July 14, 2013 by New Mexico Rails-to-Trails Association

WORKDAY – July 20!

What we’ll be doing: Brush trimming, tread work, water bars and similar maintenance on the Switchback Trail. This area is high altitude so it shouldn’t be too hot. Be sure to bring drinking water, sun protection, work gloves and sturdy boots. All tools will be provided and there will be work for all skill levels.

When/Where: Saturday, July 20th 2013. Meet at Bailey Canyon Road just 2 miles west of Cloudcroft off of Highway 82.. We plan on working until noon.

If you need any additional information, please call 575-434-1949 (ask for Grady) or e-mail nmrailtrails@gmail.com

June 13, 2013 by New Mexico Rails-to-Trails Association

Workday – June 15th!

What we’ll be doing: Brush trimming, tread work, water bars and similar maintenance on parts of the Rim Trail. The Rim Trail runs from Cloudcroft to Sunspot – we haven’t worked this trail in a long time. This area is at a high altitude so it shouldn’t be too terribly hot. Be sure and bring drinking water, sun protection, work gloves and sturdy boots. All tools will be provided. There’s work for all skill levels.

When/Where: Saturday, June 15th 2013. Meet at 9am at the Sacramento District Ranger Office. We plan to work until noon.

Directions to the Sacramento District Ranger Office: Enter Cloudcroft from Alamogordo on Highway 82 and take an immediate right (head South) onto NM130. Travel about one mile and the Ranger Station will be on the right. We’ll gather up in the parking lot.

If you need any additional information, please call 575-434-1949 (ask for Grady) or e-mail nmrailtrails@gmail.com

May 22, 2013 by New Mexico Rails-to-Trails Association

May 2013 Workday Success!

We had yet another volunteer workday success. The work was pretty light, the day was gorgeous and the hike was great so those of you that didn’t show up, you really missed out!

We had 11 folks total show up and divide into two separate groups. One group hiked all the way down Trail 5001, from the Historic Train Depot in Cloudcroft, past The Overlook and down to the Mexican Canyon Trestle. From there, they worked their way back up trimming overhanging branches and clearing out some of the larger rocks on the trail. They also took this opportunity to block off a few of the hiker-made “shortcuts” through the forest. If you like to hike, please keep in mind that it’s best for the forest and safest for you to STAY ON THE TRAIL no matter how tempting it may be to cut some corners.

Our 2nd group worked Trail 5001 from the Depot area to Devil’s Elbow, clearing brush and remove more pesky rocks. That crew also swept the stairs at the S-Trestle and the steps that go from the Devil’s Elbow up to the Depot.

We started at about 9am and finished up at noon. We had a few finish up a bit earlier so they missed out on picture time!

As always, we appreciate all the help we got from the Holloman AFB folks! Thanks and see you next month!