Your opportunity to help cleanup the backcountry of Bandelier National Monument comes late in September/NPS file

Interested in giving back to Bandelier National Monument in New Mexico? Lend a hand on September 25th and 26th as park staff lead some backcountry cleanup projects.

The cleanup work will be in celebration of National Public Lands Day and to recognize September as National Wilderness Month. Acting Superintendent and event organizer Dennis Milligan says, "These projects are aimed to help preserve the wilderness character and keep Bandelier's wilderness wild."

Volunteers will work with park staff to remove or prepare for removal, old research equipment or debris, from backcountry, wilderness areas. Opportunities to help include providing logistical support and making day trips to carry out equipment with possible overnight stays for bigger projects. The work taken on will depend on participant interest.

Due to the nature of the cleanup projects, volunteers should be in a good physical condition, able to hike up to 10 miles a day at various elevations with a heavy pack. Participants will need to supply their own hiking/camping gear. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Wilderness Ranger, Mark Peterson at (505) 672-3861 x1442 or [email protected].

Entrance fees will be waived for volunteers on the days they work.

NPLD is the nation's largest single-day volunteer event for public lands. Established in 1994, it’s held annually on the fourth Saturday in September. This celebration brings out thousands of volunteers to help restore and improve public lands around the country. NPLD is also a fee free day when entrance fees will be waived at national parks and other public lands.

Bandelier National Monument is open every day from sunrise to sunset. The visitor center is open 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. daily; the park store operated by Western National Parks Association is open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, and the café is open 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. daily.