Join the Blue Mountain Land Trust and the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) in restoring the natural beauty of Birch Creek!
Decades ago, Birch Creek was rerouted to create additional farmland, which eliminated crucial spawning grounds for fish like steelhead. Now, thanks to CTUIR's efforts, the creek’s natural meandering path has been restored, and it’s ready to be lined with native cottonwood trees.
This event follows up on a successful event in Fall 2024, where volunteers installed ~2000 native trees and shrubs in the restored floodplain. Additional planting is needed this year and CTUIR has prepared the site by auguring planting holes and providing young cottonwood saplings—our job is simply to plant them and cover them with soil.
We will be working primarily from 9am - 3pm on October 22, 23, and 24. Carpool from Walla Walla will depart at 8am and return by 4pm.
Be part of this meaningful volunteer opportunity! Let’s work hard, have fun, and make a lasting impact on our local ecosystem. No experience necessary.
Questions? Get in touch with Andrew Addessi at andrew@bmlt.org
Trip Details:
-
🌲 Plant saplings
-
🌲 Tolerance for hard work and possible inclement conditions.
🌲 No specific planting experience is necessary—bring a great attitude for working with a team!
🌲 BMLT Blues Crew leaders, BMLT Staff, and CTUIR partners will provide training and tools as needed—however, if you have a shovel and are willing to bring it, that would be great.
🌲 Expect to be physically active at your own pace for up to 5 hours
🌲 Recommended for ages 13 and older
-
Please arrive at the Rose street Downtown public parking (11 W Rose St, Walla Walla, WA 99362) at 07:50 on the date of your event ticket(s) to carpool to the work site.
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).
-
Wednesday, October 22 | Thursday, October 23 | Friday, October 23
Volunteers from outside of Walla Walla should meet directly at the work area. Park near the large excavating equipment. (45.63582° N, 118.86569° W)
07:50 am: Arrive at the public parking lot for check-in
08:00 am: Depart for work site
09:05 am: Arrive at Birch Creek
09:10 am: Unload tools, stretch, safety talk
09:15 am: Begin work
12:00 pm: Break for lunch
12:30 pm: Back at it
03:00 pm: End of day wrap up
03:15 p.m. Turn in tools and leave work site
04:00/4:30 pm: Arrive at public parking lot
-
✅ Boots, Tall Rubber or “Muck” boots - no sneakers
✅ Long pants and long-sleeved shirt
✅ Rain gear and appropriate layers, warm clothes
✅ Work gloves and eye protection (glasses, sunglasses)
*** BMLT Blues Crew Supplied: Safety gear, first aid kit, hard hat, tools (Shovels, post-hole diggers), High Vis vests (up to 20)
-
✅ Lightweight day pack
✅ Water bottle - suggest 64 ounces of water
✅ Warm clothing for wet/cold weather
✅ Lunch and snacks
*There is a “Port-a-Potty” at the work site.
Blues Crew practices Leave No Trace™ principles -- please bring what you need to comply.
-
⚠️ Please pack your own lunch, snacks, and water.
⚠️ Pets are not to accompany volunteers due to work safety concerns.
⚠️ 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’
-
For more information, contact andrew@bmlt.org or 509-525-3136 ext.6.
Presented in partnership with Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation.
