Join Midpen staff for a bench replacement workday at Cloverdale Ranch on Wilbur's Watch Trail. This is a unique opportunity to work at one of Midpen's coastal properties. We will be removing 4 failing benches and installing two new Midpen standard benches. Tasks include materials transport, digging foundation holes, bench assembly, and concrete preparation. Staff will provide training on hand tool safety and guide volunteers in performing the work. This project is an excellent opportunity for first-time volunteers who feel capable of meeting the physical demands.
After the workday, while you're out on Route 1, we suggest visiting nearby Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park to check out tidepools and learn about the lighthouse's history.
Note special start time of 9:30 a.m. to allow more driving time, and end time of 2 p.m.
Project difficulty: STRENUOUS (about two 2 mi roundtrips of hiking with tools and materials uphill/downhill)
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's 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, come back 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
Please meet staff at the Wilbur's Watch parking lot. For the exact meeting location, copy and paste this Google Plus Code into a new browser: 5JMC+78 Pescadero, California 94060 or use this Google Maps link.
Allow enough time to arrive by the project start at 9:30 a.m. Estimated drive times from the peninsula and valley:
San Mateo: 45 - 60 mins
Mountain View: 1 hr 5 mins - 1 hr 20 mins
San Jose: 1 hr 10 mins - 1 hr 40 mins
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(s)/bladder with 2 liters/quarts capacity
- A small pack with shoulder straps to hold the above items, as you'll need your hands available to carry tools
What Midpen provides:
- Gloves and safety glasses (if you aren’t wearing sunglasses)
- 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
