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 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.
Cherry Springs Pond (2.25 miles, 4-5 hours)
Led by Ellen Gartside, Volunteer Program Lead; Jennifer Mo, Valley Water Botanist; and Ariana Camponuri, Forest Ecologist, this hike is moderate in length and grade along an old roadbed that goes around Cherry Springs pond through wetland, mixed conifer, chaparral and grassland habitats.
Hike difficulty rating: MODERATE
Project Details, Requirements and Qualifications
Advance registration is required.
First time Midpen volunteers: 1) Create an Account to submit required forms. 2) Return to this project posting and click the "Register" button, and on the Opportunity Response page scroll to the bottom and click "Submit Opportunity Response."
Returning volunteers: Reserve your spot for this project by clicking the "Register" button, log in if needed, and on the Opportunity Response page scroll to the bottom and click "Submit Opportunity Response."
If there are 0 spots available, click the WAITLIST button if you already have an account. If this is your first time volunteering, create a new account, return to this project page and click WAITLIST.
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.
If your plans change and you need to cancel, please log in, return to this opportunity posting and click the “Unregister” button. You can find opportunities you’ve registered for in your volunteer profile under the Opportunities Response section.
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:
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, bees, and wasps
Rattlesnakes
