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
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 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 (March 20th or 21st) for a day of work starting at 8:00am or car camp with us starting either Thursday or Friday evening (March 19th or 20th).
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.
Site staff anticipate that many of the 1,000 apple trees at the Site will be in bloom for us to enjoy.
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.
Please sign up below. The closing date for signups is March 16th, 2026
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.
Meet at: Visitor Information Center, Los Luceros Historic Site, 253 County Road 41, Alcalde, NM 87511
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 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.