One day, one goal: caring for El Malpais National Conservation Area

How did you celebrate Sept. 26, 2026—National Public Lands Day (NPLD)? As part of the largest single-day volunteer event dedicated to public lands in the country, 25 volunteers and BLM staff spent a beautiful Saturday morning at El Malpais National Conservation Area (NCA) giving back to the public lands they cherish.

Narrows Rim Trail Restoration

A team of 25 volunteers and BLM staff completed restoration work along the Narrows Rim Trail system, hiking the full eight-mile roundtrip from the Narrows Picnic Area. Carrying in hand tools, sun protection, and snacks, the crew worked their way along the dramatic sandstone rim, which rises approximately 500 feet above the surrounding landscape.

Throughout the day, participants cleared weeds and downed timber from the trail corridor, and rebuilt rock cairn route markers to improve wayfinding for visitors. These efforts helped maintain safe, enjoyable access to the area while protecting natural resources and enhancing the recreation experience for the public.

Cebolla Canyon Fence Repairs

A smaller group of volunteers and BLM staff drove three government vehicles to remote Cebolla Canyon. En route to the project site, the crew gathered downed timber from along the roadway and used it to construct natural barrier fencing at a non-motorized trailhead. Placed along both sides of the entrance, the timber quickly stacked up high enough to create an effective barrier and discourage unauthorized travel.

After a short hike farther into the wilderness, the team then turned their attention to repairing sections of a historic homestead fence that had fallen into disrepair. As they arrived at the site, the volunteers were pleased to discover a sign which indicated that the fence had originally been built by members of the same organization, New Mexico Volunteers for the Outdoors (NMVFO). The moment was a meaningful reminder of the group's longstanding commitment to public lands stewardship and the lasting impact of volunteer service.

A National Public Lands Day to Remember

“National Public Lands Day at El Malpais National Conservation Area was a wonderful reminder of how special these places are,” said Evie Forster, El Malpais NCA Park Ranger. “Working alongside our volunteers to restore trails and fences helped us connect with this incredible landscape and give something back. We are truly grateful to everyone who shared their time, hard work, and commitment to caring for these public lands.”

Thank you to everyone who helped make National Public Lands Day possible through their time, energy, and enthusiasm, and especially to New Mexico Volunteers for the Outdoors for helping bring the community together. Your work will help improve visitor access, protect recreation areas, and care for the landscape for years to come.