Join BMLT Blues Crew at Horseshoe Prairie to prepare new trails for winter adventurers!

We’re excited to invite you to a day of trail care and camaraderie at Horseshoe Prairie on Saturday, September 6. This beautiful high-country recreation area has recently expanded with brand-new trails and connector routes that are ready for snowshoers, and skiers alike. Before they can be fully enjoyed, we need to make sure they’re safe, accessible, and well-marked. That’s where you come in!

Our main task for the day will be clearing the connection for a new trail. Volunteers will work on removing small trees, clearing brush, and marking the path with metal poles and blue diamonds.

Horseshoe Prairie is a gem in the Blue Mountains, offering sweeping views, abundant wildlife, and year-round recreation. Your work will ensure that this area remains a destination for generations to come. We’ll provide the tools and guidance you need—just bring your gloves, sturdy shoes, lunch, and a readiness to pitch in. We'll have fun, work hard and make a difference. No experience is necessary!

Check out more information about the trail here.

Questions? Get in touch with Craig Piefer at craig@bmlt.org.

Trip Details:

• Volunteer work to accomplish:

  🌲 Brush and widen several areas

  🌲 Remove trees where needed

  🌲 Mark new trail

• 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! 

  • BMLT 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

  • Be able to hike 3 to 4 miles on rocky terrain and climb 150ft while carrying necessary tools

  • Recommended for ages 14 and older

• Meeting location:

  Please arrive at USFS Ranger District Office parking lot at 1415 W Rose Street, Walla Walla at 8am Sunday to carpool to the trailhead.

  If you’re willing to drive, please arrive with a full gas tank. Please be prepared to share gas costs with your volunteer driver on the return trip (bring cash).

• Schedule:

  Saturday, September 6

  8:00 am: Arrive at Walla Walla Ranger Station 

  8:10 am: Arrange carpool and head up to Tollgate

  9:15 am: Arrive at Horseshoe Prairie

  9:20 am: Stretch and safety talk

  9:35 am: Set out to create our new connector

  12:00 pm: Break for Lunch

  12:40 pm: Back at it!

  3:30 pm: Shut down work for the day

  3:50 pm: Everyone back to the vehicle they came up in and head out

  5:00 pm: Arrive back at Walla Walla Ranger Station

• 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

• What to bring:

  ✅ Day backpack

  ✅ Lunch

  ✅ Water bottle - suggest 64 ounces of water

  ✅ Warm clothing for wet/cold weather

  ✅ Trail snacks

  ✅ Personal care items

  Blues Crew practices Leave No Trace™ principles -- please bring what you need to comply.

• Trip notes:

  ⚠️ 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.
  ⚠️ 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’

• Contact information:

  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.