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.

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.

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 Craig Piefer at craig@bmlt.org.

Trip Details:

• Volunteer work to accomplish:

  🌲 Plant Saplings

• What it takes to do this work party:

  • Tolerance for hard work and possible inclement conditions

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

  • BMLT Blues Crew leaders 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

• Meeting location:

  Please arrive at the Rose street Downtown public parking (11 W Rose St, Walla Walla, WA 99362) at 07:50 on Friday, November 15th 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.)

• Trip schedule:

  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 a.m. Arrive at the Rose Street Downtown public parking (11 W Rose St, Walla Walla, WA 99362)

  08:00 a.m. Depart for Birch Creek

  09:05 a.m. Arrive at Birch Creek

  09:10 a.m.  Unload tools, stretch, safety talk

  09:15 a.m. Walk the short distance to Creek Bed and begin work

  12:00 p.m. Break for lunch

  12:30 p.m. Back at it

  03:00 p.m. Head back to vehicles

  03:30 p.m. Turn in tools and leave Birch Creek

  05:00ish p.m. Arrive at the Rose Street Downtown public parking (11 W Rose St, Walla Walla, WA 99362)

• What to wear:

  ✅ Boots, Tall Rubber or “Muck” type boots– no sneakers

  ✅ Long pants and long-sleeved shirt

  ✅ Rain gear and appropriate layers

  ✅ Work gloves and eye protection (glasses, sunglasses)

  *** 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

  ✅ Lunch and Snacks

  ✅ Eye protection & gloves

  ✅ There is a “Port-a-Potty” at the work site

  Blues Crew practices Leave No Trace™ principles.

• Trip notes:

  ⚠️ Please pack your own lunch, snacks and water.
  
  ⚠️ Pets are not to accompany volunteers due to work safety concerns.
  
  ⚠️ Please fill out the liability waiver and email to craig@bmlt.org or print and bring with you to the work party!

  ⚠️ 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.

  ⚠️ 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 craig@bmlt.org or blues-crew@bmlt.org or 509-525-3136.

Presented in partnership with Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR)