Overview
New Plans! Join each day for this special project when the Blues Crew teams up with a Northwest Youth Corps young-adult squad. Our efforts will focus on trail improvements to the Umatilla Rim area interconnected trails and Horseshoe Prairie. Each day at 7:00 AM, volunteers will meet at the USFS Walla Walla Ranger District office to commute to the work site for that day. Think of it as a mystery trip! (Previously announced we would meet at 7:30 but the NW Youth Corps starts their days EARLY, so we’re going to get out of bed and get that 2nd cup of coffee down early too!)
PLEASE NOTE** Some of this work may be done in the North Fork Umatilla Wilderness, wilderness restrictions apply. https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/umatilla/specialplaces/?cid=stelprdb5428929
We'll have fun, work hard and make a difference! No experience is necessary.
COVID precautions require that volunteers self-certify on the day of the event that they are well, provide and wear a cloth mask during the group safety briefing, provide their own transportation to and from the work site, and follow other health and safety practices as outlined during the pre-event safety briefing.
Work to accomplish
Blues Crew will be doing hand and mechanical brushing, tread repair on various trails, and general trail improvements. Horseshoe Prairie work will mark and improve the trail corridor in preparation for trail grooming and Nordic activities.
Note
Pets are not to accompany volunteers on a Blues Crew work party due to work safety concerns.
The USFS Walla Walla Ranger District has asked Blues Crew to limit our work party team size at this time, so if you find you are unable to participate, please call the listed Crew Leader to allow for a substitute to take your reserved place.
Planning Information - Get ready for a great day outside!
Exertion Level: Easy to Moderate, hiking to work sites, brushing, and tread work. Volunteers work at their own pace and ability.
Schedule:
7:00 am – Meet at USFS parking lot 1415 West Rose Street in Walla Walla for initial orientation and paperwork. Wearing a mask will be required.
· 7:15 am – Depart for Work Site (directions will be distributed)
· 8:15 am – Arrive at Trailhead. Safety briefing, tool distribution and team assignments, hike into work site.
· Noon – Bring your own lunch
· 4:00 pm – Work complete, hike out to parking area for return to Walla Walla, expected return 5:00 pm.
What to wear: You cannot participate if you do not dress appropriately
Boots – no sneakers or sandals
Long pants
Long-sleeved shirt
Gloves
Eye protection (glasses, sun glasses)
Gaiters (recommended)
Ticks can be present: DEET or Picaridin for self, permethrin for clothes
A hard hat will be provided by BMLT. For safety reasons, shorts and sneakers are not allowed.
What to bring:
A cloth face mask to wear during group meeting
Lunch and snacks
Water bottle(s) - no potable water is available at this work site, it is recommended that volunteers carry 2 liters of water if temperatures exceed 80 degrees.
Rain jacket and pants
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(s): Greg Brown, 509-386-7864 Barbara Hetrick, 509-301-1372
Team Leads vary by work day.
What it Takes to Do This Work Party:
No experience is necessary—just bring a great attitude for working with a team! Blues Crew leadership will provide training and tools as needed.
Expect to be physically active at your own pace for up to 7 hours on uneven terrain.
Recommended for ages 18 and older due to COVID precautions.
For more Information contact us at blues-crew@bmlt.org or call Barbara Hetrick at (509) 301-1372
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