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Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge Tree Planting 2 (FWS) – CANCELED
February 20, 2021 @ 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
The Sevilleta NWR protects a large area north of Socorro featuring a variety of terrain, flora, and fauna on both sides of the Rio Grande. Photos of last year’s project can be viewed on our Flickr site.
Description: We will be helping to improve the riparian habitat along the Rio Grande, in an area that has been cleared of invasive Tamarisk trees, by pole-planting willows and/or cottonwoods. This will restore an environment favorable to a variety of native wildlife, especially the endangered Southwestern Willow Flycatcher. Refuge staff will have already drilled holes down to the water table with a large auger and prepared cuttings for planting, so our main job will be inserting these small saplings and back-filling the holes. As this task needs to be done in late winter (before the growing season), please dress for chilly weather and any precipitation depending on the latest forecast for Socorro. The work area may be muddy, so wearing sturdy boots or work shoes is advised. Also bring work gloves and a day pack with lunch, drinks, and snacks. Extra water will be available at the work site. Our work may be completed by early or mid-afternoon depending on attendance.
Pandemic Protocols: The project will be limited to 15 volunteers, divided into separate teams of 5 or fewer. Masks are mandatory, and the extensive areas to be planted will allow volunteers to work individually while maintaining social distancing. Except for people from the same household, carpooling will not be possible. If you wake up with any symptoms of Covid-19 or do not feel well for any reason, please don’t hesitate to stay home. For more information, go to https://nmvfo.org/covid-19-protocols/
Directions: We will meet at the Sevilleta Visitor Center parking lot by 8:30 AM to sign in and take advantage of the indoor plumbing if desired. The center is located 60 miles south of Albuquerque’s “Big-I” on Interstate 25. (Google map) Take Exit 169 and make a sharp right turn at the first intersection. As shown by the map, the Visitor Center is about 1/4 of a mile up this road. From there we will drive in a caravan several miles to the work site on gravel roads that are normally suitable for sedans.
Difficulty: 1 Pulaski
Group Size: No more than 15.
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.
Sign up using the button below no later than Thursday, February 18.
Contact Leader(s): Larry Benson, L.Benson@nmvfo.org with any questions.