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 – Saturday Invasive Tree Removal
Contact Leader(s): Mike Timmer, 281-622-6858, m.timmer@nmvfo.org with any questions.
RESULTS: Eight NMVFO volunteers removed over 1200 invasive Russian olive tree stems from 0.52 miles of the Bosque Loop trail at the Los Luceros Historic Site in Alcalde. They used loppers and hand saws to cut the trees at ground level and piled the cut trees. They also macerated the trunks of the trees with hatchets to prevent sprouting. The volunteers enjoyed the beautiful fall colors of the cottonwood and New Mexico olive trees and the fresh from the tree apples from the Site’s 1,000-treee apple orchard.
Description: Join NMVFO on Saturday, October 11th starting at 8:30 am as we remove invasive trees (Russian olive and tamarisk) from the bosque at the Los Luceros Historic Site just north of Espanola. These invasive trees are crowding out native plants and using water needed by the cottonwood trees.
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. All tools will be provided.
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 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.
Meet at: Visitor Information Center, Los Luceros Historic Site
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.