New Mexico Volunteers For The Outdoors

Trail Workshop Class
2019-03-14 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Denver)
Leaders: Larry Benson, 505-821-7999, LawRBenson@aol.com and Jenny Blackmore, 720-470-4651, JBlackmore99@yohoo.com
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. The indoor session will be held at the Albuquerque REI store on Thursday March 14 and the outdoor session in Sandia Foothills Open Space on Saturday, March 16. (described separately).
Starting at 6:00 pm on Thursday March 14, 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 trail projects on public lands throughout New Mexico. A few short videos will 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 14 classroom session need to register no later than March 13 on the Albuquerque REI web site! https://www.rei.com/stores/albuquerque.html.

Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge (FWS)
2019-02-09 08:30 - 16:00 (America/Denver)
RESULTS: The originally scheduled project for Saturday February 16 was cancelled during the partial shutdown of the federal government from December 22 –January 25. When a Congressional Continuing Resolution provided 3 weeks of temporary funding, the Sevilleta staff returned to work on January 28. They and the NMVFO decided to reschedule the project for Saturday February 9 (because this temporary funding would expire on Friday February 15). In less than 2 weeks they graded the restoration area, drilled about 2,000 holes, and prepared at least 1,000 cuttings of Goodings Willows and Cottonwood trees .
Despite the short notice, 16 NMVFO volunteers were able to make it on the rescheduled date. Joining a 6-member Americorps team, the VFO volunteers finished pole planting more than 700 trees under the direction of Wildlife Biologist Jon Erz.
Flickr API error: Invalid API Key (Key has invalid format)
PHOTO ALBUM LINK
Sevilla Update:
When the Sevilleta staff finally got back after the partial federal shutdown was lifted, they agreed to focus much of their work on preparing for our previously scheduled project. Because temporary funding under current Continuing Resolution expires on the 15th, the date of the project has to be moved up by a week–from Saturday the 16th to the 9th.
Difficulty: [1 Pulaski]
Contact: Lawrence (Larry) Benson, LawRBenson@aol.com, 505-821-7999
The Sevilleta NWR (https://www.fws.gov/refuge/sevilleta/) protects a large area north of Socorro containing a great variety of terrain and vegetation. Photos of last year’s project are available at https://www.flickr.com/photos/78338108@N07/albums/72157663893356497.
Volunteers for this year’s project are once again invited to help restore some riparian habitat along the Rio Grande in a restoration area that has been cleared of invasive Tamarisk trees. We will be pole-planting willows and/or cottonwoods to create an environment favorable to a variety of native wildlife, especially the endangered Southwestern Willow Flycatcher. Refuge staff will have already drilled holes down to the water table with an auger and prepared the cuttings, so our main job will be inserting these small saplings and back-filling the holes (to include breaking up clods of drying soil). As this task needs to be done in late winter (before the growing season), please dress accordingly if the weather is chilly or precipitation is in the forecast. The place 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 may be completed by early to mid-afternoon depending on attendance.
Volunteers will need to convene at Sevilleta’s Visitor Center by 8:30 AM for transportation to the work site. It is located 60 miles south of Albuquerque’s “Big-I” on Interstate 25. (https://goo.gl/maps/fKVrKMb3X962) Take Exit 169 and make a sharp right turn at the first intersection. The Visitor Center is about 1/4 of a mile up this road to the west. The project leader plans to arrive early to greet arrivals with some coffee and snacks, but will try to coordinate carpooling for others who may be interested. (One possible meeting place on the way south would be the parking lot at the Bernalillo County RailRunner Station located on Camino Del Tren, which branches north off Rio Bravo Blvd. about a mile west of I-25 at Exit 220.) Please contact Larry for more information

REI Opt Outside
2018-11-23
Skip the Black Friday frenzy and go outside instead.

Pino Trail (Sandia RD)
2018-10-20 08:00 - 16:00 UTC
RESULTS: Three volunteers hiked 3.7 miles in on trail to remove four deadfall, and refurbished 0.25 miles of trail.
Flickr API error: Invalid API Key (Key has invalid format)
PHOTO ALBUM LINK

Contact Jenny to be added to the wait list for our Pino project! We will meet at 8:00 AM at the Pino trailhead at Elena Gallegos Picnic Area for coffee, bagels, and a safety briefing, then hike approximately one mile to our work area. Our tasks will consist mainly of rock-work for erosion mitigation. All tools will be provided, as well as instruction throughout the day to people who are new to trail work. It is likely to be cold in the morning and hot in the afternoon, so dress in layers. Gloves, long pants, work gloves, sturdy work shoes and eye protection (sunglasses) are mandatory. Hard hats are also required for this project, and we will provide those. Please contact Jenny B with any questions! We’ll look forward to seeing you there.

Ute Lake State Park
2018-10-06 09:00 - 2018-10-07 12:00 UTC
RESULTS: We removed grass and plants in the trail on Saturday to define the trail, and later removed sand burrs and burned them at the campfire. Sunday work was cancelled for rain.
Flickr API error: Invalid API Key (Key has invalid format)
PHOTO ALBUM LINK

Join us at Ute Lake State Park! This reservoir on the Canadian River near Logan, NM is over 13 miles long, one of the longest lakes in the state. Activities include camping, fishing, boating, hiking and birding. There is a short (1.7mi) hiking trail running from the campground, with beautiful views of the lake. We will work to mitigate erosion and generally shore up areas in need of attention, including building rolling dips and possibly some rock work. We plan to work from 9-3 on Sat and finish by noon on Sun. On Fri and Sat free group camping will be available at a site above the lake, with restrooms and showers nearby. If you prefer not to camp, lodging is available ¼ mi from our campground and also in Logan, 5 miles down the road. NMVFO will supply breakfast and dinner on Saturday, and breakfast on Sunday. Please bring your own camp utensils and dinnerware.
For camping you will need your own tent (or RV, no hookup), sleeping pad and sleeping bag, plus camp chair if desired. Nights will be cold, so bring warm clothing. Rain is possible. There will be plenty of opportunity for fishing when we finish work each day. Please bring your own lunch for the trail, plus plenty of water. Sturdy boots, work gloves, long pants and eye protection (sunglasses) are mandatory. Sunblock and hat are also recommended. All tools provided. NOTE: Sand burrs (goatheads) are an issue at the park! Short gaiters can be very helpful, and we highly recommend bringing them for this project.
Here is a link to directions for our camping/meeting spot. map Note that the turnoff to this section of the park, on Loop 540, is about 3mi past the main entrance to the park (i.e. don’t turn onto State Park Road).
Signups close Mon, Oct 1st. Please contact Jenny to sign up, or with questions. See you there!

Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge "Build Your Refuge Day" (FWS)
2018-09-29 10:00 - 14:00 UTC
RESULTS: “Build Your Refuge Day” at Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge in Albuquerque’s south valley, was unlike any trail building project we ever did before. Ten volunteers from the group acted as trail bosses at five work stations along a new 0.28 mile section of the Camino Real, to supervise any member of the public that wanted to volunteer an hour of so to help build trail, spreading crusher-fine (gravel). 23 volunteers total assisted in various ways. A huge number of people from the local community came by to help out.
Flickr API error: Invalid API Key (Key has invalid format)
PHOTO ALBUM LINK

Join us for a day of trail work and revelry at Valle de Oro’s “Build Your Refuge Day” event! Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge, the Southwest’s first urban wildlife refuge, serves as an urban oasis for both wildlife and people. On a former dairy farm just south of Albuquerque, the refuge works to create a conservation stewardship legacy by partnering with community groups to connect people to the natural world. On September 29th the NMVFO will partner with the refuge as they host “Build Your Refuge Day,” building the first trail through the refuge, part of El Camino Real, a National Historic Trail. The work will involve shoveling and tamping pre-delivered crusher fines (gravel) along approximately 1700’ of the trail. Family friendly! There will be music, agua frescas, food trucks, partner booths and more! See https://www.facebook.com/ValleDeOroNationalWildlifeRefuge/photos/pb.584644878225436.-2207520000.1534508296./1920839067939337/?type=3&theater for more information about the workday celebration!

Hermit's Peak (Las Vegas RD)
2018-09-22 08:00 - 2018-09-23 14:00 UTC
RESULTS: Over the weekend of September 22-23, fourteen volunteers led by Mike Timmer of the NMVFO built 865 feet of new trail. It replaced a badly eroded segment of an old logging road that has long served as part of Santa Fe National Forest Trail 233 leading up to Hermit’s Peak in the Pecos Wilderness. As shown in the photos, they also built 13 check dams to help control further erosion on the old trail sections that were closed both this year and during last year’s project. The El Porvenir Christian Center provided comfortable camping facilities for Friday and Saturday nights.
Flickr API error: Invalid API Key (Key has invalid format)
PHOTO ALBUM LINK

Come join us as we build new section of the trail to Hermit’s Peak in the Las Vegas District of the Santa Fe National Forest! Hermit’s Peak is named for a 19th century religious recluse who lived in a cave on the peak. We’ll be camping near (but not on) Beaver Creek on the outskirts of the El Porvenir Christian Center at a pleasant 7600’ elevation. We’ll be rerouting sections of the trail that have been eroded by heavy use and stormwater runoff and blocking off the old trail section plus installing check dams, if time allows. This trail ultimately ascends to Hermit’s 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 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.
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, plenty of drinking water and snacks to get you from meal-to-meal. Tools will be provided.
The sign-up deadline is Tuesday, September 18.

Morphy Lake State Park
2018-09-08 08:00 - 2018-09-09 12:00 UTC
RESULTS: Nineteen volunteers built 0.28 miles of new trail around the perimeter of Morphy Lake.
Flickr API error: Invalid API Key (Key has invalid format)
PHOTO ALBUM LINK

Come join us for a weekend of trail building at Morphy Lake State Park! Morphy Lake (pronounced “Murphy”) is a beautiful little reservoir which sits at 8000’ in the Sangre de Christo Mountains near the Pecos Wilderness. The park is closed for dam reconstruction, but the NMVFO will have access during the project, access granted beginning Friday evening. We will camp on the north side of the lake, at the farthest campsite. **NOTE THAT THIS HAS BEEN CHANGED. WE WILL NOW BE CAMPING CLOSE TO OUR WORK AREA. ALSO, UNFORTUNATELY, DUE TO THE CONSTRUCTION, WE WILL NOT HAVE ACCESS TO THE LAKE ITSELF** Location: Morphy Lake. Keep your eyes out for our (short) green NMVFO signs as you approach the park. Our trail cook Cindy will provide us with breakfast on Saturday morning, dinner Saturday evening, and breakfast on Sunday. We will begin work at 8:00am on Saturday and finish by noon on Sunday.
Our plan is to cut new tread up to and along the ridge on the south side of the lake. All tools will be provided. Please bring sturdy footwear, gloves, long pants, sunglasses, trail lunch, and plenty of water. For camping you will need your own tent, sleeping pad and sleeping bag (campers or RVs less than 18’ can also be accommodated, but without hookups). Bring rain gear and warm clothing; we can expect chilly temps at night. Also please bring your own dishes and eating utensils!
Sign-ups close on Tuesday, September 4th. Please contact Jenny if you have any questions. Hope to see you there!

Datil Well Recreation Area
2018-08-25 - 2018-08-26
RESULTS: At the Datil Well campground trail, fifteen volunteers built a 0.67 mile span of new trail in grassy soil.

Flickr API error: Invalid API Key (Key has invalid format)
PHOTO ALBUM LINK

Enjoy this beautiful and historic gem of recreational land as we build a new trail spur into the southwestern, unimproved areas of the recreation area. The hike to the furthest point from the campground is about a mile but will increase as we build!
Please sign up by Tuesday, August 21st so that we can match provisions to participants. Unfortunately, we will not be able to support restricted diets.
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 25th at 8:00am and Sunday, August 26th at the same start time. We’ll finish up around noon on Sunday.

Hyde Memorial State Park
2018-07-28 09:00 - 16:00 UTC
APOLOGIES! THIS PROJECT HAS BEEN CANCELLED!
……………………………..
Come join us for trail work at Hyde Memorial State Park! Hyde Memorial is the oldest state park in New Mexico, located at a cool 9000’ elevation in pine and spruce forests. We will be working on a section of the West Circle Trail, which is heavily used by park visitors, cutting a short re-route up a steep hill, plus some drainage, tread work and switch-back tweaking as time allows.
For more details or to sign up, contact Jon Blakey, jblakey102@gmail.com (734) 255-5251 or Jenny Blackmore, jblackm99@yahoo.com (720) 470-4631. Please contact us by July 24th if you plan to attend. Hope to see you there!

Happy Hour at the Canteen Brewhouse
2018-07-17 17:00 - 19:00 UTC
Join us for food, beverage and good company at the Canteen Brewhouse! http://canteenbrewhouse.com/ A great time to reconnect with the people you’ve met and get to know some new faces too. Canteen will donate 20% of the proceeds from what we spend between 5-7pm back to the NMVFO! We’ll be there from 5:00. Come when you like and stay as long as you want. See you there!

Skyline Backpack (Santa Fe NF)
2018-06-21 10:00 - 2018-06-25 17:00 UTC
**This project will only run if the Santa Fe National Forest reopens by June 20th (Stage III fire restrictions)** Join us 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 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 be tread repair and some trail re-routing. All tools will be provided.
We will be camping in a wooded area at 11,000’ elevation. Volunteers will need to provide their own backpack, tent and sleeping bag suitable for high-altitude camping. Also bring a plate, bowl, cup and utensils. Plan to bring good work gloves, long-sleeved shirts, long pants and sturdy boots. Rain gear, hat and sunscreen will also be needed. Bring a small daypack and water bottles, plus any trail snacks desired. Contact project leader Mark Kimmel if you have any questions.

Sugarite Canyon State Park
2018-06-16 08:00 - 2018-06-17 12:00 UTC
RESULT: Fourteen volunteers work on the Coal Camp Trail, refurbishing 0.30 miles.
Flickr API error: Invalid API Key (Key has invalid format)
PHOTO ALBUM LINK

Come join us at Sugarite Canyon State Park! The park is located 6 miles northeast of Raton, NM, and nature enthusiasts will appreciate the abundance of wildlife, birds, butterflies, and wildflowers among the lakes, creeks, forests, and meadows. Outdoor recreation opportunities in the park include fishing, boating, hiking, horseback riding and camping.
Over the past few years NMVFO volunteers have been working to repair water damaged park trails, including washed out areas and deep cuts. This year we will move our efforts to a new area, the historic Coal Camp Trails, fixing trail tread, building rolling dips, and cutting back overgrowth. All tools will be provided.
Volunteers can camp Friday and Saturday nights at the Ponderosa Horse Camp. There are motels in Raton for those who do not wish to camp. Vault toilets are available near the campsite; potable water is available at Lake Alice Campground, and shower facilities at the park entrance. NMVFO will provide breakfast Saturday and Sunday, and dinner Saturday night. PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN CAMP DINNER WARE and trail lunch for Saturday and Sunday. On Saturday morning we will meet for the project at the Sugarite Canyon Visitor Center. Please sign up for this project no later than 12:00 PM on Tuesday, June 12th so our meal coordinator can match provisions to participants. Unfortunately, we will not be able to support restricted diets. Hope to see you there!

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.
Flickr API error: Invalid API Key (Key has invalid format)
PHOTO ALBUM LINK

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 UTC
RESULT: Five volunteers renewed 3.5 miles of trail, removing 27 deadfalls.
Flickr API error: Invalid API Key (Key has invalid format)
PHOTO ALBUM LINK

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 UTC
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 UTC
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 UTC
RESULTS: Signs were installed near Taos with ten volunteers, renewing 5.0 miles of trail.

Flickr API error: Invalid API Key (Key has invalid format)
PHOTO ALBUM LINK

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 UTC
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.
Flickr API error: Invalid API Key (Key has invalid format)
PHOTO ALBUM LINK

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 UTC
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 UTC
RESULTS: Nineteen(!) volunteers built 0.11 miles of new trail with Albuquerque Open Space.
Flickr API error: Invalid API Key (Key has invalid format)
PHOTO ALBUM LINK

Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge (FWS)
2018-04-07 08:00 - 13:00 UTC | 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 UTC
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.
Flickr API error: Invalid API Key (Key has invalid format)
PHOTO ALBUM LINK

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 UTC
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 UTC
RESULTS: Seven volunteers renewed 1.0 miles of the upper Piedra Lisa.
Flickr API error: Invalid API Key (Key has invalid format)
PHOTO ALBUM LINK

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 UTC
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.
Flickr API error: Invalid API Key (Key has invalid format)
PHOTO ALBUM LINK
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 UTC
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 UTC

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

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