Saratoga Gap Preserve - Habitat Restoration: French Broom

Get Connected Icon Happens On Oct 9, 2025
Get Connected Icon 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Description

Join Midpen staff for a fun workday removing invasive French broom at Saratoga Gap 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! 


Project difficulty: MODERATE 

 

Project Details, Requirements and Qualifications 

  • Advance registration is required. 

 


  • First time Midpen volunteers –Step 1:Create an Account to submit required forms. Go to the Qualifications tab in the drop-down menu in you raccount dashboard to complete the Volunteer Agreement and Release and Waiver of Liability. Step 2: Return to the project webpage and click the green "Register" button in the upper right corner and 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 Four Corners Parking lot at the intersection of Highway 9 and Highway 35.  For the exact meeting location, copy and paste this Google Plus Code: 7V5H+7G Palo Alto, California 95070  into a new browser.

     


    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) and long socks 

    • 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 

     


    What Midpen Provides 

    • Gloves and safety glasses  

    • Tools 

    • Water refills


    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

    Details

    Get Connected Icon 14 and older
    Get Connected Icon Register by Oct 9, 2025
    Get Connected Icon Is Outdoors
    Inclement Weather Plan: On the morning of the project, check your email for a message from ccaldwell@openspace.org after 7:30 am to find out if the project has been cancelled for any reason.
    Get Connected Icon Requires: Volunteer Agreement and Release and Waiver of Liability

    Location

    Get Connected Icon Saratoga Gap Open Space Preserve
    7V5H+7G
    Palo Alto, CA  95070