NMVFO plans 20+ volunteer work projects each year. Click here for a printable overview of the 2024 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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Cañoncito Trail (Sandia RD)
May 13, 2022 @ 5:30 PM - May 15, 2022 @ 2:00 PM
Contact Leader(s): Jenny Blackmore, j.blackmore@nmvfo.org with any questions.
RESULTS: On May 14, 2022, eight NMVFO volunteers built a 250-ft spur trail in the Sandia Mountains, connecting the Cañoncito Trail to Cañoncito Spring. They removed and moved countless logs and other debris to keep horses off a sensitive area near the spring; reinforced the edge of the water where the trail “lands”; and closed off a steep user trail which had led to the spring.
Description: Join us for a day and a half of work near the intersection of the Faulty and Cañoncito trails in the Sandia Mountains. Volunteers will build a spur trail, redefine existing tread, create water protection measures, and build a buck & rail fence to direct traffic and mitigate erosion in the vicinity of Cañoncito Spring. We will camp nearby at the Cole Spring picnic area.
On Friday evening we will meet at the Sandia Ranger District (SRD) Visitor Center, at the north end of the parking lot. From there we’ll caravan to our campsite at Cole Spring. The road to Cole Spring is rough, and 4WD is best. At the SRD there is a secure place to leave cars if anyone would like to carpool from there. We’ll pass through a locked gate to get to Cole Spring and will not leave the area until the end of the project, except in case of emergency.
Camping at Cole Spring should be pleasant, with picnic tables and shade. Besides tent, sleeping bag/pad, headlamp, etc, a camp chair and cooler are nice to have. Please bring your own dinnerware and eating utensils. NMVFO will provide breakfast on Saturday and Sunday, and dinner on Saturday. Volunteers will be responsible for their own lunches and snacks, as well as dinner on Friday.
USFS regulations require that we wear sturdy boots, long pants and sleeves, work gloves, eye protection (sunglasses okay) and hard hats when we work. Hard hats and tools provided. Please also bring a day pack for snacks & lunch, water bottle, sunblock, and rain gear.
You can sign up below until Monday, May 9. One person per signup. Hope to see you there!
Difficulty: 
Group Size: 15
For more information: If this is your first NMVFO project, you can find more information about difficulty ratings and what to expect at Volunteer FAQ, or email the project leader.
Please read our Volunteer Guidelines before signing up for this project.