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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Horsethief Meadows Backpack (Santa Fe NF)
July 6, 2023 @ 9:00 AM - July 9, 2023 @ 4:00 PM
Contact Leader(s): Mike Timmer, 281-622-6858, m.timmer@nmvfo.org; Dan Potter, d.potter@nmvfo.org with any questions.
RESULTS: NMVFO volunteers cleared 233 deadfalls on 7.7 miles of trails, built a rock crossing, and brushed about a mile of trail. Our partners at Pecos Chapter of Back Country Horsemen hauled tools and water, helping us to do the work.
Description: Join us on a four-day backpacking project to clear downed trees and brush on the trails around Horsethief Meadows in the Pecos Wilderness. We will be setting up a base camp in the Meadows area surrounded by spruce-fir forest at about 9,840 ft MSL. The Backcountry Horsemen of America will be supporting us by transporting our tools and cooking equipment to the base camp. The base camp will be about 5.6 miles from the Panchuela Admin Site near the Panchuela Campground. While the project starts on Thursday, July 6th, 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.
Meet at: Panchuela Admin Site, GPS Coordinates 35.82953, -105.66411
Difficulty: 
Group Size: Up to 15
Closing date for signups is July 4th, 2023
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.
Reminder: Pets are not allowed on NMVFO projects.
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.