Celebrate National Public Lands Day by working on one of our favorite winter trails! Join the BMLT Blues Crew and Whitman College Outdoor Program for a trail work party at the Red Fox Racetrack at Horseshoe Prairie.
National Public Lands Day offers a chance to celebrate and give back by joining local efforts to enhance our public lands, including trails, parks, and natural areas. This year, we'll focus on the Red Fox Racetrack, a one-mile loop on the south end of Prairie Loop Trail, designed specifically for Nordic skiers. The trail requires brushing, widening, and the removal of obstacles. While we're out there, we'll also ensure that trail markers and signs are prepared for the upcoming winter season.
Be a part of this exciting volunteer opportunity! We'll have fun, work hard and make a difference. No experience is necessary.
Check out more information about the Red Fox Racetrack at Horseshoe Prairie.
Questions? Get in touch with Craig Piefer at craig@bmlt.org.
Trip Details:
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🌲 Brush and widen several areas
🌲 Remove obstacles and stumps
🌲 Setup trail markers and signage
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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 5 hours
Recommended for ages 13 and older
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Please arrive at USFS Ranger District Office parking lot at 1415 W Rose Street, Walla Walla at 07:20 on Saturday, September 28th to carpool to the trailhead. 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.)
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Volunteers from outside of Walla Walla should meet directly at the parking lot next to Horseshoe Prairie Nordic Ski area.
07:20 AM: Arrive at USFS Ranger District Office for check-in.
07:30 AM: Depart for Horseshoe Prairie
08:45 AM: Arrive at Horseshoe Prairie
08:50 AM: Unload tools, stretch, safety talk
09:15 AM: Walk the short distance to Red Fox Racetrack and begin work
12:00 PM: Break for lunch
12:30 PM: Back at it
03:00 PM: Head back to vehicles
03:30 PM: Turn in tools and leave Horseshoe Prairie
05:00ish PM: Arrive at USFS Ranger District Office
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✅ Boots – no sneakers or sandals during work hours
✅ 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
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✅ Lightweight day pack
✅ Water bottle - suggest 64 ounces of water
✅ Warm clothing for wet/cold weather
✅ Snacks
✅ Personal care items such as toilet paper
Blues Crew practices Leave No Trace™ principles.
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⚠️ 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’
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For more information, contact us at craig@bmlt.org or blues-crew@bmlt.org or 509-525-3136.
Presented in partnership with the Whitman College Outdoor Program and the Umatilla Ranger District of the Umatilla National Forest, an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
