The Friends of Organ Mountains Desert Peaks and Southern New Mexico Trail Alliance have partnered to launch the Monumental Trails Program. The goals of the program are to facilitate volunteer trail days in the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks and Prehistoric Trackways National Monuments. Each month volunteers will join to maintain a portion of trail, increasing the quality and enhancing the user experience.
“The Friends are very excited to work together with community organizations that share common goals and improve the quality of life for residents and visitors of our great community,” said Ben Gabriel, Executive Director of the Friends. “These trails provide excellent recreational opportunities for hikers, trail runners, mountain bikers, and horseback riders.”
The program will additionally provide education and outreach opportunities in Las Cruces and Dona Ana County. These include maps, events, and trail building and trail design training.
“On foot, horseback or bike, trails provide a fun healthy and exciting way to travel through and experience one’s environment,” said Southern New Mexico Trail Alliance President Dan Carter. “They connect people and communities to nature and surroundings in a unique way.”
The next volunteer day is February 20th 8am at the Sierra Vista Trail, Talavera Trailhead on Soledad Canyon Road. No experience or equipment is required to volunteer.
For more information please visit www.organmountainsdesertpeaks.org and www.snmta.org or 575-323-1423.
About the Friends of Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks
Established in 2012, The Friends of Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks is a Las Cruces-based nonprofit that seeks to enrich our community and diverse culture through advocacy, conservation and restoration of the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument as a premier example of America’s National Conservation Lands. (www.organmountainsdesertpeaks.org)
About Southern New Mexico Trail Alliance
The Southern New Mexico Trail Alliance based in Las Cruces was founded in 2014. SNMTA connects communities with the outdoors through trails. (www.snmta.org)