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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Juan Tomas (ABQ Open Space)
August 22, 2020 @ 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Contact Leader(s): Larry Benson, L.Benson@nmvfo.org with any questions.
RESULTS: Fourteen NMVFO volunteers joined five staff members of the Albuquerque Open Space Division to clear and construct 1,425 feet of new trail through a forested area of the Juan Tomas Open Space in the Manzanita Mountains.
Description: Albuquerque’s Open Space Division maintains five areas east of the Sandia and Manzanita Mountains. See https://www.cabq.gov/parksandrecreation/open-space/lands/east-mountain-open-space. The largest of these is the Juan Tomas Open Space, which encompasses 1,290 acres of primarily piñon-juniper forest growing as high as 7,760 feet. It lies adjacent to the Sandia Ranger District’s extensive multi-use trail network.
To follow up on projects during the past 2 years, we will be using a variety of tools to clear vegetation and excavate the forest’s surface to create a smooth well-drained trail segment. No strenuous hiking will be involved. Participants should wear sturdy boots or work shoes (no sandals or soft shoes), long pants, long-sleeved shirts, hats, and other apparel appropriate for the predicted weather, especially rain gear if the monsoon season is active. Also bring work gloves and a day pack with water, snacks and lunch, sunscreen, hand sanitizer, and personal items. We may finish before 4:00 pm; volunteers are also welcome to leave earlier if necessary.
Pandemic Precautions: We will be practicing social distancing with masks and other related protocols. Unfortunately, carpooling will be restricted to members of the same household, and the size of the workforce will be limited to 15 people. So sign up below as soon as possible to avoid being placed on a waiting list. An update with more details will be emailed to registrants shortly before the project.
Meeting Place: Take the Tijeras exit from Interstate 40, drive south on State Highway 337 for 9 miles (passing by Juan Tomas Road). Turn east (left) on Oak Flat Road. Continue east (past the Oak Flat Group Picnic Area) for about 1.8 miles. Turn into the gravel parking area on the left side of the road in front of a pipe gate as shown on this satellite view.
Difficulty: 1 Pulaski
Group Size: Up to 15
For more information: If this is your first NMVFO project, you can find more information about difficulty ratings and what to expect at https://nmvfo.org/volunteer/volunteer-faq, or email the project leader.