Blue Mountain Land Trust (BMLT) is offering a special day of birding and restoration at Brewer Wetland, one of our protected properties! This is your chance to explore a unique landscape not usually open to the public, spot local and migratory birds, and lend a hand to the land.

Join Blue Mountain Land Trust, Blue Mountain Audubon Society, and Tri-state Steelheaders on Saturday, May 3rd, for a guided birding walk with expert insights followed by a hands-on restoration work party. Whether you’re interested in birdwatching or helping with restoration activities including removing invasive species and fencing around established trees, you’re welcome to join us for one or both parts of the event.

This wetland habitat is a rare and important habitat in the Blue Mountains! Wetlands are among the most productive ecosystems in the world, providing benefits including water filtration, carbon storage, and critical wildlife habitat. For migratory birds, wetlands are vital pitstops, offering safe havens for nesting, feeding, and resting during their long migrations. By protecting and restoring this important area, we’re ensuring it continues to provide vital ecological services and support diverse plant and animal species. For background information on the Brewer Wetland project, please click here.

Trip Details:

• What you will learn:

  The event will be led by BMLT staff and volunteers, volunteers from the Blue Mountain Audubon Society (BMAS), and partners from Tri-State Steelheaders (TSS). Topics will include:

  🌲 Birding basics: Learn essential birdwatching skills and techniques to identify birds

  🌲 Identifying local and migratory bird species: Discover how to recognize both local and migratory birds.

  🌲 Wetland ecology & bird conservation: Understand the vital role wetlands play in supporting migratory birds.

  🌲 Invasive species management: Explore effective methods for removing invasive species that threaten biodiversity.

  🌲 Fence removal techniques: Gain hands-on experience in safely removing fencing around established trees.

• What's included:

  • Guided birding walk 

  • Insights from expert birders 

  • Invasive species and tree cage removal demonstration

  • Restoration equipment (safety glasses, loppers, shovels, etc.)

• Meeting location:

  There is very limited parking on the property so we will be carpooling to the event! Please meet in the parking lot of Walla Walla High School on the corner of Fern and Abbot.

  • Birding Only Participants: Meet at 7:45 a.m. in the parking lot. You’ll return around 10:30 a.m.

  • Birding & Restoration Work Party Participants: Meet at 7:30 a.m. in the parking lot. You’ll return around 2:15 p.m.

  • Restoration Work Party Only Participants: Meet at 10:30 a.m. in the parking lot. You’ll return around 2:15 p.m.

  The property is located about 15 minutes from downtown Walla Walla and if you are interested in biking to the event please contact emma@bmlt.org for the coordinates.

• Schedule:

  7:45 am - 8:00 am: Carpool to the Brewers Wetland property

  8:00 am - 8:15 am: Welcome and Introduction

  8:15 am -10:15 am: Guided Birding Walk

  BMAS volunteers will guide a birding walk and provide expert insights on identifying local and migratory bird species.

  10:15 am - 11:00 am: Lunch and Event Transition

  Birding only participants will carpool back to WAHI and Restoration only participants will carpool to the protected property.

  Please bring your own water, snacks, and lunch if staying for both events.

  11:00 am - 2:00 pm - Restoration Work Party

  BMLT and TSS staff and volunteers will demonstrate how to safely remove invasive species and tree cages. Participants will then have the afternoon to apply these techniques in designated areas of the property.

  2:00 pm - 2:15 pm - Carpool back to Walla Walla High School

• Age & Experience level:

  Who should join?

  • All ages welcome for the birding event

  • 16+ welcome for the restoration work party; youth under 16 welcome with a guardian

  Experience Level:

  • No birding or restoration experience necessary

  • Involves walking and standing for extended periods of time on uneven ground

  • Be prepared to work on hands and knees

• What to bring & wear:

  ✅ Muck boots, hiking boots, or sturdy waterproof shoes

  ✅ Long sleeves and pants (highly recommended

  ✅ Binoculars

  ✅ Work gloves

  ✅ Water (amount depending on activity)

  ✅ Snacks, lunch (depending on activity)

  ✅ Daypack to carry binoculars, gloves, water, snacks, etc.

  *** BMLT Blues Crew Supplied: Safety gear, first aid kit, hard hat, tools

  *** BMLT Blues Crew Supplied: Safety gear, first aid kit, hard hat, tools

• Notes:

  • Space is limited, please register soon. Registration closes on April 30th, 2025

  • We’re currently following CDC guidelines for all BMLT sponsored events. Please stay home if you are feeling unwell.

  • For more information about this event, please get in touch with Emma Erickson emma@bmlt.org

• Contact information:

  Please email Emma Erickson, BMLT Stewardship Associate if you have questions. emma@bmlt.org

This event is generously supported by partners from Tri-State Steelheaders and volunteers of Blue Mountain Audubon Society.