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
Sugarite Canyon State Park (ENMRD)
Contact Leader(s): Mike Timmer, 281-622-6858, m.timmer@nmvfo.org with any questions.
Description: Join NMVFO on a car-camping project to improve hiking trails 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 several hiking trails. We may be using weedwhackers supplied by the park as well as loppers and pruning saws.
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. We’ve seen ospreys, deer, elk, and a bear (from a distance) in the Park.
Camp staff will provide a presentation on the history of the coal town and the park 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, September 18th, you are welcome to join us Thursday evening (dinner will not be provided), Friday morning or evening, or Saturday morning. Please let us know what your arrival and departure plans are by contacting the project leader by email. The project will end at about 12:00 pm on Sunday, September 20th.
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 September 15th. One person per signup.
Difficulty: 
Group Size: 20. If the project becomes full, please add your name to the waitlist by emailing the project leader, 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.