March Update
The 2026 volunteer season is underway! We are kicking things off with a small group from the University of Michigan and will see several new and returning school groups join us this spring. It’s always great to have folks back in our buildings and to get the program back up and running. This week’s volunteers have been focused primarily on splitting and delivering firewood, and building beds in our workshop. Groups will continue winter heat work and bed deliveries over the coming few weeks. We will transition fully to our construction projects, and working in the Re-Member gardens as spring arrives.
We use a lot of lumber to complete hundreds of projects annually. Many of these materials have increased considerably in price since the end of last season. The panel siding we use to skirt trailers has risen in cost by almost 40%, with 12-foot treated 2x6’s increasing by over 30%. Other products have jumped by 25% or more. With everything going on in the world, that isn’t likely to change anytime soon.
Despite these increases, we will continue to honor requests and complete as many projects as possible over the coming construction season. Our list is constantly updated as we receive requests from the community and complete projects. We currently have over 450 households on our list, many that have requested several of the projects we offer: ramps, deck-and-step sets, outhouses, beds and trailer skirting. We are generally able to make considerable progress on this list over the summer, but it often fills back up again over the harsh winter when we are unable to work on these projects. The need here on Pine Ridge is so great. Support for these construction projects goes a long way to address immediate needs in the community and offset rising costs.
BOOK YOUR 2026 VOLUNTEER TRIP
We are still accepting trip requests for the 2026 season. Many weeks still have plenty of availability. Volunteering with Re-Member is a great way to meet new people, engage with a wonderful community, learn and do meaningful work to make a difference. We would love to see you on the reservation this year.
Check your calendar and book your trip to Re-Member today!
SUPPORT THE PROGRAM: SHOP THE RE-MEMBER AMAZON WISHLIST
The Re-Member Amazon Wish List is a great way to support our program by providing various items that we consistently need. There are all sorts of items on the list that go a long way to set us up for success. From toilet paper to truck tires, coffee to chainsaws: there are all sorts of items on the list. We are grateful to receive so many items from our community of supporters. Saving expenses on these program staples allows us to redirect funds to where they are needed most, in the community.
We are so excited to get another season started and look forward to meeting all the groups who will join us over the course of the year. Thank you for keeping up with our story.