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.
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Jerky Mountains Backpack (Gila NF) WAITLISTED
May 8 @ 8:00 AM - May 13 @ 4:00 PM
Contact Leader(s): Melissa Green, m.green@nmvfo.org with any questions.
RESULTS: We did major work on 4.3 miles of the Lilley Park Trail in the Jerky Mountains. This trail was previously hard to find and had many logs over the trail. This trail is a part of the Forest Service Gila Centennial Trail so it had extra significance in us reopening it.
Description: After hiking 10.25 miles to basecamp (map) from Aeroplane Mesa Campground, we will work on a variety of trails. The priority is working the trail over the Jerky Mountains. Be prepared to hike up to 6.5 miles each day. During our work on several trails, you will be able to see a large section of the Wilderness.
Camping at Aeroplane Mesa Campground the night before is recommended due to the length of the drive. Please bring your own food and water.
These trails are on the north side of the Gila Wilderness. They are in a beautiful area of Ponderosa Forest with wonderful views. It is well worth the drive and backpack. There is significant deferred maintenance on these trails.
Food: Gila BCH homemade vacuum sealed meals (breakfasts and dinners) will be available for this project. We can accommodate meat eaters, vegetarians, and some gluten free diets. But you can also bring your own breakfasts and dinners if you prefer. Everyone will need to provide their own lunches and snacks. Water: There are options to refill and filter water at mile 4 and 7 on the way to camp. At basecamp, we will filter water from Quinten Spring. There is no water on some of the trails where we will be working so bring 4-quart water capacity. We will provide: Tools, hard hats, trail and safety training, project supervision, and first aid kit with Wilderness First Responder trained personnel.
Please see the BCH website description for a packing list and more information! Sign up below by Friday, May 3.
Difficulty: 
Group Size: up to 9 total