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:
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🌲 Brush and widen several areas
🌲 Remove trees where needed
🌲 Mark new trail
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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
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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).
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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
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✅ 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
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✅ 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.
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⚠️ 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’
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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.
