Potato Canyon (Magdalena RD)
2025-07-11 17:00 - 2025-07-13 14:00 (America/Denver)
RESULTS: 15 volunteers cleared blowdowns and lopped 1.1 miles of Potato Trail switchbacks.

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Description: In the Withington Wilderness, 30 miles southwest of Magdalena, one used to be able to descend from Forest Road 330 down well-engineered broad switchbacks on Potato Trail #38, later following a stream and riparian area. The length of the trail is over 5 miles, spanning the full width of the wilderness, starting at 9755 feet elevation, and descending to 6937 feet. After the 2016 North Fire, this area burned, many blowdowns and high erosion followed, and the trail has not been repaired since. Downed trees make it difficult or impossible to find the switchbacks, and since no one is able to walk on the actual trail, the tread is vanishing.
We will car-camp at the top (or at a location to be determined), and work on the switchback area, clearing trees, lopping, and possibly repairing tread. Since Potato Trail is part of the Grand Enchantment Trail, thru-hikers will appreciated the improvements we make.
Come Friday evening and camp out, or show up Saturday morning at 8AM, ready to work. If you can only come out and work one day, you are still welcome, but tell the project leader your plans in advance.
We will provide food on Friday dinner through to Sunday breakfast, but you need to bring your own lunches. 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, day pack, and bring gear for rain. Bringing your own camp chair is a good idea.
Pets are not allowed on projects, sorry.
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.

Valle de Oro RMYC Tijeras BioZone ADD-ON
2025-07-14 12:00 - 2025-07-17 17:00
RESULTS: The Valle de Oro Rocky Mountain Youth Corp (RMYC) crew and volunteers from NMVFO worked for three days with Albuquerque Open Space staff at the Tijeras BioZone. Open Space staff provided hands-on trail construction and rock work training to the RMYC crew. The group built a section of new trail, constructed a rock retaining wall, constructed numerous drain dips, and performed trail maintenance to clean up debris from a major Tijeras Arroyo flood event that occurred on July 12, 2025. Prior to the field work, on July 14, Laurie Lacey and Jim Sells, NMVFO volunteers, presented a tutorial on Trail Building & Maintenance, an overview of NMVFO, and a Long Distance Hiking presentation to the RMYC crew. During the project, 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.
NOTE: As shown in some of the project pictures, The National Weather Service called the July 12th storm a 200-to-500-year event. The Tijeras area received up to 3 inches of rain and hail in a half hour. Floodwaters rose over 9 feet in a 15-minute period.

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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.

Petroglyph National Monument – Save the Cacti!
2025-07-18 08:00 - 16:00
RESULTS: Five NMVFO volunteers planted approximately 50 cholla, prickly pear, and barrel cacti to block a social trail at the Petroglyph National Monument. The cacti had been harvested from a land parcel that was being graded (bulldozed) in preparation for the development of a housing complex near the Monument.

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Description: Come help us save the cacti! Pulte Homes is going to develop a neighborhood near the south end of the Monument. They are offering the Monument an opportunity to harvest the cacti (mostly barrel and hedgehog cactus) on the property before they bulldoze it. Please join us on Friday, July 18th at the Monument Visitor Center at 8:00 am. We’ll be digging cacti from the ground and/or planting them on the Monument.
We’ll work until it’s too hot or we’re tired out.
We suggest that you wear sturdy shoes or boots, long pants, long-sleeved shirt, work gloves, sunhat, and eye protection (sunglasses okay) while working. Knee pads would be helpful. Please bring a daypack to carry your lunch, snacks, sunblock, water, and rain gear (if rain is expected).
Reminder: Pets are not allowed on NMVFO projects.
Please sign up below. The closing date for signups is July 16th, 2025.
Difficulty:
Group size: Up to 20
Meet at: Visitor Information Center, Petroglyph National Monument, 6510 Western Trail NW, Albuquerque, NM 87120
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.

Holy Ghost Add-On
2025-07-18 08:00 - 2025-07-19 17:00
RESULTS: 7 NMVFO volunteers completed logging the entirety of the Holy Ghost trail, from its trailhead at Holy Ghost Campground to its junction with the Winsor Trail, a 5 mile stretch with an approximate 2000′ elevation gain. 30 deadfall trees were removed in clearing the trail.

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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.

Mountainair FSYC ADD-ON
2025-07-22 08:00 - 17:00
RESULTS: Two NMVFO volunteers and 5 members of the Forest Stewards Youth Corps put up signs and cut one tree on lower Kayser Mill Trail in the Manzano Mountains

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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.

Ox Canyon ADD-ON
2025-07-23 08:00 - 17:00
RESULTS: A team of four volunteers spent a full midweek-day on the 3.5-mile Ox Canyon Trail in the Manzano Mountains, erecting a new post and wilderness portal sign, removing more than 20 trees and lopping the overgrown sections of this beautiful trail.

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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.

Thirst for the Outdoors
2025-08-09 12:00 - 15:00
RESULTS: NMVFO returned to the “Thirst for the Outdoors” tabling event at Canteen Brewhouse on Aztec, with our crosscut saw demonstration. Thank you Bill, David B, Christy, Catlin, Russ, Jim S, and Don & Deb. We signed up folks for the newsletter, and connected with potential partners at other tables.

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Join NMVFO and Canteen Brewhouse (2381 Aztec Rd NE, Albuquerque) for the 3rd annual Thirst for the Outdoors Adventure Fair.
Some of the organizations you can meet:
Albuquerque Mountain RescueContinental Divide Trail CoalitionFeral AdventuresNew Mexico Department of Game and FishNew Mexico Volunteers for the OutdoorsNew Mexico WildStone Age Climbing GymRoutes Bicycle ToursRunning 505USA SUP
NMVFO will present our popular 2-person crosscut saw demonstration.

If you would like to volunteer to help staff our booth, please email the project leader. Or just come and chat with us, and several other outdoor organizations, and perhaps quaff a brew. See you there.

Yet Another Manzano Crest Lopping ADD-ON
2025-08-12 09:00 - 17:00
RESULTS: Ten experienced volunteers cleared 25 smaller and 5 larger trees on the Trail Canyon and Manzano Crest Trails in the Manzano Mountains while gaining almost 2,000 feet of elevation on the way to the actual work site for lopping a remote section of the Manzano Crest Trail.

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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.

Juan Tomas (ABQ Open Space)
2025-08-16 08:30 - 14:00
RESULTS: Twenty-three NMVFO volunteers joined four Open Space Division personnel to continue improving the trail network in this popular hiking, biking, and equestrian area. Dividing into three groups, they closed 600 feet of an eroding social trail, performed maintenance on 900 feet of an alternate connecting trail, and constructed 530 feet of new trail for re-routing a section of the existing trail in the future.

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Description: Albuquerque’s Open Space Division maintains five areas on the east side of the Sandia and Manzanita Mountains. The largest of these is the Juan Tomas Open Space, which encompasses 1,290 acres of primarily pinon-juniper and ponderosa forest growing at elevations up to 7,760 feet. Join us as we continue building a new trail to eventually replace an old eroded route. The work area will be about a mile hike across level terrain from the parking lot. An Open Space crew will have already marked the new trail corridor with pin flags and chain-sawed any large trees. Using pick mattocks, McLeods, Pulaskis, loppers, hand saws, and shovels, we will clear out smaller vegetation and excavate a smooth well-drained tread for hikers, mountain bikes, and occasional horses. We may also build some rock retaining walls if needed.
Preparations: Wear long pants, sturdy boots or work shoes (no soft shoes or sandals), sun glasses, or other eye protection. We’ll be working in only partial shade, so wear a hat and put on some sunscreen. Bring work or gardening gloves if you have them; otherwise, loaners will be available. Also bring a day pack with plenty of water or other drinks, snacks or light lunch, and a rain jacket or poncho (especially if the monsoon season will be active).
Directions: From Albuquerque, take the Tijeras exit (#175) from I-40 and drive south on Highway 337 for 9 miles (bypassing Juan Tomas Road, which leads to a village). Turn east (left) on Oak Flat Road and continue about 3 miles (past a dirt parking area with a gate) and turn into the next gravel parking lot on the left side of the road as shown in this satellite view. Please try to arrive No Later Than 8:30 AM. There will be two rosters to sign: one for the Open Space Division and other for NMVFO.
Difficulty:
Group Size: 20. If the project is full, please email the project leader to be put on a wait list.
Cost: Free!
Please read our Volunteer Guidelines before signing up for this project.
On the signup form please leave the "Number of Volunteers" at 1. If you would like to sign up additional volunteers please submit multiple signups.

Capulin Trail Backpack (SFNF)
2025-08-21 09:00 - 2025-08-24 16:00
RESULTS: Thirteen NMVFO volunteers along with two members of the Santa Fe National Forest Trail Crew cleared 42 deadfalls on 5.3 miles of the Borrego Trail and 181 deadfalls on 3.4 miles of the Capulin Trail! The volunteers also constructed four cairns and closed four social trails to make the Capulin Trail easier to follow and lopped 1.4 miles of the Borrego Trail to make passage easier. The project was supported and fed by two volunteers of the Backcountry Horsemen of America who used three pack mules, a riding mule , and a riding horse to bring in some of the tools, the food, a large shelter, and the cooking equipment.

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Description: Join us on a four-day backpacking project to clear downed trees on the Borrego (#150) and Capulin Trail (#158) in the Pecos Wilderness. The Capulin Trail was hard hit in the Pacheco fire, and it has almost disappeared over the years. Back Country Horsemen of America will pack in our tools and prepare breakfasts and dinners for us. We will be hiking about 5.3 miles from the Aspen Ranch trailhead at GPS Coordinates 35.79832, -105.83347 to a base camp at Canada Vaca (aka Rancho Viejo depending on which map you’re using) at GPS Coordinates 35.85428, -105.82362
While the project starts on Thursday, August 21st, you are welcome to join us on Friday or Saturday and spend as much time working with us as you can.
All tools will be provided. We will be using one- and two-person crosscut saws, pruning saws, and loppers. USFS rules require all volunteers to wear ankle-high boots, long pants, long sleeves, hard hats (provided), work gloves, and eye protection (sunglasses okay) while working. Please bring a daypack to carry your lunch, snacks, sunblock, rain gear, and a full day’s supply of water.
Reminder: Pets are not allowed on NMVFO projects.
Please sign up below. Closing date for signups is August 18th, 2025
Difficulty: +
Group size: Up to 15
Meet at: Aspen Ranch Trailhead, GPS Coordinates 35.79832, -105.83347
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.

Water Canyon Nature Trail (Magdalena RD)
2025-08-23 08:00 - 16:00
RESULTS: Volunteers brushed and rehabilitated a nature trail near the Water Canyon picnic area, in the Magdalenas

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Description: Join us for some needed maintenance on the Water Canyon Nature Trail in the Magdalena Mountains West of Socorro. We will focus on cutting back overgrowth that is obscuring the tread of the trail along a lush riparian area.
We will meet 8AM Saturday at the Water Canyon Campground which is approximately a 90 minute drive from the south side of Albuquerque, and
We have reserved the group site at the campground on Friday, for those of you who want to camp the night before, but meals will NOT be provided, so bring your own dinner and breakfast please.
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. Bring your own pack lunch. NMVFO will provide all tools as required. 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.

Santa Ana Pueblo Environmental Fair
2025-08-23 10:00 - 14:00
NMVFO has been invited to the 24th annual Santa Ana Pueblo Environmental Fair, at the Tamaya Wellness Center, from 10AM to 2PM. Join us, and meet with several other outdoor organizations.
Just as in past years, admission to the fair will be totally free, with each attendee receiving one meal voucher, one raffle entry, and one door item.
If you would like to help staff our table, please email c.herrera@nmvfo.org.

Limestone Canyon (Magdalena RD)
2025-08-29 18:00 - 2025-08-31 17:00
RESULTS: 6 NMVFO volunteers and 2 USFS staff joined Albuquerque Wildlife Federation to build one-rock dams, beaver dam analogs, and baffles in Limestone Canyon, to slow down water, capture sediment, and induce more bends in the drainage channel, with the long term goal of re-wetting the meadow in the canyon

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Description: NMVFO returns with partner Albuquerque Wildlife Federation over Labor Day weekend to help restore wetland meadows in Limestone Canyon. Albuquerque Wildlife Federation has been working this area for over 17 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 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 Crest Lopping and Sawing (Mountainair RD)
2025-09-12 18:00 - 2025-09-13 17:00
Description: We will remove downfall and do touch-up lopping on the Kayser Mill Trail in the Manzano Mountains. If time allows, we will continue the same work along the Manzano Crest Trail going north and/or south from the intersection with Kayser Mill Trail. The work will not be difficult but will involve at least a 6.5-mile mile hike (round-trip) with 1,800 feet of elevation gain. For this reason, we will rate it as difficult. We will camp at the Ox Canyon Trailhead, a drive of about 90 minutes from Albuquerque (suitable for passenger cars). You are welcome to join us 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:
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.

Kaiser Mill ADD-ON (Mountainair RD)
2025-09-14 08:00 - 17:00
RESULTS: Six volunteers spent a full day working on the Kayser Mill Trail in the Manzano Mountains, focusing on lopping and clearing downfall. Thanks to the clear weather after the storm (which delayed the project by a day), we were able to make excellent progress along the first two miles of the trail. In addition, Uwe and Don installed a brand-new summit sign on Manzano Peak.

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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.

Ute Lake State Park CANCELED
2025-09-19 09:00 - 2025-09-21 12:00
Description: Join NMVFO on a car-camping project to install wooden steps and rock check dams, remove encroaching grasses and brush, and improve the drainage on the Rogers Nature Trail 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 9:00 am on Friday, September 19th, 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 21st.
Meet at: Ute Lake State Park; Eagle Peak Campsite, Coordinates 35°22’01″N 103°29’26″W or 35.366944, -103.490556 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.
Please sign up below by September 16th. One person per signup.
Difficulty:
Group Size: 15. If the project becomes full, please email the project leader to add your name to the waitlist, and we will contact you if a spot opens up.
For more information: If this is your first NMVFO project, you can find more information about difficulty ratings and what to expect Volunteer FAQs or email the project leader.

Women’s Trail Day (CABQ Open Space)
2025-09-20 08:00 - 16:00
RESULTS: Women’s trail building workshop and hands-on in Tijeras BioZone, City of Albuquerque Open Space.

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Description: Enjoy the camaraderie of other women as we review some trail work basics, then spend the rest of our day together building brand new trail in Albuquerque Open Space in Tijeras, NM. We will some time providing instruction on trail-building tools, techniques, and tips for making user-friendly and sustainable trails. There will be opportunities for questions, feedback, and networking with fellow women passionate about New Mexico’s hiking trails. Both experienced and completely new volunteers are welcome on this introductory trail-building project!
Please bring work gloves and eye protection (sunglasses or eyeglasses are fine), lunch, snacks and plenty of water in a day pack. Come prepared with sturdy boots, a hat, sunblock, and a notebook and pen if desired. 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 14. 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.

Arte Afuera (Valle de Oro NWR)
2025-09-20 10:00 - 14:00
RESULTS: 3.5 NMVFO volunteers had a table at the Arte Afuera (Art Outside) special event at Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge. The festival also had flamenco and baile folklórico performers, and tours of new murals at the refuge. Thanks goes out to Don, Deb, and Laurie.

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Pecos 2 Pecos Cleanup (USFS)
2025-09-27 09:30 - 12:00
RESULTS: 9 NMVFO volunteers cleaned up the Upper Dalton Fishing Access Site and the Dalton Canyon fishing site along the Pecos River North of Pecos, NM. 19 bags of trash were collected by the crew from the two sites. Bags were left for removal by SFNF staff.

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Description: On Saturday Sept. 27th 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 22.
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.

Joe Skeen Campground Maintenance (BLM)
2025-09-27 11:00 - 15:00
RESULTS: On National Public Lands Day 12 NMVFO volunteers worked with BLM staff and National Monument staff and Ancestral Lands Conservation Corps staff to improve Joe Skeen Campground.

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Description: Join us on National Public Lands Day at Joe Skeen Campground, the BLM campground on the east side of El Malpais. We will anchor down all 11 picnic tables and cut weeds / grass around the vault toilets and some of the sites. The BLM has offered free camping to those who want to go out the night before.
Preparation: 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. The BLM will provide some snacks but you should also bring a day pack with plenty of water or other drinks, snacks or light lunch, and a rain jacket or poncho.
Directions: From Albuquerque take I40 west towards Grants for about 68 miles. Take exit 89 and go south on 117 for about 12 miles. This will take about 1.5 hours from the Big I.
Difficulty:
Size limit: none
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 Invasive Tree Removal
2025-10-10 08:30 - 2025-10-12 15:00 | Los Luceros Historic Site, 253 Co Rd 41, Alcalde, NM, 87511, United States
Description: Join NMVFO as we remove invasive trees (Russian olive and tamarisk) from 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. We will then load the cut trees into trailers to be hauled off. We will also use hatchets to macerate the remaining trunks to help prevent them from sprouting. All tools will be provided.
You can join us on either Friday or Saturday (October 10th or 11th) for a day of work starting at 8:30am or car camp with us starting either Thursday or Friday evening (October 9th or 10th).
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.
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.
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.
The closing date for signups is October 7th, 2025.
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.
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 also read our Volunteer Guidelines before signing up for this project.
Please read our Volunteer Guidelines before signing up for this project.
On the signup form please leave the "Number of Volunteers" at 1. If you would like to sign up additional volunteers please submit multiple signups.

Los Luceros Historic Site - Saturday Invasive Tree Removal
2025-10-11 08:30 - 15:00
RESULTS: Eight NMVFO volunteers removed over 1200 invasive Russian olive tree stems from 0.52 miles of the Bosque Loop trail at the Los Luceros Historic Site in Alcalde. They used loppers and hand saws to cut the trees at ground level and piled the cut trees. They also macerated the trunks of the trees with hatchets to prevent sprouting. The volunteers enjoyed the beautiful fall colors of the cottonwood and New Mexico olive trees and the fresh from the tree apples from the Site’s 1,000-treee apple orchard.

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Description: Join NMVFO on Saturday, October 11th starting at 8:30 am as we remove invasive trees (Russian olive and tamarisk) from the bosque at the Los Luceros Historic Site just north of Espanola. These invasive trees are crowding out native plants and using water needed by the cottonwood trees.
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. We will then load the cut trees into trailers to be hauled off. All tools will be provided.
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 7th, 2025.
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
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.

New Canyon Tree Removal ADD-ON (Mountainair RD)
2025-10-16 08:00 - 17:00
RESULTS: Six volunteers cleared all of the downfall along four miles of trail from the New Canyon trailhead to the intersection of Manzano Crest Trail with Spruce Canyon Trail.

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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.

Ghost Ranch 2 (Carson NF)
2025-10-16 17:00 - 2025-10-19 13:30
RESULTS: NMVFO volunteers returned Ghost Ranch to work on the Chimney Rock Trail

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Description: Join us as we return for a second dorm-camping event at Ghost Ranch in the same year! Yes, a Dorm event, in case you missed the first one! Ghost Ranch is allowing us to stay in the dorm-style accommodations with multiple beds in each room, separate rooms for women and men. If you prefer camping, you are welcome to camp for free. Meals will be provided at the dining hall. Members will need to bring their own lunch!
You can join us on Thursday night Ghost Ranch. We will work on Trail Friday, Saturday and a half day on Sunday.
Work will take place on Friday and Saturday starting with a safety talk at 8:00 am and finishing around 5:00 pm. We will work Sunday, starting around 8:30 and work until the afternoon.
Trail priorities will include a mixture of closing old sections of the Chimney Rock trail, building a new section of the Kitchen Mesa trail, and even some drainage work on the Kitchen Mesa trail if time. If you love to work and enjoy hands-on trail construction, this is the perfect project for you!
Required gear: sturdy boots, work gloves, long sleeves, long pants, eye protection (sunglasses okay). Please also bring a day pack, snacks, trail lunches, sunblock, rain gear, and water bottles.
Difficulty:
Group Size: up to 15. Please sign up by October 11.
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 Fence Removal
2025-10-25 09:00 - 15:00
RESULTS: NMVFO volunteers returned to the Galisteo Basin to remove barbed wire fencing from the Dovetail Preserve near Lamy, NM. Fence segments totaling two thirds of a mile were taken down, coiled, and stacked. This was NMVFO’s 4th year of fence removal from Dovetail and the adjacent Galisteo Basin Preserve, resulting in all interior fencing from the old Thornton Ranch now being taken down for the benefit of wildlife and recreational users.

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Description: After 4 years of removing fencing in the Galisteo Basin Preserves, join NMVFO for what may be our final fence-removal project with our partner, the Santa Fe Conservation Trust. Cattle fencing of this type presents a barrier and hazard for wildlife and people. We will meet at the Cottonwood Trailhead at 9:00 AM, then carpool to the worksites. Fence removal will continue to 3PM, or until these sections of fence are removed.
Work: Our focus is on two stretches of 4-strand barbed wire fencing. Our work will include cutting and coiling the barbed wire, as well as pulling and stacking all metal “T-Post” fenceposts. A hike of less than a mile is required to reach one of the fences.
Food/Water: Volunteers should bring their own snacks and water. After completion of the project, all volunteers are invited to share a late-afternoon meal at the historic Legal Tender restaurant in Lamy, NM.
Tools/Equipment/Clothing: NMVFO will supply wire-cutters, loppers for brush-clearing, and post-pullers. If any volunteers have their own fencing pliers (linesmen pliers also work well), please bring them with you. Volunteers should wear long sleeved shirts and long pants, eye protection/sunglasses, sturdy leather gloves and boots, and a day pack don’t forget your rain gear.
Difficulty: due to barbed wire hazard
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.

Randall Davey Audubon Center (Santa Fe)
2025-11-01 08:30 - 15:00
RESULTS: NMVFO volunteers returned to the Randall Davey Audubon Center to work on trails, and later were treated to a guided tour of the historic buildings by staff.

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Description: Join us at the beautiful Randall Davey Audubon Center at the end of Upper Canyon Road in Santa Fe where we will continue to improve trails we worked on a couple of years ago. Our main mission is to relocate a badly eroded section of the main loop trail and close the old section. We will also improve a nearby connecting trail. If time permits, we will work on other parts of the trails that suffer from constant erosion.
We’ll meet in the center’s parking lot (look for NMVFO project signs) at 8:30 in the morning for a safety briefing and walk a short distance to the work site. We’ll work until around 3 p.m. when we’ll break for light refreshments and a tour of the former home of artist Randall Davey for those interested.
Please bring your own snacks and lunch as well as water. Tools will be provided. Participants should wear sturdy boots or work shoes (no sandals), long pants, hat, eye protection, gloves, and bring gear for rain if forecasted. Pets are not allowed on projects or at the Audubon center.
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 Canyon Tree Planting ADD-ON (Mountainair RD)
2025-11-04 08:00 - 17:00
RESULTS: Members of NMVFO, TreeNM, and the Cibola National Forest planted 500 seedlings near Red Canyon in the Manzanos.

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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.

Latino Outdoors Fair
2025-11-08 10:00 - 14:00
Results: Six NMVFO volunteers supported the Latino Outdoors’ “Bow in the Burque” outdoor festival on November 8, 2025 by providing both adults and children the experience of cutting a log using a 2-person crosscut saw – an experience that may be a once-in-a-lifetime event. Attendees also learned about NMVFO and our projects.

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Juan Tomas Open Space Signs ADD-ON
2025-11-12 08:00 - 17:00
RESULTS: Volunteers put up 10 signs in Juan Tomas Open Space on trails that NMVFO has worked on over the last 6 years.

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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.

Coronado Historic Site 2 - Invasive Tree Removal
2025-11-15 08:00 - 16:00
Description: Join NMVFO on a one-day project as we remove more invasive trees (juniper, tamarisk, Russian olive) in the bosque at the Coronado Historic Site in Bernalillo. NMVFO removed approximately 400 invasive trees in March 2025, but there are plenty more to remove.
We will use loppers and hand saws to cut the trees at ground level and pile the cut trees. We will also spray the remaining trunks with an approved herbicide to help prevent resprouting.
Please bring a daypack to carry your lunch, snacks, sunblock, rain gear, and water. 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, November 15th, 2025, 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 below by November 13th. One person per signup.
Difficulty:
Group Size: 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.
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.
