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Valle de Oro Cleanup (NWR)
August 31 @ 7:30 AM - 2:30 PM
Contact Leader(s): Ed DiBello, 505-705-2584, e.dibello@nmvfo.org with any questions.
RESULTS: Refuge by clearing debris and removing invasive vegetation and non-native bullfrog tadpoles from the refuge. The invasive vegetation is primarily Kochia aka Bassia scoparia. We removed at least six trailer loads of invasive plants which will be composted. Five of our volunteers worked in the cattail pond to remove invasive bullfrog tadpoles and algae. Over 350 bullfrog tadpoles were removed from the wetland for disposition by FWS personnel. All work was done in the area around the Visitor Center and around the trail that surrounds the cattail pond.
Project Description: The Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge is the Southwest’s first urban wildlife refuge. It serves as an oasis for both wildlife and people. Established in 2012, the refuge is beginning to transition from agriculture fields to a diversity of native habitats and visitor amenities.
We will improve the refuge by clearing debris and removing invasive vegetation. We will meet in the Valle de Oro Visitor Center parking lot at 7:30 AM to sign in. Dakota Dominguez, Valle de Oro Park Ranger, will present a short talk on the refuge. We will then proceed to the work site to review the planned work and conduct a safety briefing.
Volunteers must wear sturdy boots (preferred) or shoes (no sandals), long pants, eye protection, and work gloves. Long sleeve shirts are recommended. Bring a hat, sun protection, and other apparel appropriate for the predicted weather. Also bring a day pack with water, snacks, lunch, and other necessities. We plan to finish work by 2:30 pm.
The volunteer group will not exceed 20 participants. The Visitors’ Center restroom facilities will be open. Registrants will be updated by email in the week(s) before the project with the latest information. If you have to cancel on the day of the project, please text the Project Leader at 505-705-2584.
Directions: Valle de Oro is located approximately 10 miles south of Albuquerque’s Big I. Coming from the North, take Interstate 25 South to Rio Bravo (Exit 220). Go West on Rio Bravo, then South on Broadway for approximately 2.25 miles. Turn West on Desert, cross the Railrunner Tracks, then turn South on 2nd Street. The entrance to Valle de Oro will be on your right about 0.75 miles. At the entrance, proceed to Visitor Center parking. Please plan to be there a little before 7:30 AM.
Difficulty: 
To sign up: Click on the button below and fill out the contact information. If the project is full, you can email the project leader to be put on a wait list.
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.