Find out how to join the New Mexico Volunteers for the Outdoors

At New Mexico Volunteers for the Outdoors, virtually any day could be National Trails Day.

For a nonprofit organization that has been working on outdoor service projects throughout the Land of Enchantment since 1982, trail stewardship is simply part of the mission. However, NMVFO is also participating in the official National Trails Day on Saturday, June 7, an event organized by the American Hiking Society to improve the state of trails across the country.

In recognition of that date, NMVFO will be working on the Quarai Spanish Corral Loop Trail at Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument. The Quarai site is located approximately eight miles north of Mountainair, where the monument is based. From 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. attendees will add wood chips to the tread, trim back brush and improve drainage in the area.

“We always try to do a project on that day, as well as Earth Day and National Public Lands Day, which happens in the fall, because those are days that people are more aware of, and they’re looking for ways to participate,” said Laurie Lacey, who has been involved with NMVFO for the past four years.

For those new to the organization, participation in such a project could serve as a catalyst for a wide variety of future endeavors. That was the case for Lacey, an outdoor enthusiast and avid hiker who learned of NMVFO from her sister, volunteered for a project, and has been hooked ever since. During the past four years she’s served on the board, worked as a secretary, done community outreach and participated in more than 20 projects.

Whether it’s National Trails Day or a future event, it’s quite simple to take part. Interested parties can visit nmvfo.org, select a project, and fill out an online form to sign up.

“It’s the easiest thing in the world,” Lacey said. “… Then the project leader will be in touch with you and give you all the lowdown — where they’re meeting, what to bring, what to wear, answer any question that you have before the project actually happens.

“And you just show up that day. We provide tools. We provide training, so you don’t have to have any prior experience.”

There is a cap on participation — usually between 15 and 20 people — and each project typically fills up before its scheduled date. It isn’t just trail work, either. From February through November each year, NMVFO does a variety of projects that include stabilizing archaeological sites, refurbishing campgrounds and improving wildlife habitats. Some are just day trips, and others can involve camping or backpacking. Lacey’s personal favorite was a four-day project at Ghost Ranch last spring. It encompassed a little bit of everything that makes NMVFO an ideal destination for outdoor aficionados.

“The work on the trail was very challenging,” she said. “We had to do a lot of rock movement, moving and rock wall building. And the views were spectacular the whole time. One day we had beautiful spring weather, and the next day we had snow … So, that’s part of the experience. It’s just enjoying the outdoors and really engaging with the weather, the elements, and the landscape by building a trail.”

Those who wish to become members can join with a $30 annual donation ($45 for families), or they can continue to pick their spots to volunteer throughout the year.

“There’s no quota. You don’t have to do one project every month or one project a year. It’s completely up to you,” Lacey said. “So that’s appealing to people, and you can see a change that day when you go to do the work. By the time you leave that day, you see an improvement in outdoor space and public access that you contributed to. And that’s something that’s very rewarding.”

New Mexico Volunteers for the Outdoors work to help improve the state's public lands