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.
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Mesa Prieta Petroglyph 2
Contact Leader(s): Dan Potter, d.potter@nmvfo.org with any questions.
Description: Join the Mesa Prieta Petroglyph Project (MPPP) and Wildlands Stewardship LLC for a hands-on erosion control project at the Archaeological Conservancy‘s Wells Preserve near Lyden, NM on Saturday, June 27. Mesa Prieta is home to one of the largest concentrations of petroglyphs in the Southwest, with thousands of images carved into basalt boulders by Indigenous, Spanish, and Anglo peoples over many centuries. Several of these irreplaceable boulders are now threatened by active erosion, and this project will directly address that risk.
Volunteers will work under the direction of Jeremiah Martin of Wildlands Stewardship LLC, an erosion control and restoration specialist with over a decade of experience, and Jerod Roberts, Project Archaeologist for MPPP, to construct rock dams and walls using native stone, redistribute gravels to regrade drainage channels, treat an actively eroding area, and plant native grasses to stabilize soils. Petroglyph-bearing boulders are located throughout the project area, so volunteers will receive a thorough orientation before work begins and will be guided carefully around cultural features at all times.
We will meet at the Wells Preserve near Lyden, NM at 8:30AM for sign-in, a work overview, and safety briefing. Detailed directions will be provided after signup. Volunteers must wear sturdy closed-toe shoes or hiking boots and work gloves. Bring layers for cool mornings and hot afternoons, a hat, sun protection, plenty of water, and a sack lunch. Snacks and additional beverages will be provided.
Difficulty: 
Group size: Up to 20
For More Information: If this is your first NMVFO project, you can find more information about difficulty ratings and what to expect at https://nmvfo.org/volunteer/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.