Join Midpen staff for a fun workday of removing invasive French broom at Hendry's Creek, a closed area in Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve. Staff will provide training on plant identification, removal techniques, and education about why we want to remove French broom from our local landscape. This project is an excellent opportunity for first-time volunteers!
This project will require shuttling and sharing a vehicle with staff and other volunteers. Please arrive on time and be available to stay for the entire project. Everyone will be required to wear masks during the shuttle ride, regardless of vaccination status.
All minors, under the age of 18, must provide prior parent/guardian approval (signed Volunteer Agreement and Release of Liability form) 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 (no leggings), a long-sleeved shirt, jacket, etc.
- Gear appropriate to that day's weather conditions (hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, rain gear, etc.)
- Snacks, lunch, water
Qualifications
At this time, only vaccinated individuals are invited to volunteer with Midpen.
Before the project, volunteers are required to create a profile in Galaxy GetConnected to sign a Volunteer Agreement and Release of Liability Form, COVID-19 Volunteer Agreement Addendum, and Self-Certification of Vaccination Status. Please complete these forms and upload them under 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 gate SA41 (the Beatty property gate) on Alma Bridge Rd just passed the Miller Point parking lot. For the exact meeting location, copy and paste this Google Plus Code 52R7+FJ Los Gatos, California 95033 into a new browser. There will be a yellow Volunteer Project sign on the road to indicate where to turn. We will shuttle in District vehicles from the meeting location to Hendry's Creek.
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 (heat, wind, rain)
