A group of concerned residents are organizing a clean-up of a portion of Highway 169 between Magdalena and the Alamo-Navajo Reservation on April 24, the Saturday following Earth Day.
The Earth Day clean-up runs from 8 a.m. to noon and will cover the stretch of Highway 160 between mile markers 0 to 18.
The success of the effort is dependent on the number of volunteers.
Organizer Laurie Ware said volunteers are asked to arrive at 7:30 a.m. to the information/supply station on Highway 169 at mile marker 10 to sign a Liability Release for the New Mexico Department of Transportation, and choose a starting mile marker.
“Please wear your face mask, gather in groups of 10 or less, bring a reflective vest if you have one, pick up some water, gloves, and a Sofia’s Kitchen burrito when you arrive,” Ware said.
Donations of gloves, reflective vests, Nalgene reusable water bottles, and masks will be appreciated, Ware said.
Community volunteers include Socorro County Commissioners and Manager, as well as the Socorro County Detention Center.
“Any donation will be wonderful,” she said. “Our mailing address is PO Box 1063. Sponsors can make a check out to me. I will mail a receipt back or give receipts for purchases to sponsors the day of the event.”
Sponsoring the clean-up event include Magdalena Custom Woodworks, LLC; Sofia’s Kitchen; Cricket Courtney; NMDOT; Ray Martinez; and Greg Long.

John Larson, El Defensor Chieftain