Join Midpen staff for a fun workday removing invasive Italian thistle on the Mt. Umunhum Trail in Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve. Staff will provide training on plant identification, removal techniques, and information about why we want to remove Italian thistle 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 rating: MODERATE
Project Details
What You'll 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 sneakers, sandals, or open-toed shoes)
- Layered clothing: long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, jacket, etc.
- Gear appropriate to that days' weather conditions (hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, rain gear, etc.)
- Snacks, lunch, water
Qualifications to Attend
Note: At this time, only vaccinated individuals are invited to volunteer with Midpen.
Before the project, participants are required to sign a Volunteer Agreement and Release of Liability Form, COVID-19 Volunteer Agreement Addendum, and a Self-Certification of Vaccination Status. Please complete these forms in the "Qualifications" tab in your profile.
Health Check
Daily self-health checks are mandatory for both staff and volunteers working in the preserves. On the morning of the project, please conduct a self-health check via this Wufoo form. This form does not collect or store personal health information and is not a medical assessment. If a volunteer refuses or does not pass the self-health check, they will not be allowed to participate in the project.
Meeting Location
Please meet staff at the Bald Mountain parking lot on Mt. Umunhum Rd. For the exact meeting location, copy and paste this Google Plus Code 545F+RR San Jose, California 95120 into a new browser.
Hazards and Safety
While working outdoors in natural areas, you may encounter the following:
- Ticks
- Rattlesnakes
- Poison oak and other plants that cause dermatitis (skin rash or irritation)
- Uneven, steep ground with tripping hazards
- Sharp tools and equipment
- Unfavorable weather conditions (sun, heat, wind, rain)
