Restoring the shoreline beside the Confluence Story Circles at Sacajawea State Park is a meditative reflection of gratitude and honor for the Indigenous peoples who tended this land since time immemorial. Give back and join us for this meaningful volunteer opportunity.
Join Blue Mountain Land Trust, Confluence Project, Whitman College Outdoor Program, BMLT Blues Crew, and community members to improve the landscape surrounding the Story Circles at Sacajawea State Park, located at the confluence of the Columbia and Snake rivers. During the day, James Holt, executive director of Buffalo Field Campaign and member of the Nez Perce Tribe, will share placed based stories about the region, cultural connections of the Nez Perce Tribe, and the many ways the Tribe advocates for the rivers today. Staff from the Confluence Project will also share the significance and impact of the Story Circle project for the region.
About the Confluence Story Circles & Work Party
The Stories Circles were created as part of the Confluence Project and designed by Maya Lin. The seven granite circles tell the tales of people, place and the connection between them in text etched into stone, some raised above and some lowered into the ground.
The area in proximity to the installation is overgrown with blackberry, tall grasses, weeds, brambles, and volunteer trees that obscure the view of the river. Our goal is to clean out invasive plants and clear the circles for visitors to have full access to the site, while making ongoing maintenance easier.
“Realize the power of the river– against the backdrop of the hills– feel the significance of the place through its geography: a confluence of economy, living culture, subsistence, business and ceremonies. Look closer to understand better the confluence of the great Columbia River with the Snake River supporting activities, towns and people– to help people live. We are one with it.” -Antone Minthorn (Cayuse)
James Holt is the director of Buffalo FIeld Campaign. James hails from Central Idaho and the homeland of the Nez Perce Tribe. He earned a degree in Environmental Sciences from the University of Idaho. James has a background in tribal public policy and collaborating on complex, natural resource management issues. He is also passionate about social equity, having earned a certificate in Diversity and Stratification. James believes in advocating for social justice in all facets of natural resource planning and management.
Volunteer work to accomplish:
🌲 Restoring the shoreline
🌲 Removing bramble
🌲 Trimming trees
🌲 Weeding and clean-up of plant debris
What it takes to do this work party:
■ No experience is necessary—bring a great attitude for working with a team! Blues Crew leaders and park staff will provide training and tools as needed
■ Expect to be physically active at your own pace for up to 7 hours
■ Recommended for ages 14 and older; participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult with a signed parental consent form
Trip Notes:
⚠️ 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.
Schedule:
9:00 a.m. - Arrive Sacajewa Park
9:15 - 9:45 a.m. - Work summary, equipment distribution, and safety briefing
9:45 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. - Work site activities
11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. - Presentation, Story, and Q&A with James Holt
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. - Lunch, presentation from Confluence Project. Lunch & snacks provided.
1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. - Work site activities
Stories throughout the day with James Holt.
What to bring:
✅ Lightweight day pack
✅ Water bottle
✅ Warm clothing for wet/cold weather
What to wear:
✅ Boots – no sneakers or sandals
✅ 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
Contact info:
For more information, contact us at katy@bmlt.org or blues-crew@bmlt.org or 509-525-3136.
We’re currently following CDC guidelines for all BMLT sponsored events. Please stay home if you are feeling unwell.
This event is supported by the 3 Rivers Community Foundation.
Presented in partnership with Blue Mountain Land Trust, Confluence Project, Buffalo Field Campaign, Washington State Parks, Whitman College Outdoor Program, and BMLT Blues Crew.
