NMVFO plans 20+ volunteer work projects each year. Click here for a printable overview of the current 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
- This event has passed.
Sugarite Canyon State Park (ENMRD)
Contact Leader(s): Mike Timmer, 281-622-6858, m.timmer@nmvfo.org with any questions.
RESULTS: Twelve NMVFO volunteers cleared brush, grass, and deadfall trees from 2.5 miles of the Wapiti Trail and 1.8 miles of the Opportunity Trail at Sugarite Canyon State Park in northern New Mexico on a three-day car camping project. Besides improving the trails, volunteers sighted elk, deer, osprey, and a bear and enjoyed the scenic views and spring flowers.
Description: Join NMVFO on a car-camping project to improve a hiking trail at Sugarite Canyon State Park in northern New Mexico at a cool 7,200 feet. We will be clearing trees, brush, and grasses and improving drainage from the 2.3-mile Wapiti Trail near Lake Maloya and clearing willows from the shoreline around Lake Maloya angling areas.
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.
Camp staff will provide a presentation on wildlife within the park and water resource scarcity in the canyon at dinner one evening.
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. We recommend that you wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts, hiking boots, work gloves, protective eyewear (sunglasses OK) and a sun/rain hat while working. 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.
NMVFO cooks will provide breakfast on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday morning and dinner on Friday and Saturday evening; volunteers will need to provide their own lunches and snacks. Chemical toilets will be provided by the park.
While the Project starts at 8:00 am on Friday, May 16th, 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, May 18th.
Meet at: Sugarite Canyon State Park; Coordinates 36.95522, -104.38739
How to find us: Look for short green NMVFO signs on NM Highway 540 and on HIghway 526 within the park.
Reminder: Pets are not allowed on NMVFO projects.
Please sign up by May 13th. 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.
For more information: If this is your first NMVFO project, you can find more information about difficulty ratings and what to expect Volunteer FAQs or call/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.