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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South Sandia Backpack Project (Sandia RD)
May 17, 2019 @ 7:30 AM - May 20, 2019 @ 3:00 PM
Contact Leader(s): with any questions.
RESULTS: Five volunteers renewed 3.0 miles of trail, removing 27 deadfalls.
Join us for a rare opportunity to camp off the Crest Trail near South Sandia Peak as we work to clear the trail corridor from overgrowth and deadfall. Lots of saw work! On Friday morning we will meet at the Sandia Ranger District Visitor Center in Tijeras for a ride to the trailhead at Canyon Estates (since parking is secure and ample at the SRD). SRD will provide tools and hard hats. Hard hats are required while we work. NMVFO will provide freeze-dried meals for 3 breakfasts (Sat, Sun, Mon) and 3 dinners (Fri, Sat, Sun). We will contact volunteers individually for meal preferences. Volunteers will need to bring their own lunches and snacks, and their own backpack and camping gear (including tent, sleeping bag/pad, water containers, spoon, coffee mug, headlamp, t.p. and trowel…). If you have a water filter and/or backpacking stove and fuel, please bring those too. A day pack is highly recommended for work days. Long pants, long-sleeved shirts, sturdy boots, work gloves and eye protection (sunglasses) are required by the USFS. We assume anyone signing up for this project will have some backpacking experience and will be aware of clothing needs, including raingear, and come prepared for the wide range of temperatures which could occur! Beginning backpackers are welcome, but must inform the trip leader in advance. The hike to camp is approximately 8 miles, with 3000 ft. of elevation gain, and we will divide up the tools (saws and loppers) to carry. A challenging (and fun!) way to give back to the Crest Trail! We will hike in on Friday and hike out on Monday, with the bulk of the work taking place on Saturday and Sunday (some on Friday too, but we will take our time hiking in). Volunteers also have the option of hiking in separately to meet the group for one or more days; please let us know if you intend to do so. For more information or to sign up, contact the project leader.