The Sudden Oak Death (SOD) Blitz Survey Project is a collaborative, research/community science surveying effort that aims to:
- monitor the presence of SOD and understand how temperature and rainfall affect its spread,
- inform the public about SOD,
- engage locals in detecting the disease, and
- produce detailed local maps of disease distribution.
The SOD Blitz Surveys support Midpen's forest health work, including wildland fire resiliency and climate change, as well as our partnerships with scientists/researchers.
We are holding a mandatory training on Saturday, June 10, 2023 from 9:00 – 10:30 AM at Midpen's administrative office (5050 El Camino Real, Los Altos) for interested volunteers. Participants will learn how to identify SOD symptoms, sample symptomatic leaves of bay trees, record data, and submit samples for testing.
Participants will then have the weekend to visit select Midpen preserves (La Honda, Los Trancos, others TBD) to collect data in support of this project. Going out with a friend or in pairs is suggested, but not required. All samples need to be returned to the Midpen Administrative Office either during that weekend or no later than end of day on Monday, June 12.
Advance registration is required. Click 'register' in the upper right corner to be included in the June 10 training and weekend surveys. Staff will be in touch to confirm details ahead of the training date.
For more information about the SOD Blitz Survey Project, visit sodblitz.org
QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS PROJECT:
If you have questions or need more information about these efforts, please contact project lead, Resources Management Specialist I, Ari Nuri
REGISTRATION ISSUES:
If you have questions about registration or logistics, please contact Visitor Services Program Coordinator, DC Burriss
