Los Amigos de Valles Caldera

Hike South Mountain

2009-08-14T16:33:00.001-07:00

A new Hike is now available at the Valles Caldera and what's cool about this hike is that you don't have to take a van back and forth plus it's only 5 bucks. It is a long hike if you do the whole thing (10 miles or so), but the good news here is you don't have to do the whole thing. The hike starts at the Valles Grande Staging area where you park your car. You can hike just to the historic headquarters area or continue and head south down VC02 until you connect to the trails that take you up south mountain. You could stop and turn around anywhere along the way.

It's not a loop hike so you go back the same way you came, but I am sure in the future it will be connected into a fantastic loop back to the Valle Grande Staging Area.

Get out there an enjoy this new opportunity to hike the VCNP!

Here is the link to the VCNP's site with info on this hike:
http://www.vallescaldera.gov/comevisit/hike/hike_routemaps.aspx#south

A Great Hike

2009-08-03T09:21:00.000-07:00

Saturday, Greg Kendall led a hike on the "East Rim" of the Valles Caldera that was sponsored by Los Amigos de Valles Caldera and co-sponsored by the Pajarito Environmental Education Center. It's an incredible hike that goes into land that is normally closed to the public, but we were approved to enter for this special hike. We had a large group of 34 people and one baby!

The group of hikers rode the ski lift up Pajarito, jumped the VCNP fence, hiked down the South face of Pajarito to Valle Canyon Pass, then up the North side of Cerro Grande, up to the top and then after a good snack, hiked on to the Bandelier route of Cerro Grande back to the Cerro Grande route parking lot near the junction of Hwy 4 and Forest Road 289.

You can view photos from the Trip HERE.

2009-07-23T13:19:00.000-07:00

To see a better view of the above information that includes links to items on the image click HERE.

OldTimers' BBQ & Hike

2009-07-17T09:14:00.001-07:00

Don't forget that the Hike & BBQ are this Sunday (July 19th).

For More Info Click:

http://losamigosdevallescaldera.blogspot.com/2009/06/upcoming-events.html

2009-07-17T09:12:00.001-07:00

Click on the following image to enlarge it or go to the Trusts website to see the update posting with all the web links HERE.

2009-07-16T20:50:00.000-07:00

Click on the following image to enlarge it or go to the Trusts website to see the fishing update posting with all the links HERE.

2009-07-16T10:18:00.000-07:00

Click on the following image to enlarge it or go to the Trusts website to see the special events posting with all the links HERE.

1945 B-29 Crash in the Valles Caldera????

2009-07-15T13:32:00.000-07:00

We received this message and we pass it on to see if anyone has an answer:

Subject: May 30, 1945, B-29 Plane crash in Valle Caldera vicinity

Sirs:

I was referred to you gentlemen by Sam Beard, a friend and LAVC member. He informed me that there is to be an "Old Timer's Day" gathering at the Valle Caldera Preserve on Sunday, July 19, 2009. Sam indicated that might be a good opportunity to ask some of those older folks if they are aware of a B-29 crash that occurred in the Valle Caldera region on May 30, 1945. I am an aviation crash-explorer and several others and I want to pin-point the crash location with GPS coordinates and document the site. We have copies of the official USAAF crash report and our interpretations of the described crash location could put it either on the northeastern part of the Preserve or in the surrounding area. So far, we have found no one who remembers anything about this crash. We have been in touch with the Preserve management and Craig Martin of Los Alamos. While willing to help us and grant access to the Preserve, they have no knowledge of the event. However, if the crash did happen on the Preserve, they would like to know where the site is.

At the July 19th gathering, could you ask a general question of those in attendance if anybody there remembers the crash and where we might find the crash site? In particular, Craig Martin mentioned a lady named Mary Ann Bond Buten and a former housekeeper named Ruby as a possible information source. If they, or anyone else, is willing to talk to us about the event, please contact me.

Thank you for your time,

Jim Koehler
(505) 323-1617
either jkoehler23@comcast.net
or je_koehler@comcast.net

---------------------------------------
If you know on "Old-Timer," ask them about the above!

For more info on the above photo please see:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Enola_Gay2.jpg

Activity Info Sheets from the Preserve

2009-06-16T22:33:00.001-07:00

You can click these info sheets for a better view of each.

June 20th Volunteer Orientation

2009-06-12T13:32:00.001-07:00

The Valles Caldera is holding a third day of Volunteer Orientation on June 20th.

Details can be find at this link:
http://tinyurl.com/n6k5sw

Photos from the June 7th Geology Tour

2009-06-08T16:38:00.001-07:00

Tour group shot in front of the Bond CabinClick on Image to get an enlarged view.
Here are some photos from participants who went along. It was a great trip. Thanks to Kirt Kempter - Geologist Extraordinaire for leading the trip:

http://casaconiglio.blogspot.com/2009/06/valles-caldera.html

more photos will be posted here as they become available.

Upcoming Events

2009-06-05T14:18:00.000-07:00

EAST RIM HIKE

Saturday, August 1st. We will hike from Pajarito Mountain to Cerro Grande and then on to the Cerro Grande Parking area on Hwy4. We will meet at 8:30 a.m. at the Cerro Grande trail (route) parking lot up on HWY 4 near where forest road 289 (St. Peters Dome Rd) intersects HWY 4 (see map link below - the parking area is just past mile marker 44 coming up from Los Alamos - the markers are on the left side of the road). We will leave half the cars there and then drive the other half to Pajarito Ski Area and ride up the lift (August 1st is a hikers lift day at Pajarito Ski Area and the price is $10).

Satellite map of 8:30 am meeting area. Click to enlarge.

The hike will cross into the Preserve and then later out again. The views are outstanding. This will be an opportunity to travel into an area that is normally not open to hiking. It’s going to be an adventure! (It's about a 700 foot elevation gain and 3.5 miles. It's rugged off trail hiking with steep sections until we get to the top of Cerro Grande. Wear good hiking boots and be prepared for a rain showers. Bring your own water and food/snacks.)

This hike is open to members and non-members. Cost = $10 lift fee.

To see an approximate route of the hike click HERE. (Or http://tinyurl.com/n2wmns )

Reserve your spot with Greg Kendall 505-412-3843 or greg_kendall@yahoo.com ).

(Some folks have indicated that they would rather hike up Pajarito rather than take a ski lift up. Please let me know if this is your desire and we will arrange to meet this group near the top of the Aspen ski life at 9:15 am. We must wait for everyone to ride up the lift before we continue into the Valles Caldera NP.)

Coming later in the summer:

Alamo Bog Wetlands Work Days and Camp Out - Friday August 14th - 16th.
This is your chance to help the environment at the Preserve and to camp out!
That is right, I said CAMP OUT. Don't miss this very amazing opportunity to work hard and to sleep even harder. Here are some photos from last year's Alamo Bog Work Party.

June 7th Geology Tour

2009-05-30T12:13:00.001-07:00

Here are the details for those signed up for the June 7th North Rim Geology Tour.
(There are very few slots left on this tour so if your interested and have a high clearance vehicle ... email Greg at greg_kendall@yahoo.com or call 505-412-3843 soon) ... that is Greg's mobile number for those going on the Tour ... you might want to keep it handy for June 7th, just in case.

Those who are already signed up: We are meeting by 8:45 am in Espanola. If you are paying that morning ... arrive at 8:30 am. (Check or Cash - $35/person.)

Map to meeting place in Espanola:
1221 Paseo de Onate (HWY 285) in Espanola. It's near the Northeast corner of HWY 285 and Fairview Lane. The point on the map below is a little off (we are meeting north of this spot).
It's a Conoco/Quik Stop/KFC place.

Basically, if you are headed North on HWY 285 you past the turn that heads East towards the HomeDepot/Walmart stores. Instead you go another 1000 yards or so and turn into the Conoco on the right side of Hwy 285. We will all meet up in the parking lot. Bring cash or a check for the $35 payment per person and Barbara Johnson will collect it.

Click on the Map below...

View Larger Map

Our meeting place is more or less across the street from road designated 565 in the above map. 565 (show on above map) is the road we will take to head up to the mountains. 565 connects with Forest Rd 144. We will stop once for a Geology Talk as we head on up to the North Rim. Near the Rim we will go over some fairly big bumps on our way to our lunch spot. The lunch spot has a fantastic view over a wide area of the Caldera. It's a spot known as "Hunters Point".

After Lunch and another interesting Geology Talk by Kirt Kempter we will continue in our vehicles to the Garita Gate of the Valles Caldera National Preserve. We will unlock the gate and drive down the rim and into the Preserve itself. We will stop for a portapotty break at the bottom and then continue on until we come to an Obsidian mound where Kirt will give us a final talk on the source of the Obsidian and let us look around a bit. (Note: Do not take any objects from the Preserve as it is a federal crime to do so. Photos are fine. Take as many photos as you like in the time we have available at each stop!)

It's a really fun trip and last all day long. We leave the Preserve's front gate at about 4:30pm.

Hopefully, we can arraign transportation so that very few people have to return to Espanola to pick up cars at the Conoco station. I will be working on this this week.

See you June 7th!

Greg Kendall
505-412-3843
greg_kendall@yahoo.com

Date Change on the Geo Tour

2009-05-06T13:30:00.001-07:00

The June 27th, "Journey into the Geologic History of the Preserve" tour has had it's date change to June 7th.

Kirt Kempter, our volunteer Geologist and expert tour guide has been called away by the National Geographic Society and he has graciously offered to do the tour on this earlier date.

We have done this tour four times and it's still very popular. Make sure you get on the signup sheet early as we anticipate the June 7th tour will fill up quickly.

Here is the description in case you don't have it handy:

8:45 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. meeting in Espanola

Please join us for an exciting and popular geologic tour of the north rim of the Valles Caldera led by local geologist, international tour guide, and Los Amigos member, Kirt Kempter. This is the third season for this tour and it’s just as popular as ever, with views that will knock your socks off.

Departing from Española at 9:00 a.m., we will drive west on Forest Road 144 (also know as 39-mile road), stopping at several view points as we wind our way into the northern Jemez Mountains. As we ascend the back side of Chicoma Peak, there will be spectacular views of the Rio Grande Rift, Pajarito Plateau, and other geologic features of the northern Jemez Mountains. The road also cuts through the core of an old volcano, active 10 milmillion years ago. Our destination will be a picnic lunch stop along the north rim of the Valles Caldera known as “Hunter’s Point.” Here you will find the most spectacular views of the northern portion of the caldera. A lecture at this stop will provide a geologic history of the caldera since the massive eruption occurred 1.2 million years ago. This dynamic story includes multiple lakes and volcanic eruptions within the caldera since its collapse. We will finish up with a tour through the Preserve to the Valle Grande Staging Area.
Kirt is offering this tour as a fundraiser for Los Amigos.

A high-clearance 4x4 vehicle is required for this tour, as we will be traveling over very rough roads. Room in vehicles may be available for those without a high clearance vehicle on a first come, first served basis. If you haven’t taken this tour yet, don’t miss out!

A Tasty Lunch provided! Cost: $35/person; max: 35 participants.

If you would like to reserve a space for one of our activities, please send an email to Los Amigos (info@losamigosdevallescaldera.org) with your name, phone number, number in your party, and other pertinent details—or call 505-412-3843.

Bio Bug Blitz - Volunteers Needed

2009-05-06T13:25:00.000-07:00

A message from Dr. Bob Parmenter, Director, Science and Education-Valles Caldera Trust:

We’re going to have a “Bio Bug Blitz” this summer on the VCNP to expand our understanding of the diversity of insects and other invertebrates. The “Blitz” will consist of 4 weekends where volunteers will join me and Zoe Ana Duran (VCNP entomologist), and entomologists from the Smithsonian Institution and USDA Systematic Entomology Laboratory (Beltsville, MD), in sampling all across the Preserve. I’ve attached the advertisement flyer (see below) for people to read, and then they should contact Zoe Ana (see flyer for info) to sign up for any or all of the weekends.

(You can click on the following image to view a larger readable version.)

2009 Volunteer Workshops Announced!

2009-04-06T19:41:00.000-07:00

We currently have two workshops available, with more to come based on interest. The workshops are scheduled for Saturday, April 25, 2009, and Saturday, May 2, 2009 (agenda). Both workshops will be held at the Trust offices in Jemez Springs, NM, from 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM. Lunch is on your own so bring a lunch or enjoy one of the restaurants in Jemez Springs. Remember, to become a Preserve volunteer, you only need to attend one workshop. Previous volunteers are also required to attend. Each workshop will be limited to 70 participants and reservations are required. Please fill out the reservation form and return it by email or my mail at Valles Caldera Trust, P.O. Box 359, Jemez Springs, NM 87025.

We look forward to seeing you at the Preserve!

Kimberly DeVall
Supervisory Recreation Specialist

Bond Cabin Fundraiser Print

2009-01-05T10:35:00.001-08:00

The Monitor has printed a good article about our fundraising print.

Read it here:

http://www.lcni5.com/cgi-bin/c2.cgi?075+article+News+20081218103826075075007

Volunteer Op: "Armor" Flumes - OCT 25th

2008-09-26T11:41:00.000-07:00

[Note Additional Volunteer Opportunity (Oct 6th) Below]

Bob Parmenter, the Valles Caldera Trust's Chief Scientist, has requested help "Armoring" new creek flumes. This work will be on the Western side of the Preserve in an area that is less visited by the public. Please consider joinining us on October 25th for a fun day working on the Preserve.

Here is the info Bob sent to us detailing the work day:
-------------------------------
I thought I’d give you a little background on the flume project. I’ve installed a number of flumes and gauging stations on the major streams leaving the VCNP so that we can monitor stream water production. Our collaborating hydrology scientists with the Center for Sustainability of semi-Arid Hydrology and Riparian Areas (SAHRA, based at the University of Arizona, but including many scientists at UNM, NM Tech, and NM State U.) have determined that the Jemez Mountains watersheds lose approximately 50% of the water in the winter snowpack through sublimation, particularly due to the high density of trees in the second-growth forests that intercept falling snow before it reaches the ground. Much of this snow sublimates (evaporates) and is lost to the atmosphere, and therefore does not enter our hydrologic cycle in the VCNP.

As the Trust develops forest management plans and begins thinning projects and prescribed/natural fire use, we expect that more of the snow will be able to reach the ground and be shaded by the remaining trees, thereby increasing the amount of water available during spring snowmelt. This “extra” snowmelt water can assist with filling downstream reservoirs, and be available for agriculture, ranching, and human uses in the Jemez Valley and the Rio Grande Valley. But we need to measure just how much water is being produced before and after the management treatments given a certain amount of winter snowpack (models are being developed by the SAHRA hydrologists working in the VCNP). Hence, the need for the flumes and stream gauges.

We’ve installed a flume on Sulphur Creek this summer, and it’s been operational for a couple of months now. However, we still need to “armor” the stream bank upstream from the flume to prevent spring flooding from eroding around the side of the flume. This will involve placing rocks along the stream bank for approximately 30 feet up from the flume. We’ll collect the rocks from the roadside in Sulphur Canyon, and move them the short distance down to the stream bank. We’ll also need to re-vegetate the soil berm on either side of the flume, so that riparian plants can help stabilize the banks – we will clip seeds from the existing native plants nearby and plant them in the soil on the berms, and cover them with burlap to keep everything in place until the seeds germinate next spring. I’ve attached a photo (see above) of the Redondo Creek flume that’s all finished now, so folks can get some idea of what these look like.

I have all the equipment and supplies (wheelbarrows, pick-up truck, topsoil, shovels, burlap, clippers), so all we need now is some volunteer labor! I think that 8 – 10 people (4 – 5 teams of two people each) can knock this out in a few of hours. Due to the elk hunts that will be going on, we’ll have to do this between 9 AM and 3 PM (shouldn’t be a problem).

For those coming up from Albuquerque through Jemez Springs, we will meet at the Trust office (in Jemez Springs) around 9 AM, and then drive up and meet folks coming from the other direction (Los Alamos, Santa Fe) at the Sulphur Springs road intersection with Highway 4 about 9:30 or so. Then we can all go in together to the flume site.
---------------------------------end of note from Bob------------

Please RSVP mailto:info@losamigosdevallescaldera.orgif you would like to spend some time in a beautiful part of the Valles Caldera and help out with this important project. (You can also call Greg Kendall (505)412-3843 for more information.)

Maps:
Sulfur Springs Road.

Map from Albuquerque to the Valles Caldera Trust Jemez Office.
Address: 18161 Highway 4
Jemez Springs, NM 87025
-------------------------------

An addition volunteer opportunity has popped up:

From Bob Parmenter, Chief Scientist VCNP:

As you know, the livestock are being shipped out of the Valle Grande this week, and my field crew will be going out into the Valle Grande to collect the last of the forage utilization plots (clip plots with exclosures) on Monday, Oct. 6th (next week). There are nine plots left to do, and they’ll split up into 2 teams to do 4 and 5 plots respectively. If they could get a couple of volunteers to help clip and bag grass, and move the exclosures, that would help them out on getting it done in one day, and would provide a great opportunity for some folks to visit all over the Valle Grande and see first-hand the monitoring system of forage production and utilization by elk and livestock. We’d meet up at the Valle Grande staging area (the welcome buildings) at 8:30 AM, and be finished by around 4:30 PM on Monday. I realize this is somewhat late notice, and it’s a weekday, so perhaps folks can’t cut loose to come up, but I thought we’d at least ask and see if anyone was interested in the opportunity.

Send a note to info@losamigosdevallescaldera.org if your interested in helping out.

Thanks,
-Greg

Staff & Volunteer Appreciation Day & Work Party

2008-09-11T09:11:00.000-07:00

Click on the above image in order to get a larger view.

Please contact me greg_kendall@yahoo.com to RSVP (rather than Rourke as it states above). I will collate the responses and send them to Rourke in a batch.

Upcoming Activities

2008-08-31T14:41:00.000-07:00

Los Amigos has three exciting activities coming up on our Calendar. They are:

1) Valles Caldera Work Party and Volunteer Appreciation BBQ - Sept 19th.

2) GeoTour of the North Rim - Sept 20th.

3) Wildlife Tour - Oct 1st.

Please RSVP for these activities using the Email/Phone # found at the end of this blog post.

Valles Caldera Work Party and Volunteer Appreciation BBQ - Sept 19th

The Sept 19th work party is sponsored by the Valles Caldera Staff. The work will begin at 9am (meet at the La Jara Staging Area inside the main gate). Work will continue till 12 Noon, tools are provided (wear work clothes/gloves). At 1pm, a lunch will be provided. Anyone who has done any volunteer work this year is invited to attended the lunch. Lunch will conclude at 2:30pm. These are the details that Staff has provided so far, I will send out an update as more details emerge. Please join us as we continue our work efforts at the Valles Caldera National Preserve! It's always very satisfying. [Open to all Volunteers of any group.]

GeoTour of the North Rim & Obsidian Valley - Sept 20th.

Join Los Amigos on a fundraising tour of the North Rim of the Valles Caldera and then inside the Preserve to Obsidian Valley. We have done this tour twice to rave reviews. If you haven't gone yet, make sure you go this time. It is spectacular and lunch is provided! More details - click HERE. [Non-Members may join this tour.]

Wildlife Tour - October 1st.

Los Amigos has arraigned to have a Wildlife Tour for our members during the "quiet" week between fall hunts. If you want to see Elk in abundance, this is the trip for you. The tour leaves the La Jara Staging Area at 4pm and returns to the Staging Area at 8pm. Hear and see the Elk bugle into the night. [Members Only Event - Become a Member!]

To sign-up for any of these activities, please email or call Greg Kendall at info@losamigosdevallescaldera.org or (505) 412-3843.

Volunteer at La Jara!

2008-08-22T09:09:00.000-07:00

[This Gift Shop at La Jara during a winter event]

A message from our Gift Shop Coordinator, TK Thompson:

Amigos,

Some of you have expressed an interest in helping out at the gift shop if it was at the La Jara location (Valles Grande Staging Area – VGSA) on the Preserve. Well, now’s your chance! The Preserve has changed their policy regarding volunteering at the gift shops to our advantage! We are now being asked to help out at the main preserve store at VGSA. This store is normally open 7 days a week from 7am until 5 pm. Volunteers are needed to help greet people coming to the preserve. The volunteers will not have to handle money (this is good news, since more complex money handling procedures are now in place following an audit). The volunteers will be working with a Preserve Staff person who will do the money handling. They could use volunteers for full or part days. We are now in a position to tell the Preserve what days we want to work!

The Jemez Springs store will now be closed Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday; it will be open the rest of the days of the week. There is still a need for volunteers at the Jemez Springs location. This may appeal if you live in Jemez Springs or vicinity – anything to save gasoline!

The store at Banco Bonito Gift Shop and Information Center is located in the Banco Bonito Staging Area on the southwest corner of the Preserve. This store is not regularly open; it mainly is open for events (equestrian, mountain biking, etc.) originating there. This volunteer opportunity would be ideal for Amigos living in the Sierra Los Pinos, La Cueva, and Thompson Ridge area of the Jemez!

Volunteer duties include greeting visitors and informing them about the Preserve history and the current Trust experiment in public land administration. A positive attitude on the part of the volunteers is essential! Volunteers will also be expected to inform visitors about current and future events in additional to items for sale in the stores. They will also cover the store so the staff person on duty can take a break when needed.

This is an extremely important activity in support of VCNP. Volunteering at the Preserve currently is in the top five income/money-saving activities. The presence of a volunteer in a store will free up a staff person for running events and other Trust business. The extra volunteers will be very helpful to accommodate questions and information requests and assist in merchandise sales when large numbers of visitors descend all at once, which regularly happens. The donated hours by volunteers go a long way to helping the Trust to obtain grants for Preserve restoration; they are a method to quantify support for the Preserve and its projects! The trust needs volunteers to make this experiment in land management work!

NOW IS OUR CHANCE TO SHINE! DO YOU KNOW OF A BETTER PLACE TO SPEND AN AFTERNOON ADMIRING WHAT NATURE HAS PROVIDED US AND MEETING KINDRED SOULS?

If you are interested, please respond to TK Thompson (tktincnm@msn.com) who will be coordinating this worthwhile activity.”

Wetlands Work Weekend Under the Stars

2008-08-02T15:47:00.000-07:00

Click on the following update from the Albuquerque Wildlife Federation to see a larger more readable version:

[Note: The Alamos Bog Wetlands Tour has been cancelled. Instead we will be participating in the following Wetlands Work.]

On August 15,16 & 17, join Los Amigos and the Albuquerque Wildlife Federation (AWF) as we work a long weekend doing protection of the rare Bog Birch found in Alamo Canyon on the West side of the Valles Caldera National Preserve. The AWF is the sponsor for this work party. Note: We can arrive no earlier than 3 PM on Friday. [Update: You may work one day or camp and work more days.]

----------------------------------------------
This from the AWF August newsletter: (Which can be found in it's original format HERE).

THE PLACE: The Valles Caldera National Preserve was a private ranch until 2000, when Congress created it from the “Baca Ranch” in New Mexico’s volcanic Jemez Mountain Range. This 89,000 acre property is studded with eruptive domes and features Redondo Peak (11,254 feet). Though open to the public, access to the preserve is strictly controlled. Coming on this project is a great opportunity to stay on the preserve without charge and see areas not generally available to the public.

THE PROJECT: This project will occur at a fascinating location — Alamo Bog! See the Earth shake under foot as you walk across the bog (Hydrosol). Smell the fumes of Purgatory (sulfur gas bubbling up through opal-colored acidic pools). See bears, elk, deer and wild turkey, maybe.

Alamo Bog is home to the rare Bog Birch. This is the species’ only known location in New Mexico. We will build three small exclosures to protect the largest patches, each with about 40 to 60 plants. The structures are to exclude elk, which have browsed the vegetation quite heavily.

EQUIPMENT: Wear sturdy boots/shoes and bring gloves, hats, and sunscreen, and appropriate gear for camping. Be prepared for rain. Knee-high wading boots will be useful, as this is a wet area. Bug repellant, rain gear (just in case) and jacket (it can get cold) are good ideas, too.

FOOD: AWF will supply snacks and drinks during the project day. Please bring food and water for the duration of your stay. Saturday breakfast has breakfast burretos supplied by Scial and NMWA. Snack and drinks are provided during the day. There will be a potluck meal on Saturday evening: AWF will grill burgers -bison and brats (veggie options also), so bring along an appetizer, side dish, or dessert to share.

TO SIGN UP: Glenda Muirhead at 281-2925 g.muirhead@usfamily.net
OR Gene Tatum at 255-1960 gtatum3@msn.com
DRIVING TIME: 2 hours north of ABQ; 2 hours west of Santa Fe
----------------------------

This is going to be a rare opportunity to work in a part of the Preserve rarely seen by the public. Also unique to this work party is the opportunity to camp out under the stars on the Preserve. [Update] We will camp in the Alamos Canyon area near the work site. This is a fantastic turn of events and will make the experience that much more enjoyable for all of us. The map below is of the Southwest corner of the VCNP. You will be given direction on how to get through the gate after you RSVP. You can see Alamo Canyon on the map. It is in the upper center portion of the map, on the right hand (East) side of VC08.

Click on above image for larger copy.

There are still some details being worked out but this is what we know at this point....

Participants will be able to drive to the camping/work area in their own vehicles. More details will be given to you when you signup & RSVP.

There are limited spots available for this opportunity and we expect them to fill quickly so make your RSVP as soon as you know you are interested inorder to secure a spot.

The Albuquerque Wildlife Federation (AWF) is handling the logistics and they will take the RSVPs and provide logistical details. When you RSVP, please make sure they know you are with Los Amigos, as they have set aside a limited number of spots for us on this work party.

Our primary contact with the AWF is Glenda Muirhead [505-281-2925] g.muirhead@usfamily.net. Call or email her to make your RSVP.

She is working with Gene Tatum [505-255-1960] gtatum3@msn.com, who can also help you if you don't hear back from Glenda first.

If you could let me (Greg Kendall) know that you RSVPed the AWF, that would help us keep count of Los Amigos participation. You can email me at: greg_kendall@yahoo.com.

This is a real opportunity not to be missed. I know I won't!

This is Los Amigos' first opportunity to participate in an environmental project and we look forward to getting our hands (and feet) dirty!

August 2nd & 3rd Mt. Bike Event - Volunteers Needed

2008-07-16T09:23:00.000-07:00

Dear interested volunteers,

The Valles Caldera Trust is looking for a few good folks to help out with our Cruise the Caldera fun bike ride.

We looking for the following:

1. 4 volunteers to help set up aid stations
a. Move picnic tables, small tents, and put up signs
b. 9 am – 4 pm on Friday August 1st

2. Aid Station volunteers August 2nd (10 total)
a. 2 volunteers per aid station
b. There are 5 aid stations total
c. Pass out water, give directions, and relay communications
d. 7 am – 5 pm

3. Aid Station volunteers August 3nd (10 total)
a. 2 volunteers per aid station
b. There are 5 aid stations total
c. Pass out water, give directions, and relay communications
d. 7 am – 5 pm

4. Staging Area Volunteer August 2nd (4 total)
a. Greet visitors, check them in/ out, help with parking (like balloon fiesta)
b. 6:30 am – 2 pm

5. Staging Area Volunteer August 3nd (4 total)
a. Greet visitors, check them in/ out, help with parking (like balloon fiesta)
b. 6:30 am – 2 pm

6. Sweepers August 4th (2-4 total)
a. Visit aid stations and bring back tables and chairs
Most of this will be brought back on 8/3/2008
b. 9am – 4 pm

If you are interested or have any questions, please contact me by email (preferred) or by phone at 505 428-7720.

Rob Dixon
Outdoor Recreation Planner
Valles Caldera Trust
W: (505) 428-7720
F: (575) 829-4614
rdixon@vallescaldera.gov
www.vallescaldera.gov

Oldtimers' BBQ - Sunday July 20th

2008-07-08T08:43:00.000-07:00

[Note: This event is free for Members. For Non-Members, the price is: Become A Member! You can write a check or pay cash on the day of the event. See our website for membership options at: http://www.losamigosdevallescaldera.org.]

Dear Los Amigos Member (and future members),

We are pleased to remind you about our Members’ and Oldtimers’ Barbeque and Hike on the Valles Caldera National Preserve! This event permits members to enjoy a day on the Preserve, starting with a hike at 9 a.m. Last year, 21 hikers were driven in the Preserve’s vans to the foot of Cerro Abrigo for a seven-mile hike led by Craig Martin. Craig told stories about the Preserve’s history as the hikers circumnavigated the volcanic mound. This year, on Sunday, July 20, we are offering a hike on Cerro Seco, an opportunity to continue our clean-up of the Historic District, and a barbeque for members and oldtimers — people who spent time on the Preserve before it was purchased by the government.

Hike. The Valles Caldera Trust is allowing us to hike Cerro Seco on Sunday morning. This is approximately a four-hour hike.

Hikers should arrive at the Valle Grande Staging Area (off the main gate on Highway 4) between 9:00 am and 9:30 am. The Trust will provide vans to transport hikers to the base of Cerro Seco. Greg Kendall will lead the hike. The hike is seven miles long with a 700-foot elevation gain. It's consider a "moderate" hike by the Preserve (they rate hikes as easy, moderate, strenuous) You will see outstanding views of much of the Preserve. The Preserves website describes the hike this way:

"This hike begins with a van ride along the western boundary of the Preserve through the Sulphur Springs area. The Cerro Seco Trail offers gorgeous views of the Valle San Antonio. You will wander in and out of tall pines and aspens on an old two-track logging road. This trail offers a loop that will circle the Cerro Seco eruptive dome. Enjoy the solitude and the feeling that your are far, far away from civilization."

Hikers will need to bring: rain protection; a snack and lunch; a half-gallon of water (1.9 liters); appropriate clothing, footwear, and sunburn protection.

Space is limited to 25, so let us know soon if you wish to attend the hike.

After the hike, hikers will be transported to the Bunkhouse for the BBQ.

Clean-up. On June 7, 30 Los Amigos volunteers came out to help the Preserve clean up the Historic Headquarters Area in preparation for the summer recreation season. Trust (and Los Amigos) Board member Tracy Hephner and Trust Landscape Architect Rourke McDermott led us as we did maintenance in the headquarters area. We broke into two groups: one painted propane tanks and the other built wooden enclosures around them. Several volunteers from the Forest Service who were chain-saw certified spent their time cleaning up a ponderosa that had fallen in the historic district.

We were missing some latillas and other supplies and so were not able to complete all the tasks we had hoped to get to. Therefore, we plan to continue our work on July 20 and hope you will join us. The Bunkhouse has facilities for showers, etc., to get you ready for the barbeque.

BBQ. Those members who plan to attend only the BBQ should arrive between 3:00 and 3:30 pm. Volunteer vehicles will transport members from the Valle Grande Staging Area to the Bunkhouse. There will be a history talk at 4:00 pm. The BBQ will begin around 5:00 pm. There will be plenty of time for short walks in the area, wildlife viewing, and meeting other Los Amigos members and oldtimers. Volunteers will transport guests back to the Staging Area between 7:30 - 8:00 pm.

The BBQ will include traditional picnic fare such as hamburgers, hot dogs, veggie burgers, potato salad, dessert, and drinks, as well as northern New Mexican food such as beans, chips and salsa.

Please RSVP before July 16th so we will know how much food to buy, how many hikers and how many cleanup people we will have!

Email info@losamigosdevallescaldera.org or call 505-412-3843. If you have a cushion or camp chair, please bring it. Remember, dogs are not allowed on the Preserve.

Please feel free to contact other people who might be interested in becoming a member of Los Amigos. They can join at the BBQ.

We are excited to be able to offer this opportunity for our members and we look forward to seeing all of you!

Best Wishes,

Doug Fraser, Chair
Los Amigos de Valles Caldera
Board of Directors

Cleanup Day

2008-06-11T20:57:00.000-07:00

On June 7th 2008, Los Amigos held a Headquarters Cleanup Day. Tracy Hephner lead the group. We heard a talk in the morning regarding historic building integrity, had a nice potluck for lunch and then painted and put coyote fence around several propane tanks. A good time was had by all, but we have more work to do!

See the pictures here:
CLEANUP

2008 Visitor Events

2008-06-11T11:31:00.000-07:00

The following was sent to Los Amigos by the Staff of the Valles Caldera NP. It details the special activities that are coming up:

Spontaneous Visitor Activities / Just Show Up!

· No-fee hiking on Coyote Call and Valle Grande trails (along Highway 4). Available 7 days a week, sunrise until dark.

· $5 per person unguided hike (with trail guide) around Cerro La Jara (at Valle Grande Staging Area). Available during gate hours, May thru August, with limited hours (10-2) during the elk hunt in September.

· $5 per person guided, 1 hour geology walks at 10AM and Noon at Valle Grande Staging Area, weather permitting, May thru October.

· $5 per person guided, 1 hour ranch history van tours at 2PM and 4PM, May thru October (2PM only in September and October during the elk hunts).

Advance Reservation-Required Visitor Activities, May thru October
(With space-available possibilities at our Valle Grande Staging Area)

Throughout the Season Fee Events (see our website for dates and details):
· Wildlife viewing van tours most every Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening.
· Unguided hiking on three scenic trails.
· Horseback riding opportunities on select weekends (bring your own horse).
· Caldera-wide mountain bike events, and select-trail mountain bike riding on certain weekends (bring your own bike).
· Adult and youth fishing clinics on select dates.
· Seasonal fishing by lottery; fall season closes 6/29.

Date-Specific, Interpreted/Guided Fee Programs
(see our website for details):
· Guided hikes on Cerros del Abrigo, Cerro la Jara, and in the Valle Grande – 6/23, 6/28, 6/29, 7/7, 7/17, 7/25, 8/7, 8/16, 8/24, 9/25

· PLUS THESE INTERPRETED PROGRAMS……

· Rincon de los Soldados
· Come help us search for the location of the 1851-52 U.S. Dragoon fort in the Valle Grande. This fort was established to protect the hay camp used by Fort Marcy in Santa Fe. It was abandoned sometime in 1852, but later reoccupied in 1863 to deter Navajo raiding paths through the Caldera and became know as Camp Valles Grandes. The exact fort location has been lost to history and no known visible remains exist. The thrill of the hike is the search and possibly finding the site. Jim Trout, Preserve Interpreter, will take you on a five-mile hike starting near the headwaters of the East fork of the Jemez River and going across open grassland terrain and into Valle Canyon following the old military road to Santa Fe.
6/19, 7/4, 8/8, 9/1

· Life Under the Partido System
· Jim Trout, Preserve Interpreter, will tell the tale of a now vanished way of life on the early 20th Century Baca Location #1. It was the time of ‘Caporales, Vaqueros, Pastores, Camperos, Partidarios, and Tasquiladores’ under a Partido management system that divided the profits and risks of the uncertain sheep raising business. It was a hard life, of low pay, severe working conditions and danger, in an era when a herder’s influence and stature was determined by the number of sheep that herder owned. Come walk on an easy meander through the History Grove, as Jim spins his tale.
7/11, 8/22, 9/18

· The History of Timbering
· Join Preserve Interpreter Jim Trout on an easy walk through the History Grove, where you will hear the story of how the timber industry got started on ‘The Baca’. The History Grove is a beautiful stand of Ponderosa Pine and Douglas Fir, with many trees well over 300 years old. That grove was spared the saw thanks to the efforts of one man, Yale Weinstein, who insisted that some of the old growth be preserved for future generations. Had it not been for his efforts, this stand of old-growth trees most likely would not exist. Join us for an opportunity to relax and reflect a bit on the past days of the Valles Caldera before any logging operations altered the native ecosystem.
6/27, 7/19, 8/18

· General Archaeology - Van Tour

· People have depended on the bountiful resources available within the caldera for thousands of years. On this van tour, you’ll experience the sites, artifacts, and landscapes of the past with VCT archaeologists as you explore the interior of the Preserve. Once poorly understood, the archaeological record of the caldera is being pieced into a clearer picture of how people lived in the past – how they hunted game, gathered plants, herded sheep, and raised cattle. Don’t miss this chance to see firsthand some of the most unique and previously unseen historic and prehistoric archaeological sites in the Jemez Mountains.
7/24, 9/10

· Obsidian Quarries – Archeology Van Tour
· The large dome near the center of the caldera, today called Cerro del Medio, is the source of some of the finest quality obsidian in the western United States. Obsidian from the caldera was widely transported across North America in the prehistoric past for use as spear points and arrowheads. This van tour will bring you directly to the source – the vast quarries of Cerro del Medio. At these quarries, you’ll walk around with a VCT archaeologist looking at thousands of glittering artifacts while learning how obsidian tools were manufactured.
6/13, 8/4

· Field Houses – Archeology Van Tour
· Banco Bonito, a large volcanic formation in the southwestern corner of the Preserve, was intensively used in the past for prehistoric farming. From about A.D. 1325 to A.D. 1425, farmers built hundreds of small stone structures, called field houses, where they stayed and watched over crops. With a VCT archaeologist, you’ll visit a variety of these farming settlements and learn about the crucial role they played in Jemez prehistory. You’ll also learn about the logging history of Banco Bonito and how folks made a living from the bountiful Ponderosa pine stands.
7/10, 8/21

· Botany Van Tour
· With all the winter and spring moisture this year, we are looking forward to wonderful displays of flowers in the caldera. This botanical tour will visit plants in several different habitats: a wetland, a mature open forest, sunny grassland, stream sides, and perhaps a small canyon. The pace will be relaxed, with only short strolls from van to flowers. Our tour guide is a botanist with over thirty years experience in the Jemez who delights in finding special gems to show lovers of native plants. A botanical tour of the Preserve will allow the public to increase their knowledge of the Jemez plant world while allowing an excellent means of viewing some of the back country areas on the Preserve.
6/21, 8/23

· Geology Van Tour
· The Valles Caldera is one of three active calderas in the mainland United States and the hot magma is only three miles below your feet when standing in the Valle Grande. Fraser Goff, retired geologist for LANL and adjunct professor at UNM, has been working on the Preserve for many years and has authored numerous books and papers dealing with the geology of the caldera. With the help of his geologist wife, Cathy Goff (retired from US Geological Survey), he conducts a fact filled tour of the east and central parts of the Preserve dispelling many of the myths that have grown up locally and providing some thought provoking answers to the public’s curiosity about this wonderful landscape.
6/29, 8/30, 9/28

· The Story of the Hemish
· Come walk the sacred ground of the Valles Caldera with Jemez Pueblo elder Paul Tosa. Mr. Tosa was a four-term Governor for Jemez Pueblo and is a lifetime appointee to the Tribal Council. Paul will share his passion for the history and culture of his people and their ties to the entire Jemez Mountain Range. On this van tour, interspersed with short easy walks, Paul will take you to remembered places on the Caldera where he will share stories of the origin, migration, and survival-against-all-odds of the Hemish; stories that are essential to the preservation of their traditional way of life.
7/26, 8/9, 9/27

· Home, Home, on the Ranch
· Come spend a day with Preserve Interpreter Diana Sellers as we walk among the backcountry cabin ruins of the Valles Caldera. The Baca Location #1 was home to many persons who worked the land such as loggers, cowboys, and homesteaders. We'll journey by van into the beautiful backcountry of “The Baca” and explore the remains of cabins which were the homes for those individuals. One of these sites is a logging camp which contained 24 buildings, including a schoolhouse. We will envision their lives in this high-country land and the contributions they made to this special setting.
7/6, 8/14, 9/20

· The Heart of the Caldera
· Redondo Border is a scenic and remote area deep within the Valles Caldera National Preserve. If you’re ready to expand your view of the Preserve beyond the Valle Grande, then this tour is for you. Along the way, you’ll see stunning views of this quiet heartland. Join Interpreter Jim Burns on this five-hour combined van tour and hike. The high tour route offers six miles of non-stop vistas. Participants will hike from 1.5 to 2 miles through park-like portions along Redondo Border. Tour guide and author Jim Burns has enjoyed a decades-long, year-round relationship with the Jemez high country.
6/22, 7/13, 8/17, 9/21

· COMING SOON!
· Fungi of the Caldera in August / Dates will be announced shortly.
· Astronomy program in August, September and October / Dates will be announced shortly.
· Alamo Canyon guided hike in July, August and September / Dates will be announced shortly.
· Additional interpreted / guided programs to be announced later in the summer.

Don't Miss the Sept 20th Geology Tour

2008-06-11T09:14:00.000-07:00

On Saturday September 20th, Los Amigos is holding a fundraising Geology Tour of the Valles Caldera and Northern Jemez Mountains. (Details are below.) Please note that to participate you must have a High Clearance vehicle. (The roads are very ruff this year.) If you don't have a high clearance vehicle, there may be room in another vehicle for you. Make a note of this when you RSVP. We will do what we can to see if there is room for you in a high clearance vehicle.

Members and Non-Members are invited.

Journey into the Geologic History of the Preserve

Saturday, September 20
8:45 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Please join us for an exciting geologic tour of the north rim of the Valles Caldera led by local geologist, international tour guide, and Los Amigos member, Kirt Kempter. Departing from Española at 9:00 am, (MAP Below) we will drive west on Forest Road 144 (also known as 39-mile road), stopping at several view points as we wind our way into the northern Jemez Mountains. As we ascend the back side of Chicoma Peak there will be spectacular views of the Rio Grande Rift, Pajarito Plateau, and other geologic features of the northern Jemez Mountains. The road also cuts through the core of an old volcano, active 10 million years ago. Our destination will be a picnic lunch stop along the north rim of the Valles Caldera, providing a spectacular view of the northern portion of the caldera. A lecture at this stop will provide a geologic history of the caldera since the massive eruption occurred 1.2 million years ago, a dynamic story including multiple lakes and volcanic eruptions within the caldera since its collapse. We will finish up with a tour through the Preserve to the Valle Grande Staging Area at La Jara.

Kirt is offering this tour as a fundraiser for Los Amigos.

Lunch provided! Cost: $35/person; max: 35 participants

Please RSVP if your interested in going on this outstanding and rare adventure: info@losamigosdevallescaldera.org or call Greg Kendall at (505)412-3843.

Photos from last years tour: PHOTOS

Map to meeting place in Espanola:
1221 Paseo de Onate (HWY 285) in Espanola. It's near the Northeast corner of HWY 285 and Fairview Lane. The point on the map below is a little off.
It's a Conoco/Quik Stop/KFC place.
Click on the Map below...

View Larger Map

June 14 Run / June 15 Mt. Bike Volunteers Needed

2008-06-04T19:55:00.000-07:00

[Photo: A happy Mt. Bike participant]

I received this message from Rourke McDermott, the VCNP's Landscape Architect and occasional Recreation Dude:

"We are looking for about 20 volunteers for June 14th, running event and June 15th, mt. biking event. We need interested volunteers to be at the Valle Grande Staging Area at 6:00am on both of the mornings.

We recommend that volunteers, if possible, bring their personal 4x4 trucks or SUVs. Volunteers will man the aid stations throughout the day. They will be given radios to communicate with the Valles Grande Staging Area(VGSA) event coordinator. The event coordinator will give direction, instructions, and maps the mornings of the events.

For more information on the ride itself (including a route map) see:
Details

Marathon details: Details

Please pass this on to any who are interested. If any have questions, I can be contacted at
rmcdermott@vallescaldera.gov
505-428-7725
505-231-1759

Thanks Rourke

Banco Bonito Mountain Biking

2008-05-29T09:50:00.000-07:00

The Valles Caldera is opening up the Banco Bonito area for Mountain Biking on alternating weekends this summer beginning May 31st. This area is in the southwestern portion of the Preserve.

I've ridden it extensively and helped put on a Mountain Biking event there a few years ago. There are great trails in the area that wind up and down heavily forested trails. [Photo: Riders take a break along the trails]

You can ride out to El Cajete where horse races once occured. You can drop down to Redondo Meadows on the Duke Trail. I've seen plenty of wild life on the Duke Trail, including at least three bear. Make sure to get you, your friends and a tasty lunch out there at least once this year. Who knows how long this opportunity will last.

For dates and details see (the events are under "Mountain Biking Trails"):

http://www.vallescaldera.gov/comevisit/special/special_viewall.aspx?cat=58

And I am sure the Caldera could use a few volunteers to help with these events. Contact Rob Dixon (see post below this one for contact details) to inquire about volunteering.

In the map below the trails that will be available are the one's in red and possibly the trails that circle El Cajete (on the right side of the map).

-Greg

Volunteer Op: Drive Artists on Caldera

2008-05-29T09:31:00.000-07:00

From: Rob Dixon rdixon@vallescaldera.gov
Subject: Volunteer Opportunities

I am looking for 2 volunteers per day for 11 separate events this summer (see dates at bottom). The volunteers are for our art program. I would like to have artists or art inclined volunteers for these opportunities. Duties would be to meet customers, drive them to specific location for event, stay in area and check on them periodically (safety), drive them back. I need folks willing to drive an 12 passenger van.

Event General Description - These are opportunities for artists to practice their craft in the Caldera. Each of these events will take a limited number of artists to specific locations on the Preserve. Locations and times will vary, so be sure and read the details of what you are signing up for. In general we will shuttle you to the event location, point out the features, and let the Preserve inspire you.

I would really like to have a volunteer artist involved, so we have someone out there with an artist mindset.

Requirements:
1. Be reliable for what they commit to.
2. Have a clean driving record.
3. Be a courteous person.
4. Be able to meet with a designated person to show them the location in advance.

Each event is around 6 hours, and is an AM or PM event. You can find the specific dates on this webpage. http://www.vallescaldera.gov/comevisit/special/special_viewall.aspx?cat=53

I have staff covering these events now, but having volunteers for these events would really help out. Please, let me know if you have anyone who might be interested.

Rob Dixon
Outdoor Recreation Planner
Valles Caldera Trust
W: (505) 428-7720
F: (575) 829-4614
rdixon@vallescaldera.gov
www.vallescaldera.gov

Dates:

Art – San Antonio Sunrise
Jun 07, 2008
Sat
5:00 AM
View

Art – Heart of Preserve Sunset
Jun 27, 2008
Fri
2:00 PM
View

Art – History Grove Sunrise
Jul 12, 2008
Sat
6:00 AM
View

Art – The Missing Set Sunset
Jul 18, 2008
Fri
2:00 PM
View

Art – The Missing Set Sunrise
Aug 08, 2008
Fri
6:00 AM
View

Art – San Antonio Sunset
Aug 31, 2008
Sun
2:00 PM
View

Art – The Missing Set Sunset
Sep 11, 2008
Thu
2:00 PM
View

Art – History Grove Sunrise
Sep 26, 2008
Fri
6:00 AM
View

Art – San Antonio Sunset
Oct 09, 2008
Thu
2:00 PM
View

Art – San Antonio Sunset
Oct 23, 2008
Thu
2:00 PM
View

Art – The Missing Set Sunset
Nov 13, 2008
Thu
2:00 PM
View

Valles Caldera Cleanup Day - JUNE 7TH

2008-05-08T12:45:00.000-07:00

On June 7, Los Amigos volunteers will help clean up the historic district on the Preserve. We ask volunteers to arrive at the Preserve around 9:00 a.m. This is a tentative schedule for the day:

9:00 – 9:30 a.m. meet at Valle Grande Staging area; carpool to HQ

9:30 – 11:30 Ana and Shannon lead tour/discussion of historic district

11:30 – 1:00 p.m. lunch at HQ (It's Pot Luck ... Bring something tasty!)

1:00 – 5:00 Rourke and Tracy lead HQ work party

5:00 – 5:30 p.m. return to Staging area and depart

In the morning, Shannon Dennison and Ana Steffen will talk with the group about the historic cabins, HQ historic district, and historic preservation considerations.

After lunch, the volunteers will help:
• remove debris (old appliances, railroad ties, scrap wood and wire, etc.) around HQ cabins;
• remove debris (firewood, old signs, wood, bottles, etc.) from porches of all cabins;
• remove debris (bricks, wood, sandbags, etc.) and organize equipment around corrals;
• remove debris from Cerro La Jara parking area;
• place boundary marker/line at corral parking area;
• bury or visually block exposed pipes around HQ cabins;
• stack rocks around exposed culverts on VC01 road.

Rourke McDermott will coordinate trucks and trailers for trash, and will have other materials on site. Rourke and Tracy Hephner will lead different groups in these work projects simultaneously.

Volunteers should wear sturdy shoes and bring coats, hats, and sunscreen. Volunteers should also bring the following tools if they have them:

· work gloves (leather)
· shovels (round and flat mouthed)
· rakes (bow rake)
· wire snips.

If your interested in joining us please drop a note to: info@losamigosdevallescaldera.org so that we can plan for numbers of people and drink/snack purchases.

Thanks,
-Greg

Volunteer Opportunities

2008-04-03T16:26:00.000-07:00

Los Amigos de Valles Caldera, the "friends of" organization for the Valles Caldera National Preserve, is in the middle of our second year of operations. We are beginning to stretch our legs! We have a whole slate of events scheduled for the upcoming season, include some great volunteer opportunities. (Check our webpage calendar for other events.)

Help staff the Gift Shops

Volunteer One Day a Week on Tuesdays or Wednesdays in Jemez Springs( Half or Full Day Volunteers Needed)

This opportunity is to help operate the Valles Caldera's gift shops. There are two gift shops, one at the VCNP's headquarters in Jemez Springs and one at the welcome center on the grounds of the Valles Caldera NP. Los Amigos is committing to operating a gift shop at least one day a week to start and then to add days as we gain experience and additional volunteers. (Photo: Valles Caldera Volunteers prepare for an exciting day.)

We will start our efforts with volunteers for the gift shop that is in Jemez Springs. We are looking for volunteers who are willing to spend one day a week (or half a day) operating the Jemez Springs headquarters gift shop. If you are able to spare one day a week (or a half day) to help with this effort please consider getting involved. (There is now a possibility of staffing the Gift Shop on the Valles Caldera itself. If interested please let us know.)

By having volunteers work at the Jemez gift shop we will be freeing staff up to do critical jobs on the Preserve.

Please contact TK Thompson tktincnm@msn.com to get more details and to signup for to help.

Highway 4 "Ambassadors" Interpretive Volunteer Program

The next volunteer opportunity is the Valles Caldera's Highway 4 "Ambassadors" program. This program was started last year by Misty Blue and has been an wonderful success.

On weekends, volunteer Ambassadors will be assigned to a turn out on highway 4 overlooking the Valles Grande. The job of the Ambassador is to be a helpful guide to people who pull over on the pull outs of highway 4. Many people touring the Jemez Mts. don't know that they can drive into the Valles Caldera NP. The Ambassadors will have information, activity schedules and other literature for travelers. Last Year, the VCNP staff started providing spontaneous activities such as van tours and short hikes that provided activities for visitors on the spot.

Ambassadors will be supplied with a volunteer t-shirt, a sign and a two way radio to communicate with VCNP staff. If you like helping people out with guidance and having a chance to enjoy the views and wildlife while you are there, this is your opportunity. What better way to spend time being a volunteer? (Photo: Out of state visitors Julie and Charlie Hernandez enjoy a scenic Valle Grande pull-out.)

If you can spend a couple of weekend days this season helping with this effort, it would be very much appreciated.

Please contact Natali Steinberg [(505)662-7449] <natwoman@cybermesa.com> to get more details and to signup for this extremely valuable program.

And don't forget to check the Los Amigos Calendar for other exciting events we have planned.

Click here for Calendar.