Teamwork gets stuff done! And great teams need knowledgeable leaders. Join the BMLT Blues Crew for a fun and informative trail crew leader training and work day.

What better way to learn how to lead a Trail Crew than to be on a high-performing team and share the secrets to organization and leadership? We're going to do a start-to-finish simulation of the ideal work party and work together to improve a section of trail in the North Fork Umatilla recreation zone. We'll be covering tools, work guides, safety, communication, volunteer management, and leadership— all in a fun and real-world environment. Polish up your radio skills, get your work gloves handy, and join your fellow Trail Crew Leaders in a day of camaraderie and learning, with a few surprises along the way!

Trail Crew Leaders lead small groups of volunteers during Blues Crew trail work parties rather than leading entire projects - so don't be afraid to sign up. We'll only ask of you what you are willing to contribute. A sandwich lunch will be provided.

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

Questions? Dietary concerns? Call Barbara Hetrick at (509) 301-1372.

Trip Details:

• Training topics to cover:

  🌲Tool and Safety Review- Tailgate Topics

  🌲 Scouting, Planning, and Doing Treadwork and Trail Improvements
  
  🌲 Sawyer Basics for Nonsawyers
  
  🌲 Emergency Response and Communications Drill
  
  🌲 Interpersonal Skills and Leadership
  
  🌲 Brushing Work Guide
  
  🌲 5 Needle Pine Information & Where Are We Now?
  

• 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

  • Recommended for ages 18 and older

• Trip schedule:

  Volunteers from outside Walla Walla should meet directly at the North Fork Umatilla River trailhead at 9:00 am.
  
  Walla Walla Region Volunteers:
  Saturday, April 13th:

  7:15 a.m. Meet at USFS Umatilla Walla Walla Ranger District office on Rose Street, Walla Walla. We will carpool/caravan from there.

  7:30 a.m. Depart for Umatilla River Trailhead

  9:00 a.m. - Tool and Safety Review: Tailgate Topics

  9:45 a.m. Scouting, Planning, and Doing Treadwork and Trail Improvements

  11:15 a.m. Sawyer Basics for Nonsawyers

  11:45 a.m. - Emergency Response and Communications Drill
  
  12:00 p.m. - Sandwich Lunch - build your own sandwich - Group Meal
  
  12:45 p.m. - Interpersonal Skills and Leadership
  
  1:15 p.m. - Brush for 5 Years! What do we mean when we ask crews to achieve this goal?
  
  2:15 p.m. - 5 Needle Pine Information & Where Are We Now?

  2:45 p.m. - Putting it all together (and away!) Closing debrief, celebration, and pack up.

  3:45 p.m. - Depart for Walla Walla

• Meeting location:

  Volunteers from outside Walla Walla: Meet directly at the Umatilla River Trailhead.

  Walla Walla area volunteers: Meet at USFS Umatilla Walla Walla Ranger District office on Rose Street in Walla Walla at 7:15 am. We will carpool/caravan from there.

  If you’re willing to drive, please arrive with a full gas tank. Also, please be prepared to share gas costs with your volunteer driver on the return trip (bring cash.)

• What to wear:

  ✅ Boots – no sneakers or sandals during work hours

  ✅ Long pants and long-sleeved shirt

  ✅ Rain gear /layers for warmth

  ✅ Work gloves and eye protection (glasses, sunglasses)

  ✅ Ticks can be present: bring DEET for self, Permethrin for clothes

  ✅ Gaiters can be very useful

  *** BMLT Blues Crew Supplied: Safety gear, first aid kit, hard hat, tools

• What to bring:

  ✅ Lightweight day pack

  ✅ Water bottle - suggest 64 ounces of water

  ✅ Warm clothing for wet/cold weather

  ✅ Snacks

  ✅ Medications / Personal care items / sunscreens

• Trip notes:

  ⚠️ This is a moderately strenuous work party/ training session
  
  ⚠️ 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 Blues Crew practices Leave No Trace™ principles.

• Contact information:

  Questions? Signed up but can't come? Dietary concerns? Call Barbara Hetrick at (509) 301-1372.
  

Presented in partnership with the Umatilla National Forest, an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture