Los Amigos de Valles Caldera will once again be helping the Valles Caldera National Preserve to thin overgrown forested areas to protect it from further large wildfires.
These freshly cut trees will be available 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily at the Valle Grande Entrance Station, off N.M. 4 between mile marker 39 and 40, starting the Friday after Thanksgiving, Nov. 24. Trees will be available through Dec. 17 unless sold out earlier.
Visit the Los Amigos website, Facebook page or call the Entrance Station 505.670.1612 to check on tree supply before you drive to the preserve. The trees will generally be White Fir of varying sizes from about 4 feet to 12 feet. Suggested donations will be $20 for a small tree, $35 for a medium tree and $50 for a large tree. Colored ribbons will designate size: orange for large, pink for medium and yellow for small.
Los Amigos volunteers will be selling the trees Nov. 24-26 and will accept cash or checks. After the opening weekend, trees will be available by credit card only through the bookstore at the Entrance Station.
Come out, enjoy the preserve and choose a fresh tree. Come early as they may run out of trees. Check road conditions before traveling. Los Amigos has been working for 11 years to preserve and restore the natural wonder of one of North America’s largest calderas with its unspoiled vistas, lush forests, meadow streams, and the sights and sounds of abundant wildlife. To date they have raised more than $1.5 million in restoration funds and completed six riparian and wetland restoration projects on the Preserve.