Join Midpen staff for a trail maintenance workday at Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve on the Farm Bypass Trail. We might even have some supervision from the abundant turkeys and deer at this lively preserve! We will be repairing a retaining wall and a split-rail fence, adding stone to a small portion, and improving the trail surface . This is an opportunity to learn more about how we keep the trails accessible for users throughout the year. Staff will provide training on hand tool safety and guide volunteers in performing typical maintenance activities. This project is an excellent opportunity for first-time volunteers!
Project difficulty: MODERATE
WAITLIST: If there are 0 spots available, and you're a new volunteer, use the Register button at upper right to create an account. If you've volunteered before, log in. Then you'll see the Waitlist button and you can click it to join the waitlist.
Project Details, Requirements and Qualifications
- Advance registration is required.
- First time Midpen volunteers – Step 1: Create an Account to submit required forms. Go to the Qualifications tab in the drop-down menu in your account dashboard to complete the Volunteer Agreement and Release and Waiver of Liability. Step 2: Return to the project webpage and click the green "Register" button in the upper right corner to register; be sure to scroll to the bottom and click "Submit Opportunity Response."
- Returning volunteers - If you have already created an account and completed all forms, reserve your spot for Land Steward projects by clicking the "Register" button.
- 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.
Meeting Location
Please meet staff at the special event parking lot at Rancho San Antonio, accessed through a motorized gate at the edge of parking lot 6. After entering the gate code to be provided in your email, drive about 3/4 mile to the parking lot on the right. To get directions to the preserve entrance, copy and paste this Google Plus Code into a new browser: 8WM7+35 Cupertino, California 95014.
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)
- 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
- 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
