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
- This event has passed.
Valle de Oro Habitat Restoration WAITLISTED (NWR)
Contact Leader(s): Ed DiBello, 505-705-2584, e.dibello@nmvfo.org; Laurie Lacey, l.lacey@nmvfo.org with any questions.
RESULTS: A crew of 13 NMVFO volunteers worked steadfastly at clearing the pond area of a vast amount of tumbleweeds that had ‘tumbled’ into the water. We were able to clear the majority of the pond and the surrounding cattails. The NMVFO crew was augmented by volunteers from the Ancestral Lands Conservation Corps. In addition to conducting the project, we participated in a tabling event as part of Valle de Oro’s Earth Day Celebration. Thank you to Valle de Oro for hosting and a special thank you to Ranger Dakota for providing so much gear and for sharing the rich history of the refuge.
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 transitioning from agriculture fields to a diversity of native habitats and visitor amenities.
Help us with habitat restoration at the Refuge by volunteering to clear space for native plants by removing invasive species from the Visitor Center area. Guided tours of the Refuge will be provided by Valle de Oro staff for interested volunteers.
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 2:00 pm.
The volunteer group will not exceed 20 participants. 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 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.