Join Midpen staff for a fun workday of removing invasive yellow star thistle on the Overlook trail in El Sereno Open Space Preserve. Staff will provide training on plant identification, removal techniques, and education about why we want to remove this plant from our local landscape. This project is an excellent opportunity for first-time volunteers!
All minors, under the age of 18, must have parental approval via signed Volunteer Agreement and Release of Liability, COVID-19 Addendum, & COVID-19 Vaccination Certification 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.
Project difficulty rating: MODERATE
Project Details, Requirements and Qualifications
- Volunteers must be vaccinated against COVID-19.
- Advance registration is required.
- First time Midpen volunteers - Step 01: Create an Account to submit required forms. Visit the Qualifications tab in the drop-down menu in your account dashboard to find and complete the Volunteer Agreement & Release of Liability, COVID-19 Addendum, and Self-Certification of Vaccination Status Forms. Step 02: Return to the project webpage and click the green "Respond" button in the upper right corner of this posting to register; be sure to scroll to the bottom and click "Submit Opportunity response".
- Recurrent volunteers - Once you've created an account and completed all forms, reserve your spot for Land Steward projects by clicking on the "Respond" button in the posting.
- Self administered health checks are required of both staff and volunteers on the morning of the project. (Note: Program leads will verify receipt of health checks prior to the start of the project; volunteers who do not submit a health check that morning will not be able to participate in the project.
Meeting Location
Please meet staff at the El Sereno permit lot at the end of Overlook Dr. For the exact meeting location, copy and paste this Google Plus Code in to a new browser: 6XMJ+5P Saratoga, California 95030
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 to that day's weather conditions (hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, rain gear, etc.)
- Snacks, lunch, water
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
