Trip Overview
Join BMLT Blues Crew and Whitman College volunteers to establish a new skate ski trail at Horseshoe Prairie Nordic Ski Area.
Saturday, November 5th -POSTPONED DUE TO WEATHER
Sunday, November 6th- POSTPONED DUE TO WEATHER
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.
The Red Fox Racetrack skate ski trail will be our newest addition to Nordic skiing at Horseshoe Prairie! Join the gang to prepare this brand new trail. Work parties will occur on Saturday, November 5 and Sunday, November 6th - come work one or both days. Weather is variable this time of year, so keep your fingers crossed we enjoy lovely autumn weather but come prepared for anything!
Be a part of this exciting volunteer opportunity! We'll have fun, work hard and make a difference. No experience is necessary. To assist in our work and tool planning, please sign up for BOTH days if you volunteer on Saturday and Sunday.
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.