Join us for an autumn weekend at Phipps Meadow to help clear overcrowded forest and take part in a collaborative restoration project.
Phipps Meadow is BMLT’s first fully owned and protected property. Located just outside of Prairie City, Oregon, this stunning 278-acre landscape is surrounded by U.S. National Forest and features lush wetlands, pine forest, and over 1.5 miles of the headwaters of the Middle Fork John Day River.
Phipps Meadow needs our help. BMLT has been working with a team of restoration professionals within the John Day Basin Partnership to design and implement aquatic and upland restoration projects on the property in the upcoming years.
The work we’ll be doing is a vital component of this multi-year, collaborative restoration plan. There will be several volunteer opportunities to help with restoration tasks at Phipps Meadow, including ladder fuel thinning treatments, fence building and repair, riparian vegetation planting, and other rehabilitation and monitoring activities. These efforts support the health of these special habitats and will leave you with a lasting connection to this beautiful property.
We will arrive Saturday afternoon, camp at a nearby campground, and work all day Sunday, with an optional second night of camping for those of you who love your sleeping bag. Volunteers will focus on thinning overcrowded patches of pine forest, especially near Aspen stands, to reduce wildfire risk and support habitat restoration. Expect 5-6 hours of moderate physical work on Sunday.
Whether you're an experienced trail volunteer or just love being outside and giving back, this work party presents a unique opportunity to make a long-lasting impact on the well-being of native wildlife, fish, and plant species. We’ll provide the tools, training, and leadership. You bring your camping gear, work gloves, and willingness to get your hands dirty in one of Oregon’s most beautiful and ecologically rich places.
Spots are limited, so consider signing up and making a difference where it counts. If you can make it the entire trip, GREAT. If you can only do one day, please indicate that when you sign up and reach out to craig@bmlt.org to coordinate. We'll have fun, work hard and make a difference. No experience is necessary.
Check out more information about the area here.
Questions? Get in touch with Craig Piefer at craig@bmlt.org.
Trip Details:
-
🌲 Thinning ladder fuels and small diameter (less than 8” diameter) pine trees in dense patches of forest.
🌲 Removing conifer trees in and near regenerating Aspen stand
🌲 Scattering or piling cut material as appropriate
-
Tolerance for hard work and backcountry conditions.
No specific thinning experience is necessary—bring a great attitude for working with a team!
BMLT Blues Crew leaders will provide training and tools as needed
Expect to be physically active at your own pace for up to 6 hours
Recommended for ages 16 and older
-
Bates State Park
Old West Scenic Bikeway
Bates, OR, 97817
(Download directions prior to departure since cell service is unavailable)
If you are carpooling from Walla Walla Please arrive at USFS Ranger District Office parking lot at 1415 W Rose Street, Walla Walla at 1 pm Saturday to carpool to the Phipps Meadow.
If you’re willing to drive, please arrive with a full gas tank. If you do drive and would like to be reimbursed, please contact craig@bmlt.org and we will get it taken care of.
-
Saturday, October 4
1:00 pm: Arrive at USFS Ranger District Office for check-in
1:05 pm: Depart for Phipps Meadow
4:00 pm: Arrive at Bates State Park Campground and setup camp
4:45 pm: Head out to Phipps Meadow for work preview and Phipps tour
6:00 pm: Wrap up work preview and Phipps tour and head back to camp
6:30 pm: Dinner Provided by Austin house Restaurant, Campfire
Sunday, October 5
7:30 am: Wake up, Breakfast
8:30 am: Stretch and safety talk
9:00 am: Let the work begin
12:00 pm: Break for Lunch, Provided by BMLT (make your own Sandwich buffet)
1:00 pm: Back at it
4:00 pm: Shut down work for the day head back to camp
6:00 pm: Dinner/Group Meal and Campfire (or if you want you can head home)
Monday, October 6
Whenever am: Wake up, Breakfast
Whenever am: Pack up and clean up camp
Before 11 am: Load up and drive back to Walla Walla
Afternoon: Arrive at USFS Ranger District Office
-
✅ Boots – no sneakers or sandals during work hours
✅ Long pants and long-sleeved shirt
✅ Rain gear
✅ Work gloves and eye protection (glasses, sunglasses)
✅ Ticks can be present: bring DEET for self, Permethrin for clothes
*** BMLT Blues Crew Supplied: Safety gear, first aid kit, hard hat, tools
-
Food:
We will have a Sunday night group dinner. BMLT will provide the main entrée (meat) for Sunday night. Please bring —
✅ A side dish or dessert to share with the group if you plan to join Sunday night.
✅ Food for 1-2 breakfasts (depending how long you camp)
✅ Snacks
Equipment:
✅ Day backpack
✅ Everything you need for 1-2 nights of “car camping” (camping fees will be covered by BMLT).
✅ Tent, sleeping bag, and pad
✅ Warm clothing and rain gear
✅ Long pants and long-sleeve shirt
✅ Boots (no sneakers or sandals during work hours)
✅ Work gloves and eye protection (sunglasses ok)
✅ Toiletries, medications, personal items
✅ Water bottles (suggest 64oz for daily use)
✅ Camp chair (optional but cozy)
✅ Bug spray: DEET for you, Permethrin for your clothes
✅ Personal care items
Blues Crew practices Leave No Trace™ principles -- please bring what you need to comply.
-
⚠️ Pets are not to accompany volunteers due to work safety concerns.
⚠️ Please fill out the liability waiver and email to craig@bmlt.org or print and bring with you to the work party!⚠️ Please stay home if you are feeling unwell.
⚠️ Phone service is not available around Phipps Meadow or Bates State Park. Please download the directions and contact us as soon as possible before your departure if you have questions.
⚠️ BMLT Blues Crew practices Leave No Trace™ principles.⚠️ Is this your first volunteer trail work party? Check out this short video on ‘What to Expect and How to Stay Safe’
-
For more information, contact us at craig@bmlt.org or blues-crew@bmlt.org or 509-525-3136.
Presented in partnership with United States Forest Service.
