2026 Robinson Creek Instream Restoration #1

About the place

This project takes place on the Pine Creek Conservation Area, which is owned and managed for fish and wildlife habitat by the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs. Pine Creek is within the traditional lands of the Tenino people, a band of the Warm Springs Tribe and the Northern Paiute people. The area is also part of the traditional lands of the Cayuse, one of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation.

Robinson Creek, a major tributary of Pine Creek, flows through a rugged canyon to connect high-elevation ponderosa pine forests with the rolling grasslands of the conservation area, serving as a critical connective corridor for fish and wildlife.

While ONDA has completed several successful restoration plantings on Robinson Creek over the years, the larger ecosystem remains out of balance. Streambanks are eroded and many places still lack the density of trees and shrubs necessary to support healthy habitat. And, some sections of the creek run dry seasonally, trapping fish in isolated pools when water levels drop. To address these challenges, we’re undertaking an ambitious 5-year restoration project on Robinson Creek in partnership with the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs.

About the stewardship work

Volunteers will install natural structures on the upper reaches of Robinson Creek. Work includes using loppers and handsaws to remove small junipers from along the creek. Volunteers will then add juniper cuttings and other natural materials collected on site to the stream to slow water flows, capture sediment, and reverse erosion. This will raise the water table, retain moisture, and produce more consistent year-round stream flows to both support existing plants and ready the site for future plantings.

Trip timeline

• Saturday, June 13, 11 a.m.- 2 p.m.:  Meet at the parking area and prepare to be shuttled into our campsite. Prompt arrival by 2 p.m. will be critical to allow the group to travel together. After we’ve set up camp, we’ll rest, cook and prepare to start work the next day.
• Sunday, June 14 and Monday, June 15, 8 a.m.: Walk about a half mile down Robinson Creek to the work site. Volunteers should plan to be out all day and be prepared for a full day of work.
• Sunday, June 14 and Monday, June 15, 4 p.m.: Return to camp to rest, cook, and explore.
• Tuesday, June 16, 8 a.m.: No work is planned. After breakfast, we will pack up camp, return to our vehicles and head home.

Camp

Volunteers will be shuttled five miles into a remote backcountry camp on Robinson Creek in ONDA vehicles. Participants must pack as if they are backpacking to ensure we’re able to fit everyone’s gear, though limited additional items such as small coolers will be allowed. Specific packing instructions will be sent to volunteers three weeks before the trip.

Difficulty

Level 4: Strenuous

The physical demands of this trip are strenuous and involve working in challenging backcountry terrain. Work involves hiking several miles per day over uneven ground, hauling brush and rocks, using hand tools such as shovels, loppers, clippers, and handsaws, working in thick and prickly vegetation, and bending and kneeling for prolonged periods.

Participant responsibilities

Participants are responsible for providing their own transportation to the meeting spot, as well as their own camping gear, food and water/beverages. Participants should check the weather in advance and bring sufficient attire and layers for a full day outdoors. Sturdy hiking boots, long pants, long sleeves and eye protection will be required for the work. We also recommend bringing your own work gloves to provide a comfortable fit, but it is not required.

Gear provided

ONDA will provide all of the training, tools, and supplies needed to complete the work. Along with expert leadership, we will also bring some group camping gear like tables, chairs, shade tents, and some extra potable water and snacks to share. Extra safety equipment such as gloves and eye protection will be available if needed.

Registration

An ONDA registration application and medical form are required for this trip.

Join Waitlist

Approximately two weeks after submitting your registration application, you will receive an email outlining the trips where you are a confirmed participant. We will also share when trips are full and if you’ve been placed on the waitlist.

Six weeks before the start of the trip, the trip leader will send out an email reconfirming participation. Based on responses, any open spaces will be filled with people from the waitlist.

Three weeks before the trip start date, registered and confirmed participants will receive driving instructions, carpooling options, maps, and additional information in an email sent by the trip leader.

Contact the trip leader with questions.