Corps seeks trail work volunteers at Mill Creek Storage Dam and Bennington Lake on National Trails Day on Saturday

Published June 2, 2011

WALLA WALLA, Wash.  – The Walla Walla District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is seeking volunteers to repair the Whitetail Trail near Mill Creek Storage Dam on Saturday, June 4, as part the Corps’ support for National Trails Day on that day. The American Hiking Society's National Trails Day® is held the first Saturday of every June.

Volunteers are asked to meet at the bottom of the Russell Creek side of the storage dam at 8 a.m. and work until noon. Water, Gatorade® powder, and snacks will be provided. The trail work will be similar to work completed by the Washington Army National Guard in April. It includes "grubbing" out the new trail, making some small trenches across the old trail to direct runoff into the grass, and possibly temporarily fencing off the old trail to allow it to grow ground cover.

“It’s an opportunity to be a good steward of our public lands, and we’re grateful for the help,” said Jeremy Nguyen, natural resources specialist for the District. “Volunteers can also bring their own lunch and enjoy it at the lake after the work is done.”

The Corps will have a limited number of tools and gloves available. Volunteers are encouraged to bring gloves, shovels, and heavy-duty rakes. A limited number of water bottles and American Hiking Society stickers will also be given away on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Individuals and groups are welcome. Volunteers are asked to contact Nguyen if they plan to work that morning. He can be reached at (509) 527-7165, Jeremy.A.Nguyen@usace.army.mil, or on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/millcreekdam.

To reach the work site, take Reservoir Road toward the Bennington Lake boat ramp and parking lot. At the top of the hill near the crosswalk area, look for a sign to turn right and go through the access gate. The road will go down the hill to the work site toward Russell Creek on the side of the storage dam opposite Bennington Lake. Signs will provide drivers directions to parking.

For information about hiking and recreation opportunities in the Walla Walla District, visit the District website at  www.nww.usace.army.mil/corpsoutdoors/. For information about National Trails Day, visit www.americanhiking.org/events/ntd/.    

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509-527-7020
cenww-pa@usace.army.mil

Release no. 11-71