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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Las Vacas Loop Backpack (Cuba RD)
September 28, 2023 @ 9:00 AM - October 1, 2023 @ 4:00 PM
Contact Leader(s): Mike Timmer, 281-622-6858, m.timmer@nmvfo.org with any questions.
RESULTS: On a four-day backpacking trip, 14 volunteers, including 8 members of University of New Mexico’s Mountaineering Club, cleared 128 deadfalls and lopped brush and limbs that were encroaching on 10.2 miles of trails in the southern San Pedro Parks Wilderness Area. The volunteers also constructed a rock stream crossing and reinstalled three signposts. The trails improved were the Las Vacas, Damian, Clear Creek, and Lucero Trails.
Description: Join us on a four-day backpacking project to clear downed trees and brush on the Damian Trail and others in the southern part San Pedro Parks Wilderness. Here is the link to the Las Vacas Trail Loop that we will try to complete. We will camp at various locations depending upon the availability of water and the amount of work we can accomplish. While the project starts on Thursday, September 28, 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. NMVFO will reimburse volunteers for food expenses at the rate of $20/day.
Further information such as probable camping sites and water sources will be provided after the Project Leader scouts the entire loop just before the start date.
Reminder: Pets are not allowed on NMVFO projects.
Closing date for signups is September 25, 2023
Difficulty:
Group size: Up to 15
Meet at: Vacas/San Gregorio Lake Trailhead, Coordinates 36.02776, -106.84638 [Google Map]
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. 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.