Champion the Wild
Starting in the early 2000s, a dedicated team of New Mexico Wild volunteers completed a comprehensive inventory of public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management across New Mexico to identify lands with wilderness characteristics and inform our Wilderness protections and defense efforts. New Mexico Wild is now working to update this data with the Dave Foreman Wilderness Defenders program, named after our beloved co-founder and champion of wild places, to document changed conditions. Wilderness Defenders are the eyes and ears of the wild lands in New Mexico!
We have already used data collected by our Defenders to propose improved signage and service projects in specific areas. We also use this data to build the case for designating lands for greater Wilderness protections.
Why we need wilderness defenders
With over 36 million acres of public lands in NM, vast stretches remain unmonitored. The public lands agencies don’t have the resources to monitor or maintain all the areas in their jurisdictions. Wilderness Defenders will address this gap by gathering crucial data on the health of these wild areas.
Become a wilderness defender
As a Wilderness Defender, you’ll volunteer alongside a passionate community to:
- Hike and explore designated wilderness areas and Wilderness Study Areas
- Collect data on wildlife, vegetation, and potential threats.
- Help us advocate for increased protection for deserving wildlands.
We Welcome Everyone
No prior experience is necessary! We’ll provide training, both online and/or in person, and offer opportunities to match a range of skills and interests. Whether you’re a seasoned backpacker or just getting started, there’s a place for you in the Wilderness Defenders program.
Current Projects
This year, Defenders are focusing on the Wilderness Study Areas throughout New Mexico. You choose where to visit and how often. Most of the wilderness monitoring is done using an app on your phone to collect GPS data and observations.
In addition to monitoring the Wilderness Study Areas, we also have some special projects:
- Cattle monitoring in the Valles Caldera – Trespass cattle on the Valles Caldera National Preserve threatens the health of riparian areas, native fish and wildlife, and the recreational enjoyment of visitors. New Mexico Wild volunteers monitor the preserve for signs of cattle, which involves visiting the preserve for a day, driving along the preserve roads to the northern grassy areas, hiking to locate cattle, and documenting their presence with photos and recording GPS points in our Field Maps app.
- San Juan Basin Badlands– These special areas deserve greater protection, and our recorded observations help to make that case.
After filling out the Experience Questionnaire and Volunteer Registration Form below, please email akashia@nmwild.org if you would like to participate in any of these special projects.
Join the Legacy
By becoming a Wilderness Defender, you’ll carry on Dave Foreman’s legacy of wildland conservation. Together, we can ensure that future generations inherit the wild beauty of New Mexico.
Ready to Get Started?
Fill out our quick experience questionnaire and volunteer registration forms, linked below.
- Experience Questionnaire
- Volunteer Registration Form
Spring and Fall training will be offered. Check back for dates.
Current Wilderness Defenders click here to log in.
