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
- This event has passed.
Trail Workshop – Field (CABQ Open Space)
March 12, 2022 @ 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM
Contact Leader(s): Larry Benson, L.Benson@nmvfo.org; Jenny Blackmore, j.blackmore@nmvfo.org with any questions.
RESULTS: Twenty-one NMVFO volunteers joined five personnel from the Albuquerque Open Space Division to build several hundred feet of new trail through rugged terrain that required construction of numerous rock walls. When completed, this trail will replace an existing eroding trail that cuts through an area containing a concentration of Native American cultural artifacts.
Description: This session will build upon skills introduced at the March 11 class for new volunteers, but anyone is welcome to sign up for either or both sessions. The field training will take place at a property newly acquired by the Open Space Division which will soon include an education center, the Tijeras Education Building. Experienced Open Space personnel and NMVFO members will help mentor volunteers as we re-route an existing trail. Expected tasks include building the new trail segment following a better path identified by pin flags and closing off the old section by covering it with branches and any nearby rocks, transplanting available cactuses, and scarifying the surface (“tread”) to slow erosion and encourage new growth. Building the new trail may include clearing or trimming existing plants, reshaping the trail’s surface to improve drainage, and reinforcing it with rocks as needed.
Volunteers should wear sturdy boots or shoes (no sandals), long pants, and bring work gloves, hat, sun protection, and other apparel appropriate for the predicted weather. Also bring a day pack with water, snacks, lunch, and other necessities. We will follow any pandemic protocols for outdoor gatherings in effect in March. Registered volunteers will be provided updates on the project by email.
Directions: We will meet by 8:30 AM in the parking lot of the future Tijeras Education Building at 15600 Old Route 66. As shown on this map, if coming from Albuquerque on I-40, turn south at the Tramway Blvd exit, then turn left on Central Ave. and continue driving west for 1.2 miles.
Difficulty: 
Group Size: 20
Cost: Free!
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.