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Horseshoe Prairie Nordic Ski Area Trails | October


Trip Overview

Join BMLT Blues Crew for a series of trail work parties at Horseshoe Prairie Nordic Ski Area this fall.

The Horseshoe Prairie Nordic Ski Area is near Spout Springs, Oregon on Highway #204. Our team of volunteers works annually on the trail system to refresh conditions, trail markers, and signage in preparation for the winter ski season. This year, we will expand the network of trails from a plan recently approved by the U.S. Forest Service. The effort is expected to take multiple work parties through the fall prior to the first snowfall.

Be a part of this exciting volunteer opportunity! We'll have fun, work hard and make a difference. No experience is necessary.

Learn more about our work at Horseshoe Prairie.


Volunteer work to accomplish:

  • Brush and limb removal

  • Cutting and removal of downed timber

  • General cleanup

  • Placement of blue diamond trail markers

  • Installation of orange poles on t-posts as trail markers

What it takes to do this work party

  • No experience is necessary—bring a great attitude for working with a team! Blues Crew leaders will provide training and tools as needed.

  • Expect to be physically active at your own pace for up to 6 hours on uneven terrain.

  • Recommended for ages 14 and older; participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult with a signed parental consent form

Sign Up Today


Trip Notes:

  • Pets are not to accompany volunteers on a BMLT Blues Crew work party due to work safety concerns.


Schedule:


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

8:00 am - Depart for Andies Prairie parking lot adjacent to HSP.

9:00 am - Arrive at Andies Prairie parking lot. Orientation, equipment distribution, safety briefing. Begin trail work. NOTE: If not from Walla Walla, meet the crew here.

Noon - lunch

3:30 pm - Debrief & celebration beverages.

5:00 pm - Return to Walla Walla or home.


What to bring:

  • Lightweight day pack 

  • Water bottle

  • Warm clothing for wet/cold weather

  • Hat & sun protection

  • Lunch/snacks

What to wear:

  • Boots – no sneakers or sandals

  • Long pants and long-sleeved shirt

  • Rain gear/gaiters

  • Work gloves and eye protection (glasses, sunglasses)

  • Ticks can be present: bring DEET for self, Permethrin for clothes

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


For more information, contact us at blues-crew@bmlt.org or 509-525-3136. Please reach out to us if financial assistance is needed.

BMLT Blues Crew activities take place on the ancestral lands of the Cayuse, Walla Walla, Umatilla, and Nez Perce. We honor their stewardship of these lands in the past, present, and future.