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.
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Valle de Oro NWR (FWS)
October 29, 2022 @ 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Contact Leader(s): Ed DiBello, 505-705-2584, e.dibello@nmvfo.org with any questions.
RESULTS: For the next-to-last scheduled project of NMVFO’s 40th Anniversary Year, a team of 14 NMVFO Volunteers and Valle de Oro staff dismantled old wooden walkways, cleared wooden debris, and sorted the material for re-application. The team also cleared over 500 feet of invasive vegetation along the east fence line and bike path. A great crew using impact wrenches, sawzalls, hammers, crowbars and grit worked together to safely complete this unique project at the Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge, the Southwest’s first urban wildlife refuge.
Description: 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.
The project will entail clearing vegetation, disassembling wooden walkways, and sorting material for future disposal. If we have sufficient volunteers, we will remove invasive species along a perimeter bike path, and disassemble a small greenhouse for future use by the refuge. We will meet in the Valle de Oro old farm house parking lot at 8:00 AM on Saturday, October 29, 2022 to sign in, review the planned work and conduct a safety briefing.
Volunteers must wear sturdy boots (preferred) or shoes (no sandals), long pants, long sleeve shirts, eye protection, and work gloves. Hardhats will be required and provided if you do not have a personal hardhat. Bring sun protection and apparel appropriate for the predicted weather. Also bring a day pack with water, snacks, lunch, and other necessities. NMVFO will provide all tools required for the project. We plan to finish work by 4:00 pm. Registrants will be updated by email in the week(s) before the project with the latest information. If you are not feeling well 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 (Map). 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. After about .75 miles the entrance to Valle de Oro will be on your right. After you enter the Refuge, take your first right through a gated entry and proceed to the old farm house (the “pink adobe” building). Green NMVFO signs will direct you to the project parking area. Please plan to be there a little before 8:00 AM.
To sign up: Click on the button below and fill out the contact information. If the project is full, we will start a waitlist.
Difficulty: 
Group Size: 20
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.
This project is full but you can still sign up to be put on the waitlist.