Coal Creek - Pinky's Picnic Spot - Habitat Restoration: French Broom Removal

Calendar Happens On Sep 10, 2026
Time 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Description

Join Midpen staff for a fun workday of removing invasive French broom on the Meadow Trail in Coal Creek Open Space Preserve. Staff will provide training on plant identification, removal techniques, and education about why we want to remove teasel from our local landscape. This project is an excellent opportunity for first-time volunteers!

Project 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 pop-up confirmation box, click "Sign Up." 

  • Returning volunteers: Reserve your spot for this project by clicking the "Register" button, log in if needed, and on the pop-up confirmation box, click "Sign Up." 

  • 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 have registered for in your volunteer profile under the Opportunities Response section. 



Meeting Location

Please meet staff at the Russian Ridge parking lot at the intersection of Alpine Rd.& Skyline Blvd. We will walk to Pinky's from here. For the exact meeting location, copy and paste this Google Plus Code into a new browser: 8R86+5H Palo Alto, California 94062

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

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 Sep 10, 2026
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.
Warning Requires: Volunteer Agreement and Release and Waiver of Liability

Location

Location Dot Shift Coal Creek Open Space Preserve
8R86+5H
Palo Alto, CA  94062