NMVFO plans 20+ volunteer work projects each year. Click here for a printable overview of the 2024 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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Skyline Backpack
June 22, 2017 @ 10:00 AM - June 26, 2017 @ 5:00 PM
Contact Leader(s): Mark Kimmel, 505-239-8240, m_kimmel@q.com with any questions.
Volunteer with NMVFO as we repair a very scenic trail high up in the Pecos Wilderness! We will make our basecamp at the meadows of Puerto Nambe and work to repair the Skyline Trail as it climbs from the meadows to a saddle on the side of Santa Fe Baldy. This project will receive horse-packing support from the Back Country Horsemen of America (BCHA), who will pack in all of our food and cooking equipment the 4 miles from trailhead to basecamp. Speaking of cooking, all meals, inclusive, starting with dinner on June 22 and ending with lunch on June 26, will be provided by an award-winning trail chef who really knows how to cook up a tasty meal in the backcountry! Water will be available in the area around basecamp. The trail work will include tread repair and some trail re-routing. All tools will be provided. Since we will be camping near the trail that we will be working on, the hike from camp to work site is short.
We will meet at the large parking lot near the Winsor Trail trailhead at 10:00AM on Thursday, June 22nd and backpack in along the Winsor Trail the 4 miles from trailhead to basecamp. The project ends on Monday, June 26th at noon. Our basecamp at Puerto Nambe is in a large meadow area interspersed with forested areas at an elevation of 11,000’. The dates of this project were chosen to be late enough in the year to give the snow pack a chance to melt, but early enough to be before the monsoon season really kicks off. Of course, weather in the mountains is tough to predict, so please prepare well. Volunteers will need to provide all of their own backpacking gear (except for food and cooking equipment), including their own backpack, tent and sleeping bag suitable for high-altitude, possibly cold-weather camping. Also bring a plate, bowl, cup and utensils. Volunteers also need to bring good work gloves, long-sleeved shirts, long pants and sturdy boots. Rain gear, hat and sunscreen will also be needed. Plan to bring a small daypack and water bottles, plus any trail snacks desired. Hard hats will need to be worn while working, and will be provided. You are welcome to bring your own hardhat if you have one.