Join BMLT and North Fork John Day Watershed Council (NFJDWC) in restoring vital habitat for salmon, steelhead, and more at BMLT's first purchased property, Phipps Meadow.

Nestled in scenic and rural Grant County, Oregon, lies Phipps Meadow—a refuge spanning 1.58 miles of the headwaters of the Middle Fork John Day River. This habitat teems with life, providing a critical haven for native fish species, including wild spring Chinook salmon, Mid-Columbia summer steelhead, bull trout, redband trout, pacific lamprey, and many others.

The segment of the river that passes through Phipps Meadow needs help and future large-scale restoration efforts. A crucial step in restoration we can take today is safeguarding riparian vegetation against overgrazing by wild ungulates and trespassing cattle. With partner support from the NFJDWC and the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board, BMLT plans to install riparian plant enclosures along portions of the river to protect and support the growth of riparian vegetation, such as willows and aspen.

This volunteer work party will be led by BMLT and NFJDWC. Work activities include lifting and carrying enclosure materials, post pounding, wire cutting, and fastening fences together. The work environment will involve uneven terrain, full sun, and warm temperatures. Due to the nature of the property, the majority of work will need to be done by foot rather than by vehicle.

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

Trip Details:

• Volunteer work to accomplish:

  🌲 Construct ~ 25 riparian plant enclosures using wire grid hog panels and t-posts.
  
  🌲 The project will protect and support the growth of existing vegetation along the rivers and creeks at Phipps Meadow.

• What it takes to do this work party:

  • Tolerance for hard work and backcountry conditions.

  • Outdoor gear and weather appropriate attire.

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

  • BMLT staff/ Blues Crew and NFJDWC leaders will provide training and tools as needed

  • Expect to be physically active at your own pace for up to 8 hours

  • Recommended for ages 18 and older

• Trip schedule:

  Friday 6/23

  Option to camp at Bates State Park- arrive by 9:00 PM.

  6:00 pm - BMLT staff will arrive at Bates State Park

  7:00 pm - Bring your own dinner and camping set up at Bates State Park

  Saturday 6/24

  7:00 am - Wake up

  7:30 am - Coffee (provided) and breakfast (bring your own breakfast)

  8:30 am - Carpool/caravan from Bates State Park to Phipps Meadow

  9:00 am - Project introduction with BMLT & NFJDWC, begin work

  12:00 pm - Lunch at Phipps Meadow provided by BMLT

  4:00 pm - Work party debrief

  6:00 pm - Group dinner provided by BMLT, campfire

  Sunday, 6/25

  If we don’t complete our work on Saturday, we will work an additional ~3 hours on Sunday

  7:00 am - Wake up 

  7:30 am - Coffee (provided) and breakfast (bring your own breakfast)

  8:30 am - Carpool/caravan to Phipps Meadow

  12:00 pm - Lunch at Bates State Park (bring your own lunch)

  1:00 pm - Work party debrief, pack up camp 

  2:00 pm Depart Bates State Park, head home
  
  

• Meeting location:

  All volunteers will meet, carpool, and depart from Bates State Park on Saturday and Sunday mornings. Due to parking limitations at Phipps Meadow, carpooling from Bates to Phipps Meadow is required.

  If meeting at the campground in the morning, please arrive by 8:00am on Saturday and Sunday. Everyone will carpool/caravan to Phipps Meadow to begin work at 8:30am.
  
  Staff and volunteers are welcome to camp at Bates State Park Friday, 6/23 and Saturday 6/24. If arriving Friday 6/23, please plan to arrive no later than 9:00 pm.
  
  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.)

• What to bring:

  ✅ Lightweight day pack

  ✅ Water bottle - suggest 64 ounces of water for June days

  ✅ Warm clothing for wet/cold weather

  ✅ Meals & snacks (BMLT will provide lunch and dinner Saturday, 6/24. Bring your own food and beverages for other meals. If you have dietary restrictions, please bring your own meals.)

  ✅ Medications

  ✅ Camping gear, tent, sleeping bag
  
  ✅ Personal care items, toilet paper

• What to wear:

  ✅ Boots – no sneakers or sandals during work hours. Muck boots.

  ✅ Long pants and long-sleeved shirt

  ✅ Rain gear

  ✅ Hat & sun protection

  ✅ 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

• Trip notes:

  ⚠️ Saturday lunch and dinner will be provided at Phipps Meadow. Coffee will be provided Saturday and Sunday mornings at Bates State Park. Please bring your own breakfasts.
  
  ⚠️ If you have dietary restrictions, please provide your own meals.

  ⚠️ Potable water and vault toilets are available at Bates State Park.

  ⚠️ Volunteers will carpool from Bates State Park to Phipps Meadow on Saturday morning. Check out the trip schedule for more details.
  
  ⚠️ Pets are not to accompany volunteers due to work safety concerns.
  
  ⚠️ We’re currently following CDC guidelines for all BMLT sponsored events. Please stay home if you are feeling unwell.
  
  ⚠️ BMLT practices Leave No Trace™ principles.

• Contact information:

  For more information, contact us at Genevieve@bmlt.org or 509-525-3136.

Presented in partnership with the North Fork John Day Watershed Council (NFJDWC)