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.
Valle de Oro Cleanup (NWR)
May 20, 2023 @ 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Contact Leader(s): Ed DiBello, 505-705-2584, e.dibello@nmvfo.org with any questions.
RESULTS: Twelve NMVFO volunteers improved the Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge by clearing debris and removing invasive vegetation (primarily Kochia aka Bassia scoparia) from the area around the Visitor Center and around the trail that surrounds the cattail pond. We filled one dumpster and one trailer with the invasive plants which will be composted. The deep rooted Kochia was difficult to remove since the area has a drip irrigation system that could not be disturbed. Therefore, the majority of the work was done with small hand tools and hand pulling of the noxious weed. For their perseverance, all participants were awarded “Weed Warrior” T-shirts courtesy of Valle de Oro.
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 8:00 AM to sign in. Dakota Dominguez, Valle de Oro Park Ranger, will present a short talk on the refuge. We will then proceed by car caravan 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 4:00 pm.
The volunteer group will not exceed 14 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 2 nd 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 8:00 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.