Celebrate National Public Lands Day and join BMLT Blues Crew for a trail work party at Bennington Lake.

National Public Lands Day is an annual celebration that serves as a reminder to honor the public outdoor spaces that bring us together. This year, celebrate with BMLT Blues Crew with a day of trail care and land stewardship.

Bennington Lake is a popular area with public trails that are used heavily by our community throughout the year. BMLT Blues Crew wants to help the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers keep it in good shape for everyone’s outdoor enjoyment. We will work hard and then gather to celebrate our accomplishments and learn more about the area from the rangers.

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: Map of Mill Creek- Bennington Lake

Questions? Get in touch with BMLT Blues Crew leader Holly Howard 509-301-1859.

• Volunteer work to accomplish:

  • The group will divide into smaller teams with experienced Blues Crew leaders. The overall goal will be brushing back the Meadowlark Trail and several spur trails to make them cleaner and more usable for the many different groups that visit the area throughout the year.

  • These groups will be cutting brush and piling downed branches and whatever else is helpful.

  • We anticipate future work on the tread - reducing the ruts and perhaps graveling parts. However this needs the proper equipment and a moister time of year to be effective. Stay tuned.

• What it takes to do this work party:

  • Tolerance for varied outdoor work.

  • No specific trail work experience is necessary—bring a great attitude for working with a team! 

  • BMLT Blues Crew leaders and USACE partners will provide training and tools as needed

  • Expect to be physically active at your own pace for up to 5 hours

  • Be able to hike 2 to 3 miles while carrying necessary tools

  • Recommended for ages 14 -18 older with parent/guardian participating, and for all over 18.

• Meeting location:

  Main Bennington Lake Parking Lot at the end of Reservoir road, north side gravel section.

• Schedule:

  Schedule:  

  Saturday September 26th

  8:20 am: Arrive at north end Bennington Lake Parking Lot

  8:30 am: Welcome & safety talk.

  9:00 am: Begin work.

  11:30 am: Lunch break at your work site

  12:00 pm: Back to work.

  1:45 pm: Wrap up work and return to group site

  2:00 pm: Rejoin together, debrief the day and celebrate.

• What to wear:

  ✅ Boots – no sneakers or sandals during work hours

  ✅ Long pants and long-sleeved shirt

  ✅Work gloves and eye protection (glasses, sunglasses)

  ✅ Rain gear if needed

  ✅ 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:

  ✅Daypack Backpack

  ✅Lunch

  ✅Water Bottle - suggest 64 ounces of water

  ✅Warm clothing for wet/cold weather

  ✅Trail Snacks

  ✅Personal care items

  ✅BMLT 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 bmlt@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 bmlt@bmlt.org or reach out to Trail Crew Leader Holly Howard at 509-301-1859.

Presented in partnership with United States Forest Service.