Reynolds Pond Accessible Trail Construction (Day 1)

About the place

ONDA’s conservation work takes place on the traditional lands of the Northern Paiute, Wasco, Warm Springs, Bannock and Shoshone people, as well as ceded lands of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, and on lands currently managed by the Burns Paiute Tribe and the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs. Many Indigenous peoples live in Oregon’s high desert region today, including members of the Burns Paiute Tribe, the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs (Wasco, Warm Springs and Paiute), the Klamath Tribes (Klamath, Modoc and Yahooskin) and the Fort McDermitt Paiute and Shoshone Tribe.

Located just 15 miles east of Bend, the Oregon Badlands Wilderness is a 30,000-acre area containing fascinating lava flows and ancient junipers. Thanks to an ONDA-led campaign, this area was protected as wilderness in 2009.  Within this landscape, one can find incredible displays of desert wildflowers, dry river canyons, castle-like rock formations, and Native American pictographs.

Reynolds Pond is located just outside the Badlands Wilderness. The Oregon Desert Trail passes near here, and the area is an accessible destination for hiking, fishing, and boating.

About the stewardship work

In partnership with the Bureau of Land Management, ONDA will lead a day of trail work at Reynolds Pond to build an accessible trail. The project will involve hiking up to two miles both on and off-trail, using hand tools to remove brush from the trail corridor, and moving and placing small rocks along the trail. Volunteers will have the opportunity to try a variety of tasks and work at their own pace.

This single-day experience is a great opportunity for your first trip out with ONDA. No previous experience is needed.

This project is made possible by a Deschutes Trails Coalition Stewardship Grant.

Trip timeline

• • Wednesday, May 7, 10 a.m.: Meet at the Reynolds Pond trailhead for a safety-briefing and overview of the day’s work. We will complete our work for the day and head home by 4 p.m.

Difficulty

Level 2

The work for this project includes moving rocks and clipping back vegetation. Volunteers can expect to spend their day hiking on uneven ground, lifting, bending, and completing other tasks that require a moderate level of physical exertion.

Participant responsibilities

Participants must provide their own food, water, and transportation for this trip. We recommend bringing your own work gloves to provide a comfortable fit, but it is not required. Sturdy hiking boots are recommended, and close-toed shoes are required (no sandals). The project site is accessible by any vehicle.

Gear provided

ONDA will provide all training, tools and supplies required for the work. Extra gloves and eye protection will be available if needed.

Registration

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

Apply Now

You will receive a confirmation email within 1 week of submitting your form. The confirmation email will provide information regarding which trips you are on the “participant list” for, and which trips are full, and therefore you have been placed on the “wait list.”

Before the start of the trip, the trip leader will send out an RSVP to make sure everyone is still able to participate. Based on RSVPs, open spaces will be backfilled with people from the waitlist.

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

If you have any questions in the meantime, please don’t hesitate to contact the trip leader.