Join the BMLT Blues Crew this fall for exciting trail work parties at Horseshoe Prairie Nordic Ski area! Let’s work together, make a lasting impact, and enhance a winter wonderland for the upcoming season.

Since 2018, our dedicated BMLT Blues Crew volunteers have maintained the Horseshoe Prairie trail system, ensuring an incredible winter recreation experience for all. Thanks to a recent grant from the Oregon Recreational Trails Programs, BMLT is expanding the trail system and enhancing markers and signage for an even better adventure experience.

With the U.S. Forest Service forest thinning project underway in the area, we need your help! Join our volunteers to help clear the trails and install additional signage before the winter season kicks off.

Be a part of this exciting volunteer opportunity! Whether you’re an experienced trailblazer or beginner nature enthusiast looking to give back, your contribution will be invaluable. We'll have fun, work hard and make a difference. No experience is necessary.

Learn more about our work at Horseshoe Prairie Nordic Ski Area .

Trip Details:

• Volunteer Work to accomplish:

  The work party will focus on:

  🌲 Brushing and limbing of trees obstructing the ski and snowshoe trails.
  

  🌲 Placing new 10’ metal t-posts to hold 6’ orange poles as trail markers.
  
  🌲 Placing seasonal 6’ orange poles on existing 10’ metal t-post as trail markers.

  🌲 Placement of blue and red diamond markers on trees at heights 10-12” to identify the trails.

• What it takes to do this work party:

  • Tolerance for hard work and backcountry conditions.

  • No specific trail work experience is necessary—bring a great attitude for working with a team!

  • Blues Crew leaders and USFS partners will provide training and tools as needed

  • Expect to be physically active at your own pace for up to 6 hours

  • Recommended for ages 14 and older. Participants under the age of 18 need a signed parent consent form

• Trip notes:

  ⚠️ This is a moderately strenuous work party.
  
  ⚠️ Pets are not to accompany volunteers due to work safety concerns.
  
  ⚠️ We’re currently following CDC guidelines for all BMLT sponsored events. Please stay home if you are feeling unwell.
  
  ⚠️ BMLT Blues Crew practices Leave No Trace™ principles.

• Meeting Location and Day Schedule:

  Volunteers from outside Walla Walla should go directly to the Andies Prairie Sno-park parking lot to arrive no later than 9 am.
  
  Walla Walla Region Volunteers:
  September 23:

  7:45 a.m. Meet at USFS Umatilla Walla Walla Ranger District office on Rose Street, Walla Walla. We will carpool/caravan from there.

  8:00 a.m. Depart for Andies Prairie Sno-park parking lot.

  9:00 am - Arrive at trail head. Orientation, equipment distribution, safety briefing.

  10:00 a.m. - Begin work.

  Noon - Lunch

  3:00 p.m. - Debrief, beverages
  
  5:00 p.m. - Return home

• What to wear:

  ✅ 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, extra water

• What to bring:

  ✅ Lightweight day pack

  ✅ Water bottle - suggest 64 ounces of water

  ✅ Warm clothing for wet/cold weather

  ✅ Snacks

  ✅ Medications

• Contact information:

  For more information, contact us at blues-crew@bmlt.org or 509-525-3136.

Presented in partnership with the Umatilla National Forest, an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture