. We hope that
volunteers can stay for the entire project, but weekend volunteers or even day volunteers are welcome.
Just let the project leader know when you will be joining and for how long, for meal planning purposes.
The sign-up deadline is Thursday, September 14. Contact Project Leader Mark Kimmel at 505-239-8240
or m_kimmel@q.com with any questions, and/or to sign up for the project.
– Start Date & Time: Thursday, September 21, 2016 at 12:00PM
– End Date & Time: Sunday, September 24, 2016 at 12:00PM
– Meeting Location:
https://www.google.com/maps/place/El+Porvenir+Campground/@35.7105763,-105.4141567,17z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x7deaa8fc7b24f418!8m2!3d35.7102552!4d-105.4119636
Please visit this link http://nmvfo.org/volunteer/volunteer-faq/ if you have any questions about what to
expect on an NMVFO project.

Via Posada Trail Network
2017-09-16 08:00 - 15:00
Help us finish improving this urban trail network. This 40-acre portion of the Albuquerque’s Open Space is nestled between the long-established Four Hills neighborhood and the new Juan Tabo Hills development to its west. The area is heavily used by local walkers, joggers, dog owners, and bike riders. Over the past few years city employees with help from NMVFO and other volunteers have refurbished or re-routed most of the trail network to alleviate the effects of erosion and help restore the natural landscape. We hope today’s project will complete this work, which consists of clearing vegetation, smoothing and reshaping trail surfaces to improve drainage, moving and placing rocks as needed, blocking off closed trail sections, transplanting cacti, and related work. Volunteers should wear sturdy boots (no soft shoes), work gloves, long pants, sun protection, and a day pack with plenty of water, snacks, a light lunch, and a waterproof jacket or poncho if rain is in the forecast. There will be a porta-potty at the trailhead. Coffee, juice, and pastries will be available for those who arrive early enough. Please sign up by September 14.
Directions: We’ll meet at the trailhead next to 724 Via Posada SE (35°03’14.3″N 106°30’24.7″W). From the east end of Central Ave (near I-40 Exit 167), travel south on Four Hills Road 7/10 mile. Veer right (west) on Stagecoach Road for 4/10 of a mile. Turn right on Via Posada and go down a short hill past Navarra Way. The trailhead is on the left. Park along the curb on Via Posada or Navarra Way, being careful not to block any driveways.

Manzano Mountains State Park
2017-08-26 08:30 - 2017-08-27 12:00
This peaceful, secluded park nestled in the Ponderosa pine forest of the Manzano Mountains has 3 miles of trail that needs some drainage and tread improvements. Come help for a day or the whole weekend. Tent, car, and RV camping will be available at the Group Shelter on Friday and Saturday nights. Meals will be provided on Saturday morning and evening and Sunday morning by one of the VFO’s gourmet cooks. You can bring your own box lunch for Saturday noon. Volunteers should wear sturdy boots (no soft shoes), work gloves, long pants, long-sleeve shirts, sun protection, and a day pack with water container(s), snacks, and a water-resistant jacket or poncho if rain is in the forecast.
Directions: Take Exit 175 from Interstate 40 in Tijeras. Drive south on NM 337 for 30 miles. Turn west on NM 55, which soon curves to the south, and continue for 20 miles through the village of Manzano. Once past the church and wide spot in the road, veer right onto NM 131 (Look for a NM parks sign). Then follow the black top at every option to get to the park. The only time you should be on dirt is just past the cattle guard flanked by the white pipe park entry gate. Follow the dirt road uphill to the campground. The group shelter is past the main loop of reserved sites. Enter the back-loop road (right at the big ponderosa in the road). A little further on, the Group Shelter is on the right
Geolocation: https://goo.gl/maps/kkGZ3DAUBPT2
Latitude: 34°36’03.8″N; Longitude: 106°21’36″W
Related Links: For an overview of the park, go to http://www.emnrd.state.nm.us/SPD/manzanomountainsstatepark.html; for more information on trail work in general click on http://nmvfo.org/volunteer/volunteer-faq/.

Datil Well Campground
2017-08-12 08:00 - 2017-08-13 12:00
Enjoy a weekend in the Historic Datil Mountains and visit the Very Large Array. Datil Well was one of 15 former water wells spaced every ten miles along the historic Magdalena Livestock Driveway that once stretched 120 miles from Springerville, AZ to Magdalena, NM. We will camp Friday and Saturday nights at the Group Shelter site which has fresh well water, vault toilets, shady tent sites and plenty of room for parking to include RVs. There is a motel in nearby Datil for those who do not wish to camp.

Datil is 61 miles west of Socorro on US Hwy 60. The campground is ¼ mile south of Datil on Hwy 12. The green NMVFO signs will be deployed early Friday afternoon at both entrances to the campground area. Work will begin Saturday, August 12th at 8:00 am and Sunday, August 13th at the same start time, but we’ll finish up around noon

Mora National Fish Hatchery-CANCELLED
2017-07-29 08:00 - 2017-07-30 12:00

Bluewater Lake State Park
2017-07-15 08:00 - 2017-07-16 12:00

Quemado Lake
2017-06-30 08:00 - 2017-07-02 12:00
We’re back. Lend a hand at beautiful Quemado Lake as we finish up the work of brushing and erosion control on the Largo Canyon Trail that we began last year. We’ll also take the time to do work along the lovely Sawmill Canyon Trail. We’ll begin by working all day Friday, June 30, the same on Saturday, July 1 and half a day Sunday, July 2. Hopefully we will again see bald eagles as they finish up their nesting.
We have one of the group campsites reserved for us. It has plenty of tent sites or you can bring an RV or sleep in your vehicle. The site also has a shelter with tables and vault toilets. Our cooks, Jackie and Marcy, will be supplying breakfasts on Friday, Saturday and Sunday and dinners on Friday and Saturday. Volunteer are responsible for their own lunches, which we will eat on the trail, as well as beverages, adult or other wise.
This project is limited to 12 volunteers. The last day to sign up is Sunday, June 25. To join the project or get more information please contact Jim Scanlon at scanlon.jim@gmail.com or 505-385-0517.

Skyline Backpack
2017-06-22 10:00 - 2017-06-26 17:00
Volunteer with NMVFO as we repair a very scenic trail high up in the Pecos Wilderness! We will make our basecamp at the meadows of Puerto Nambe and work to repair the Skyline Trail as it climbs from the meadows to a saddle on the side of Santa Fe Baldy. This project will receive horse-packing support from the Back Country Horsemen of America (BCHA), who will pack in all of our food and cooking equipment the 4 miles from trailhead to basecamp. Speaking of cooking, all meals, inclusive, starting with dinner on June 22 and ending with lunch on June 26, will be provided by an award-winning trail chef who really knows how to cook up a tasty meal in the backcountry! Water will be available in the area around basecamp. The trail work will include tread repair and some trail re-routing. All tools will be provided. Since we will be camping near the trail that we will be working on, the hike from camp to work site is short.
We will meet at the large parking lot near the Winsor Trail trailhead at 10:00AM on Thursday, June 22nd and backpack in along the Winsor Trail the 4 miles from trailhead to basecamp. The project ends on Monday, June 26th at noon. Our basecamp at Puerto Nambe is in a large meadow area interspersed with forested areas at an elevation of 11,000’. The dates of this project were chosen to be late enough in the year to give the snow pack a chance to melt, but early enough to be before the monsoon season really kicks off. Of course, weather in the mountains is tough to predict, so please prepare well. Volunteers will need to provide all of their own backpacking gear (except for food and cooking equipment), including their own backpack, tent and sleeping bag suitable for high-altitude, possibly cold-weather camping. Also bring a plate, bowl, cup and utensils. Volunteers also need to bring good work gloves, long-sleeved shirts, long pants and sturdy boots. Rain gear, hat and sunscreen will also be needed. Plan to bring a small daypack and water bottles, plus any trail snacks desired. Hard hats will need to be worn while working, and will be provided. You are welcome to bring your own hardhat if you have one.

El Nogal Area
2017-06-17 08:00 - 2017-06-18 12:00
The El Nogal Area hosts several popular multiuse trails where you can see an array of wildflowers and incredible views of Taos, the Rio Grande, San Antonio Mountain, and Wheeler Peak. We will be working on Devisadero Trail, South Boundary Trail, Ojitos Canyon Trail, and Mondragon Trail, doing trail maintenance including removal of deadfall, brushing back encroaching vegetation, step construction, tread restoration, and signage installation.
Camping will be available Friday, June 17th through noon Sunday, June 18th. Potable water and portable bathrooms are located nearby. The campsite is on the eastern edge of Taos, so all town amenities will be available. NMVFO will provide breakfast Saturday and Sunday, dinner Saturday night. Carpooling is encouraged. Registration for this project is required for planning purposes; please sign up for this project no later than 12:00 PM on Tuesday, June 13th so that we can match provisions to participants. Unfortunately, we will not be able to support restricted diets.
El Nogal Campground is located approximately 3 miles east of Taos and can be reached via U.S. Highway 64.
From Taos Plaza, take Kit Carson Road (U.S. 64) east 2.8 miles into Taos Canyon to the trailhead parking lot at El Nogal camping area.

Rio Chama Rafting Adventure
2017-06-09 08:00 - 2017-06-11 17:00

Golden Open Space
2017-05-20 08:30 - 16:30
The Golden Open Space, acquired in 1964, consists of 1,180 acres of rugged terrain and is among some of the first properties set aside by the City of Albuquerque for the preservation of nature. Breathtaking views of mesas, colorful arroyos and several mountain ranges make this remote and seldom-visited property a great escape from the city. We will be building new trail as part of the City of Albuquerque’s trail system at the Golden Open Space, which is located just north of the San Pedro Creek Estates, off NM 14. Whether approaching from Albuquerque or Santa Fe, come by NM 14 (aka HWY 337); near the Bernalillo/Sandoval county line, turn on to Via Entrada through San Pedro Creek Estates. Access granted only for the project through private property; detailed directions will be provided to volunteers later.
We intend to rendezvous with Jim Sattler, Assistant Open Space Superintendent, no later than 8:30 AM on Saturday, May and begin work shortly thereafter. Volunteers should wear long pants, long sleeves, sturdy boots (absolutely no sandals or tennis/athletic shoes), work gloves; helmets and eye protection are highly recommended. Also, bring sun and rain protection (just in case), plenty of drinking water snacks and a lunch. Registration for this project is required for planning purposes; please sign up through the project leader (info below) no later than 12:00 PM on Thursday, May 18th.
Geolocation: Golden Open Space Trail, Sandia Park, NM 87047, USA
Latitude: 35.26867762676451
Longitude: -106.3178300857544
Links for more information: If this is your first NMVFO project, you can find more information about what to expect at http://nmvfo.org/volunteer/volunteer-faq or email or call me (Chris), the project leader, fritzsche.christopher@gmail.com, (505) 504-3768.

Heron Lake State Park--Cancelled
2017-05-20 08:00 - 2017-05-21 12:00 | Heron Lake State Park, 324 NM-95, Los Ojos, NM, 87551, United States
This project has been cancelled

Valles Caldera National Preserve
2017-05-06 09:00 - 16:00
Join us at the Valles Caldera National Preserve located 78 miles northwest of Albuquerque, where we will be participating in an initial one day trail repair project. We will be removing dead-fall trees and limbs on a northernmost trail of the Caldera that has seen few if any hikers since the Las Conchas fire in 2011. That means we will drive several miles back into a remote area using four-wheel drive vehicles, hike and/or ATV up to three miles on the identified trail, assist certified crosscut saw and chainsaw folks with the removal of on fallen trees/limbs, and repair trail paths using pick mattocks, McLeods, Pulaskis, handsaws, loppers, and possibly rock bars. If we have too many volunteers (not likely), preferences will be given to volunteers with crosscut saw certification and/or high clearance 4wd vehicles due to the nature of this project. Be prepared for a good workout.
