Celebrate National Public Lands Day and join BMLT Blues Crew at Horseshoe Prairie to prepare the trails for winter!

Celebrate National Public Lands Day with a day of trail care and camaraderie at Horseshoe Prairie on Saturday, September 27. 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 work for the day will be placing and replacing all of the signs on the winter trails. This task is extremely important, as the signs must be readable when there is 10 feet of snow. This work includes digging, hoisting lumber, clearing brush, and driving 12 foot tall t-bars. It’s a lot of work to get done but we promise to have fun doing it.

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:

  🌲 Placing new signs

  🌲 Replacing old signs

  🌲 Marking trail with t-bars and orange poles

• 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 Saturday 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 27

  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 to bring to the work project daily

  ✅ 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.