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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Sugarite Canyon State Park (ENMRD)
August 23 @ 9:00 AM - August 25 @ 12:00 PM
Contact Leader(s): Mike Timmer, 281-622-6858, m.timmer@nmvfo.org with any questions.
RESULTS: Thirteen NMVFO volunteers camped at Sugarite Canyon State Park from August 22nd through the 24th. The group lopped and limbed locust trees on 0.65 miles of Highway 526 and along Lake Alice to improve the view of the lake from the highway and to improve access along the lake. In addition, the group constructed or enhanced 18 drainage diversions along 1.3 miles of trail in the coal camp area.
Description: Join NMVFO on a car-camping project to improve several hiking trails at Sugarite Canyon State Park in northern New Mexico at a cool 7,000 feet. We will be clearing trees, brush, and grasses that are encroaching upon the trails.
Sugarite Canyon State Park was once a coal mine/coal town right on the Colorado border. It offers interpretive trails of the coal town ruins, great hiking trails, and two lakes to fish in.
Volunteers will camp at the Valve Tender’s Group Campground and need to provide their own recreational vehicle or camping gear including tent, sleeping bag and pad, camp chair, headlamp, etc., plus a cooler/beverages, if desired. NMVFO cooks will provide breakfast on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday morning and dinner on Friday and Saturday evening; volunteers will need to supply their own lunches and snacks. Please bring your own plate, bowl, utensils, and coffee mug. Chemical toilets will be provided by the park.
Please bring a daypack to carry your lunch, snacks, sunblock, rain gear, and a full-day’s supply of water. All tools will be provided. While the Project starts at 9:00 am on Friday, August 23rd, you can join us Thursday evening (dinner will not be provided), Friday morning or evening, or Saturday morning. Please join us by 5:00 pm on Friday evening if you would like dinner. Join us by 7:00 am on Saturday morning if you would like breakfast. Just let us know what your plans are by contacting the project leader by email or phone. The project will end at about 12:00 pm on Sunday, August 25th.
Meet at: Sugarite Canyon State Park; Coordinates 36.95522, -104.38739 Elevation: 6,965 ft How to find us: Look for short green NMVFO signs on NM Highway 540
Reminder: Pets are not allowed on NMVFO projects.
Please sign up by August 19th. One person per signup.
Difficulty: 
Group Size: 20. If the project becomes full, please add your name to the waitlist, and we will contact you if a spot opens up.
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.