Celebrate Earth Day with Midpen and join the Annual Wildflower Surveys in Sierra Azul Preserve!
Volunteers will participate in an important ongoing citizen science monitoring project that has been occurring in Sierra Azul for over 12 years. Phenology, or the study of the timing of flowering, is a tool used to understand plant populations in relation to global climate change. This is a fun day of looking for blooming plants both on and off-trail.
Participants need to bring a lunch and plenty of water. Hiking poles are recommended due to a fair amount of off-trail exploration. No experience needed - plant lists, identification resources, and data sheets will be emailed to participants before the hike so you'll have the option to prepare for the flowering species you might see. NOTE: Hike duration is a long estimate and the hike may end earlier. Shuttling and sharing a vehicle with staff and other volunteers is required.
Newhagen Meadow (3 miles, 4-5 hours)
Led by Amanda Mills, Resource Specialist, and Arianna Camponuri, Forest Ecologist, this hike is moderate in length with variable difficulty starting on a road then going off-trail into a serpentine outcrop/meadow where plant species unique to serpentine will be found. Portions of this hike will be off-trail, steep and brushy with some poison oak.
Hike difficulty rating: Strenuous
Project Details, Requirements and Qualifications
Advance registration is required.
First time Midpen volunteers – Step 01: Create an Account to submit required forms. Go to the Qualifications tab in the drop-down menu in your account dashboard to complete the Volunteer Agreement and Release and Waiver of Liability. Step 02: Return to the project webpage and click the green "Register" button in the upper right corner to register; be sure to scroll to the bottom and click "Submit Opportunity Response".
Returning volunteers - Once you have created an account and completed all forms, reserve your spot for Land Steward projects by clicking the "Register" button.
All minors under the age of 18 must provide parent/guardian approval (signed Volunteer Agreement and Release of Liability form) prior to the project day and be accompanied by a parent/adult for the duration of the volunteer project. Minor children may not be dropped off at a project
Meeting Location
- Meet staff at the Camden Park-n-Ride at 9:00 am.
- For the exact meeting location copy & paste this Google Plus code into a new browser window: 63XR+V5 San Jose, California 95124
- Staff and volunteers will carpool to the trailhead. Please arrive on time and be available to stay for the entire project
What You Will Need
To get the most out of your day with us, please bring or wear the following:
- Mask or face covering (required when shuttling)
- Sturdy shoes (no sandals or open-toed shoes)
- Layered clothing: long pants, long-sleeved shirt, jacket, etc.
- Gear appropriate for that day’s weather (hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, rain gear, etc.)
- Snacks, lunch, re-fillable water bottle
Hazards and Safety
While working outdoors in natural areas, you may encounter the following:
- Poison oak and other plants that cause dermatitis (skin rash or irritation)
- Uneven, steep ground with tripping hazards
- Unfavorable weather conditions (heat, wind, rain)
- Ticks
- Rattlesnakes
