Sierra Azul Preserve: Hicks Creek Ranch - Habitat Restoration: French Broom Removal

Get Connected Icon Happens On Nov 20, 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 Hicks Creek Ranch, 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!  

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 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.   

Meeting Location 

Please meet staff at 18711 Reynolds Rd. (gate SA05) at 9:30 am.

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  

 

Details

Get Connected Icon 14 and older
Get Connected Icon Is Family Friendly
Get Connected Icon Register by Nov 20, 2025
Get Connected Icon Is Outdoors
Inclement Weather Plan: On the morning of the project, check your email for a message from egartside@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 Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve
18711 Reynolds Rd.
Los Gatos, CA  95032