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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Little Whitewater Backpack (Gila NF)
October 19, 2023 @ 8:00 AM - October 23, 2023 @ 1:00 PM
Contact Leader(s): Melissa Green, m.green@nmvfo.org with any questions.
RESULTS: NMVFO volunteer partnered with Gila Back Country Horsemen to reestablish 2.25 miles of the Little Whitewater Trail #214 in the Gila National Forest.
Description: (This trail project was cancelled in the spring of 2023 (due to weather/high water), and we would like to try again. Slightly different camp but same idea.)
Map of project: https://caltopo.com/m/AN1TT
The work will be tread, logging, brushing, and trail markings. The hike to basecamp is 3.5 miles but steep trail with lots of elevation gain. Hiking during the day is up to 4.5 miles.
Come join us as we partner with the Gila Chapter of the NM Back Country Horsemen on a horse-supported backpack project near Glenwood. See below for information from the Gila BCH website:
“Our work will tie into later Forest Service trail work, reopening more loops in the Glenwood District. Most of the repairs are from deferred maintenance and post-Whitewater Baldy Fire in 2012. Optional: camping at a nearby campground the night before the project (please bring your own food and water). Camping options include Bighorn Campground just off of 180, only a few minutes from the meeting place, or Cosmic Campground north of Alma on 180, 20-minute drive to meeting place.
On Thursday we will meet between 8:00-8:30AM at Glenwood Community Park for introductions, work objectives, safety talk and gear check. We will give the packers our food and a bit of our gear, then carpool to a location near our trailhead. Because the last ¼ mile on the road to the trailhead is in bad condition, we will park at a small pull-off at the gate and hike to basecamp from there. People with high clearance vehicles are welcome to drive all the way to the trailhead. From the trailhead the hike to basecamp is 3.5 miles. This is a dry camp so water will be packed in. We will have our Seek Outside hot tent with us for the cool mornings and evenings. Day temperatures should be pleasant.
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: Please bring water for the hike to basecamp. We will provide jugs of water at basecamp. There is no water on the trail where we will be working so bring 3-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 Sunday, October 15.
Difficulty: 
Group Size: 8
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.