Join Midpen staff for a fun workday removing invasive stinkwort & yellow star thistle at Rancho de Guadalupe, a closed area of Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve. Staff will provide training on plant identification, removal techniques, and information about why we want to remove this plant from our local landscape. This project is an excellent opportunity for first-time volunteers!
This project will require shuttling and sharing a vehicle with staff and other volunteers. Please arrive on time and be available to stay for the entire project.
We will explore a new area of the Rancho de Guadalupe area of Sierra Azul by doing a car shuttle up to the top of the ridge from Hicks Rd. and then hiking back down to the parking area on Hicks Rd.
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 or be accompanied by a parent/adult for the duration of the volunteer project. Minor children must be accompanied by an adult for projects and may not be dropped off at a project.
Project difficulty: MODERATE
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
Please meet staff at gate SA04 on Hicks Rd. For the exact meeting location, copy and paste this Google Plus Code into a new browser: 636V+9H5 San Jose, California 95112
What You Will Need
To get the most out of your day with us, please bring or wear the following:
- Sturdy shoes (no sandals or open-toed shoes)
- Socks that cover your ankles
- 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, refillable 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
- Sharp tools and equipment
