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
Mesa Prieta Petroglyph Project
Contact Leader(s): Mike Timmer, 281-622-6858, m.timmer@nmvfo.org with any questions.
Description: Join NMVFO as we improve the trails at the Mesa Prieta Petroglyph Project located north of Espanola. Founded in 1999, the Project has three goals; to record as many of the estimated 100,000 petroglyphs and other archaeological features as possible; to educate the archaeological community, local people, and visitors about this treasure; and to protect and preserve archaeological features on the mesa.
We will be brushing a short section of trail, pruning junipers that are overhanging some of the petroglyphs, and improving drainage from the trails that wander among the thousands of petroglyphs at this little known but quite fascinating petroglyph site. 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 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 April 1st, 2026.
Difficulty: 
Group size: Up to 15
Meet at: Directions to the trailhead parking lot will be provided to the people who sign up no later than April 1st, 2026
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.