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




« All Events

  • This event has passed.

Juan Tomas (ABQ Open Space)

August 21, 2021 @ 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM

RESULTS: Sixteen NMVFO volunteers and five Open Space Division personnel completed the central section of a new connector trail through the forest on the eastern edge of the 1300-acre Juan Tomas Open Space in the Manzanita Mountains. Volunteers removed grass, shrubs, roots, and levelled ground to create a 2-foot wide tread along. Although most of the route was flat, they carved a bench on about 60 feet of slopping terrain and build one rock retaining wall.
Show More

Contact Leader(s): Larry Benson, L.Benson@nmvfo.org with any questions.

PHOTO ALBUM LINK

Albuquerque’s Open Space Division maintains five areas east of the Sandia and Manzanita Mountains. The largest of these is the Juan Tomas Open Space, which encompasses 1,290 acres of primarily pinon-juniper and ponderosa forest growing at elevations up to 7,760 feet. It lies adjacent to the Sandia Ranger District’s Oak Flat Group Picnic Area and an extensive multi-use trail network.

Description: We will be using a variety of tools to clear vegetation and excavate the forest floor to create about a half mile of new trail that will connect two existing trails. Construction of rock retaining walls may be included. The hikes to and from the ends of the new trail will average about a mile over mostly level terrain. Participants should wear sturdy boots or work shoes (no sandals or soft shoes), long pants, 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, lunch, sunscreen, hand sanitizer, and personal items. We will likely finish before 4:00 pm, but if not volunteers are welcome to leave earlier if necessary.

Check in August for our latest pandemic precautions at COVID-19 Protocols. If the project becomes full, you can email Larry to be put on a waitlist. Update(s) with more details will be sent to registrants before the project.

Meeting Place: Take the Tijeras exit (#175) from Interstate 40 and drive south on State Highway 337 for 9 miles (passing by Juan Tomas Road). Turn east (left) on Oak Flat Road. Continue driving for about 2.5 miles. Turn into the dirt parking area on the left side of the road (in front of a pipe gate) as shown in this satellite view: Link to Map

Difficulty: 2 Pulaskis

Group Size: up to 20

For more information: If this is your first NMVFO project, you can find more information about difficulty ratings and what to expect at our Volunteer FAQ’s, or email the project leader.

Please read our volunteer guidelines before signing up for this project.

Details

Date:
August 21, 2021
Time:
8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Event Category:
Event Tags:

Organizer

Larry Benson
Email
L.Benson@nmvfo.org