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.
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Stewart Lake Backpack (Santa Fe NF)
August 10, 2023 @ 9:00 AM - August 13, 2023 @ 4:00 PM
Contact Leader(s): Jim (Sagebrush) Sells, 505-898-6345, j.sells@nmvfo.org; Tom Slocum, t.slocum@nmvfo.org with any questions.
RESULTS: Six volunteers spent four days based out of Stewart Lake camp in the Pecos Wilderness clearing blowdowns from the upper Winsor and Skyline trails between Stewart Lake and the saddle above Puerto Nambe. We also added some variety to the cross cut bucking (and cooled down) by getting our feet wet with a few stream crossing and drainage improvements. All enjoyed good fellowship around camp, which was enlivened by many chattering boys from the annual St Mark’s School wilderness immersion program who shared the campsite. Most of us old guys agreed that the highlight of the trip was a lunch-time nap on the shore of beautiful Spirit Lake!
Description: Join us on a four-day backpack to a base camp near Stewart Lake, a highlight of the Pecos Wilderness at 10,000 feet elevation along SkylineTrail #251. Starting from Cowles, we will hike in 7.5 miles along Winsor Ridge Trail #271, to clear downed trees and lop corridor, and improve tread in the area as necessary. The Back Country Horsemen will support us by transporting tools and cooking equipment to base camp.
Location: We will park at Winsor Ridge Trailhead near Cowles, Google Map link.
Please sign up below by Tuesday, August 8. One person per signup.
Difficulty: 
Group Size: Up to 15
For more information: If this is your first NMVFO project, you can find more information about difficulty ratings and what to expect at 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.