NMVFO plans 20+ volunteer work projects each year. Click here for a printable overview of the current 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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Los Luceros Historic Site Invasive Tree Removal
Contact Leader(s): Mike Timmer, 281-622-6858, m.timmer@nmvfo.org with any questions.
Description: Join NMVFO as we remove invasive trees (Russian olive and tamarisk) from the bosque at the Los Luceros Historic Site just north of Espanola. We will be using loppers and hand saws to cut the trees at ground level and piling the cut trees next to a nearby gravel road. We will then load the cut trees into trailers to be hauled off. We will also use hatchets to macerate the remaining trunks to help prevent them from sprouting. All tools will be provided.
You can join us on either Friday or Saturday (October 10th or 11th) for a day of work starting at 8:30am or car camp with us starting either Thursday or Friday evening (October 9th or 10th).
NMVFO cooks will provide breakfasts on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday mornings and dinners on Friday and Saturday evenings. Folks can eat in the dining hall adjacent to the kitchen. Please let the Project Leader (Mike Timmer at m.timmer@nmvfo.org) know when you plan to arrive and depart so he will know how many tools to bring and the cooks will know how much food to prepare.
The site will provide a level spot for tent campers and a gravel parking lot for RV campers. Both sites are near the dining hall, restrooms, and showers.
We suggest that you wear boots, long pants, long sleeves, work gloves, hats, and eye protection (sunglasses okay) while working. Please bring a day pack to carry your lunch, snacks, sunblock, and rain gear (if rain is expected), and water.
Reminder: Pets are not allowed on NMVFO projects.
The closing date for signups is October 7th, 2025.
Difficulty: 
Group size: Up to 25. If the project becomes full, please add your name to the waitlist, and we will contact you if a spot opens up.
How to find us: Look for the sign to the Los Luceros Historic Site on State Highway 68 about 15 miles north of Espanola. Green NMVFO signs will point you to the Visitor Center at approximate coordinates 36.1174, -106.0396.
For more information: If this is your first NMVFO project, you can find more information about difficulty ratings and what to expect at Volunteer FAQs or email the project leader. Please also read our Volunteer Guidelines before signing up for this project.
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.