NMVFO plans 20+ volunteer work projects each year. Click here for a printable overview of the current project season, and check back often for additional information posted as it becomes available. To receive updates and detailed information about upcoming projects and events, be sure to sign up for the NMVFO newsletter on the Home page. Public land agencies that are interested in proposing a project should contact our Projects Team (projects@nmvfo.org) for more information and our easy-to-complete project proposal form.
If you’re new to NMVFO, be sure to visit our FAQ page to learn more about what to expect on a project. Project leaders are always happy to answer your questions about specific projects. Have a non-project related question? Send us a message from our Contact page. Pets are not allowed on any NMVFO projects. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or other legal guardian
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Beatty’s Trail Full/WAITLIST (SFNF)
Contact Leader(s): Dan Potter, d.potter@nmvfo.org; Russ Garland, r.garland@nmvfo.org with any questions.
RESULTS: On June 14-15, Santa Fe National Forest, Pecos/Las Vegas RD, 17 NMVFO volunteers conducted maintenance on the initial 2.1 miles of the popular Beatty’s Trail out of the Jack’s Creek Trailhead. 12 logs were removed, significant portions of the trail were bench-cut and outslope angle corrected, two steel drainage culverts were cleared. Stone steps were set in two badly-eroded/incised climbing turns to help control erosion. New grade-reversals were set both immediately above and below three of the four climbing turns on Beatty’s to remove runoff and combat further incision. Numerous other grade-reversals and/or drains were constructed where appropriate. A total of approx. 40 of these were installed within the project area. Finally, the trail within our project area was cleared of obstructing brush using the 6’ X 8’ USFS standard.
If this project is full, please contact the project leaders to be placed on a waitlist.
Description: Join us for a car-camping weekend at Jack’s Creek Group Camp Sites A and B, Pecos/Las Vegas Ranger District of the Santa Fe National Forest. At 9,000 feet elevation, Jack’s Creek is the northern-most and highest campground in the Pecos Canyon, providing fine views to the South and West. The road to the camp is paved throughout. Volunteers wishing to arrive early may do so, the camp will be open Friday evening, June 13. The camp is provided with tables, fire rings, and a composting toilet. Nights will be chilly, so bring warm clothes and some firewood if you have it. Remember that folding chair!
Work: Our work will focus on clearing the trailhead of brush, and improving the first two miles of Beatty’s Trail, FT25. Bench-cutting will address a “trail-creep” problem on the trail, we’ll improve the tread as well, and install grade-reversals (also known as “rolling dips”) where needed. As such, this project will involve some brushing with loppers, but will mostly focus on modifying the trail tread with McLeods and pick-mattocks.
Food: Our cook team will provide a light meal or snacks on Friday night, breakfast on Saturday and Sunday mornings, and supper on Saturday night. Volunteers should bring their own snacks and lunch materials, as well as beverages of their choice and a cooler.
Water: Due to maintenance issues, this will be a dry camp. NMVFO will provide some water for camp, but volunteers should be prepared with your own extra water for the weekend.
Tools/Equipment/Clothing: NMVFO will provide all tools needed and hard hats, which are required on this project. Participants should wear sturdy boots (no sandals or light shoes), long pants, long-sleeved shirts, hat, eye protection (sunglasses are fine), gloves, daypack with plenty of room for water, sunblock, and bring gear for rain.
Difficulty: 
for treadwork and 1,000 ft elevation gain on trail.
Group Size: Up to 15, plus 2 cooks
Please remember that while we love our pets, they are not allowed on NMVFO projects.
If the project is full, please contact the project leaders 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.