The Sudden Oak Death (SOD) Blitz Survey Project is a collaborative, research/community science surveying effort that aims to:
- monitor the presence of SOD and understand how temperature and rainfall affect its spread,
- inform the public about SOD,
- engage locals in detecting the disease, and
- produce detailed local maps of disease distribution.
The SOD Blitz Surveys support Midpen's forest health work, including wildland fire resiliency and climate change, as well as our partnerships with scientists/researchers.
We are holding a mandatory training on Saturday, May 31, 2025 from 9:00 – 10:30 AM at Midpen's administrative office (5050 El Camino Real, Los Altos) for interested volunteers. Participants will learn how to identify SOD symptoms, sample symptomatic leaves of bay and tanoak trees, record data, and submit samples for testing.
Participants will then have the weekend to visit select Midpen preserves to collect data in support of this project. Going out with a friend or in pairs is suggested, but not required. All samples need to be returned to the Midpen Administrative Office either during that weekend or by 5 PM on Monday, June 2.
Advance registration is required. Click 'register' in the upper right corner to be included in the May 31 training and weekend surveys. Staff will be in touch to confirm details ahead of the training date.
IMPORTANT: Emergency contact and vehicle information is required for all participants. Please visit your profile/ 'edit profile' and complete those questions within your profile. Minors must be accompanied by their parent or adult guardian for the duration of any work performed.
For more information about the SOD Blitz Survey Project, visit sodblitz.org
QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS PROJECT:
If you have questions or need more information about these efforts, please contact project lead, Forest Ecologist I, Arianna Camponuri
REGISTRATION ISSUES:
If you have questions about registration or logistics, please contact Visitor Services Program Coordinator, DC Burriss
