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
Bosque del Apache NWR
Contact Leader(s): Jim (Sagebrush) Sells, 505-898-6345, j.sells@nmvfo.org with any questions.
Description: Volunteers will assist refuge and Friends staff in reducing fire hazards along a newly installed 0.4-mile addition at the Observation Blind Trail. Removal of dead and downed cottonwoods and willows will encourage existing native plants to grow and help to improve wildlife observation opportunities.
Most of the work will involve bucking and moving plant debris into piles or trailers to be moved offsite. Some shovel work may be needed to remove roots of invasive trees.
We will meet in the Bosque del Apache Visitor Center parking lot at 9:00 AM to sign in. We will then proceed by car caravan to the work site to review the planned work and conduct a safety briefing.
Volunteers must wear sturdy boots (preferred) or shoes (no sandals), long pants, eye protection, and work gloves. Long sleeve shirts are recommended. Bring a hat, sun protection, and other apparel appropriate for the predicted weather. Also bring a day pack with water, snacks, lunch, and other necessities. NMVFO will provide tools. We plan to finish work by 4:00 pm.
After completion of the project, volunteers are invited to share a late-afternoon meal at the Owl Cafe in San Antonio, NM.
Directions: Bosque del Apache is located approximately 7.7 miles south of San Antonio NM. Coming from the North, take Interstate 25 South to the San Antonio (Exit 139). Go East on US-380 E for 0.2 miles, then South on Main St, NM-1 S/Old US Hwy 85, for 7.7 miles. At the entrance, proceed to Visitor Center parking. Please plan to be there a little before 9:00 AM.
Difficulty: 
To sign up: Click on the button below and fill out the contact information. If the project is full, you can email the project leader to be put on a wait list.
Please read our Volunteer Guidelines before signing up for this project. On the signup form please leave the "Number of Volunteers" at 1. If you would like to sign up additional volunteers please submit multiple signups.