Get Involved

Volunteer, Collaborate, Make a Difference

Rio Grande Return views restoring natural habitats and building resilient landscapes as a community effort – and we would love for you to join us! With a variety of programs and projects happening year-round, there are plenty of meaningful ways to get your hands dirty, connect with nature, and make a real difference. Whether you can spare a few hours a week or join us for a special project, your time and energy will help protect our unique Southwest landscapes.

Volunteer and Collaboration Opportunities:

Fridays at Candelaria Nature Preserve (Albuquerque)
Join our Habitat Conservation Program for weekly volunteer sessions every Friday from 10:00 AM – Noon. Activities include planting native vegetation, harvesting seeds, mulching, watering, and weeding to support vital wildlife habitat.
Contact:

Every other Tuesday at Casa San Ysidro (Corrales)
Roll up your sleeves with us in the fields! Every other Tuesday you can work with the Habitat Conservation Program from 8:30am – Noon. Help prepare the land, plant, weed, water, and harvest seeds that will be used to strengthen local ecosystems.
Contact:

Wednesdays along a River (typically in the Jemez Mountains)
Once a month on the second Wednesday (during the warmer months), our Riverscape Restoration Program heads to the mountains for full-day volunteer adventures. Activities include planting willows in the spring and building beaver dam analogues or rock erosion control structures in the summer and fall.
Contact:

Quarterly Meetings and Special Events
If you’re passionate about beaver habitat restoration and coexistence, join the New Mexico Beaver Coalition! We meet quarterly to collaborate on projects, policy, and outreach – plus occasional workshops and field trips that offer hands-on learning experiences.
Contact: to join the mailing list

No experience necessary – just a willingness to help, learn, and have fun outdoors!
Come be a part of restoring the beauty and vitality of New Mexico’s landscapes. We can’t wait to work alongside you!

Volunteer Stream Restoration Day Sept 10 2025

Please join Rio Grande Return on Wednesday, September 10th from 9am - 3pm at the Upper Rio Cebolla in Santa Fe National Forest. We will be continuing our Rio Cebolla beaver habitat project by spending the day building instream structures out of branches, logs, rocks and gravel. Come learn about the role of beaver mimicry in improving water quality, storing water, expanding wetlands and creating wildlife habitat. NO PRIOR EXPERIENCE IS NEEDED! Email Karen to RSVP

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We need your support

We all have a responsibility to repair what we've broken. Our restoration and conservation work is made possible through federal, state, and private funders like you. Your donation will help us keep the lights on while supporting our field work.

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