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Blues Crew Work Party: McNary Wildlife Center Pollinator Garden

  • Walla Walla Ranger Station 1415 West Rose Street Walla Walla, WA, 99362 United States (map)

Overview

Blues Crew is excited to partner with the Friends of the McNary Wildlife Center to install a native plant pollinator garden at the McNary Wildlife Refuge. Blues Crew volunteers will help install a crushed rock path measuring 375 feet long by 4 feet wide. The garden will showcase native wildflowers, providing habitat for bees, butterflies, beneficial insects and hummingbirds. By volunteering, you will help enhance the onsite education opportunities at the refuge in addition to supporting our important pollinator species!

We'll have fun, work hard and make a difference! No experience is necessary.

Work to accomplish

  • Digging out pathway

  • Placing landscape fabric

  • Edging pathway

  • Laying and compacting gravel

Note

Pets are not to accompany volunteers on a Blues Crew work party due to work safety concerns.

Planning Information - Get ready for a great day outside!

Exertion Level: Moderate due to gravel placement.

Schedule:

  • 8:00 am – Meet at USFS parking lot on Rose Street in Walla Walla.

  • 8:15 am – Depart for McNary Wildlife Center.

  • 9:00 am – Arrive at McNary. Orientation and safety briefing.

  • Noon – Bring your own lunch.

  • 4 pm – Work complete. Discussion and beverages at McNary Wildlife Center. Return to Walla Walla.

What to wear: You cannot participate if you do not dress appropriately

  • Boots – no sneakers or sandals

  • Gaiters (recommended)

  • Long pants

  • Long-sleeved shirt

  • Gloves

  • Eye protection (glasses, sun glasses)

    A hard hat will be provided by BMLT. For safety reasons, shorts and sneakers are not allowed.

What to bring:

  • Lunch

  • Water bottle (water fountain available for refills)

  • Rain jacket and pants

  • Extra warm clothing in case of wet or cold weather

  • A pack to carry your personal gear

  • A sense of fun and adventure for learning new skills and meeting great people!

    Firearms and weapons are not allowed.

Blues Crew Supplied:

  • Safety gear

  • First aid kit

  • Hard hat

  • Tools

Blues Crew Lead: Eileen Settle

Friends of McNary Lead: Shannon Truex

What it Takes to Do This Work Party:

  • No experience is necessary—just bring a great attitude for working with a team! Blues Crew leaders will provide training and tools as needed.

  • Expect to be physically active at your own pace for up to 6 hours on uneven terrain.

  • Recommended for ages 10 and older; under 16 must be accompanied by an adult and a parental consent form must be signed for anyone under 18.

For more Information contact us at blues-crew@bmlt.org or 509-525-3136