Blue Mountain Land Trust (BMLT) is offering public tours on our protected properties this year! Come out to experience unique landscapes, learn about the protection and stewardship of important natural resources from BMLT staff and partners, and enjoy spending a day outdoors in special places not accessible to the general public.

Join us on Saturday, August 5th, for a tour of our first BMLT-owned property, Phipps Meadow outside of Prairie City, OR. Hear from BMLT staff and partners with experience in landscape stewardship, fish and wildlife habitat restoration, birding, and more.

What you will learn:

The tour will be led by BMLT executive director Amanda Martino, stewardship director Genevieve Perdue, and partners from the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs fisheries department. Learn more about the incredible conservation vision of the property, hike in the upland forest, and hear about the river restoration process to protect this vital habitat forever.

What’s included:

• Lunch, snacks, beverages

• Unique guided tour of the best meadow landscapes of Eastern Oregon

**NOTE: Lodging is not provided, but we will offer more information on all of these logistics upon registration.

Questions? Please get in touch with Afrose Ahmed at afrose@bmlt.org

Space is limited. Reserve your spot today! Registration closes on July 31st.

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Trip Details

• Trip Schedule:

  Saturday, August 5

  11:45 pm - 12:00 pm - Arrive at Austin House. 

  This is your last chance to use a restroom. We will have a camping toilet set up for emergencies at Phipps Meadow.

  12:00 - 12:30 pm - Shuttle to Phipps Meadow. 

  Parking at Phipps Meadow is very limited due to ecological reasons. Your car will be safe at Austin House. The ride to Phipps meadow is approximately 5 minutes.

  12:30 - 1:30 pm - Welcome and eat lunch at Phipps Meadow

  1:30 - 3:00 pm Tour commences: Split into two groups to tour the meadow and uplands/forest.

  • Meadow tour led by Stefan Kelly, Watershed Restoration Manager for the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs, and Amanda Martino, BMLT Executive Director.

  • Uplands tour led by Genevieve Perdue, BMLT Stewardship Director.

  • The uplands portion of the tour includes steep elevation gain on rocky and sometimes loose soil. Hiking poles and boots with ankle support are advised.

  3:00 - 3:15 pm - Return to base camp to switch tour groups

  3:15- 4:45 pm - Second part of tour

  4:45 - 5:00 pm - Say goodbye and return to Austin House

• Meeting Location:

  Austin House Cafe & Country Store

  75805 Hwy 26

  Bates, Oregon

  541-448-2526

  (Download directions prior to departure since cell service is unavailable)

• Carpooling from Walla Walla:

  Due to lack of interest, the vanpool has been canceled.

• What to Bring and Wear:

  ✅ Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing (sun shirt, pants)
  ✅ Hiking boots w/ ankle support, muck boots for meadow tour

  ✅A change of clothes in case you step in deep mud
  ✅Sunglasses & Hat
  ✅Sunscreen
  ✅Hiking poles

  ✅Bandana or buff
  ✅ Water (2 L or more per day)
  ✅ Snacks / meals
  ✅ Pack to carry water, snacks, extra socks etc.
  ✅ Packable camp chair / picnic blanket
  ✅DEET/ Permithean for ticks
  ✅ Camping gear & food (if applicable)
  

• Food:

  A boxed lunch is being provided by Austin House on Saturday, free of charge for attendees. We will ensure that there are options for any dietary restrictions noted in your registration. We will also have cold water, gatorade, and ice.
  
  Please bring other food/water/drink based on your needs.

• Hotel Accommodations:

  Baker City

  • Best Western

  • Geyser Grand Hotel

  • Super 8

  • Roadway Inn

  John Day

  • Best Western

  • Dreamers Lodge

  Prairie City

  • Prairie City Hotel

• Camping:

  A group will be camping overnight at Bates State Park. If planning to camp, please bring all gear, food, and water to support your needs.

  There are additional campgrounds around the area as well: https://thedyrt.com/camping/oregon/near/prairie-city

  If interested in camping, contact Afrose Ahmed at afrose@bmlt.org

• Notes:

  • Phone service is limited in and around Phipps Meadow. Please get in touch with us ASAP prior to the event and download directions to the Austin House prior to departure.

  • Space is limited, please register soon. Registration closes on July 31st

  • 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 Afrose Ahmed at afrose@bmlt.org

• Contact:

  Please email Afrose Ahmed, Deputy Director, if you have questions. afrose@bmlt.org

  NOTE: Phone service will not be available at Phipps Meadow and surrounding areas. Please plan accordingly and communicate with us prior to departure.

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

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This event is supported by the Land Trust Alliance ACE grant