Get Involved

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!