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
Trail Workshop – Field (CABQ Open Space)
Contact Leader(s): Larry Benson, L.Benson@nmvfo.org; Christy Osmon, c.osmon@nmvfo.org with any questions.
This session will build upon skills introduced to new volunteers at an indoor class on March 14, but anyone is welcome to sign up for either or both sessions. For those who miss last week’s class, we recommend you review its two PowerPoint presentations at the top of the following webpage: https://nmvfo.org/volunteer/resources/.
Description: This training project will be conducted on Albuquerque Open Space land in the Tijeras Canyon Biozone just east of the city. Experienced Open Space personnel and the NMVFO project leaders will help mentor volunteers as we build a new trail section and close an old one. The trail’s new route will be marked with pin flags that carefully follow the terrain to permit proper drainage. Any large trees in the way will have already been felled with a chainsaw, but we will use hand tools to remove stumps, smaller trees, brush, and intruding branches. We will also reshape and smooth the tread, digging out rocks and roots, and build rock walls as needed to buttress the trail along steep slopes or at drainage crossings. For closing the old trail segment, we will scarify the tread and scatter foliage to limit erosion and block its entrances with rocks, branches, and replanted cactuses where available.
Preparations: Wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts, sturdy boots or work shoes, eye protection (such as sun glasses), caps or hats, and outer layers appropriate for the weather forecast. Bring work gloves if you have them (but extras will be available to borrow) and a daypack with water, a light lunch and/or snacks, and sunscreen. An email update will be sent out during the week before the project. Please sign up no later than March 19.
Directions: The Tijeras Biozone facilities are located at 15600 Central Ave SE as shown on this map. If coming from Albuquerque on I-40, turn south on Tramway Blvd (Exit 167), then turn left on Central Ave. and continue east on Old Route 66 (NM 333) for 1.2 miles to the parking lot.
Difficulty:
Sign up by clicking the button below. If this is your first NMVFO project, you can find out more information at Volunteer FAQs. If you have any more questions, or would like to be put on a waitlist if the project is full, please email Larry and Christy or call Larry at 505-821-7999.
Group Size: 20.
Cost: Free!
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.