Sierra Azul Preserve: Beatty Homestead - Habitat Restoration: French Broom Removal

Get Connected Icon Happens On Oct 9, 2025
Get Connected Icon 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Description

Join Midpen staff for a fun workday removing invasive French broom at the Beatty Homestead, a closed area in Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve. Staff will provide training on plant identification, removal techniques, and information about why we want to remove French broom 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 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

  • Advance registration is required.
  • First time Midpen volunteers Step 01: 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 02: 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 -Once you have created an account and completed all forms, reserve your spot for Land Steward projects by clicking the "Register" button. 

Meeting Location

Please meet staff at gate SA41 on Alma Bridge Rd just passed the Miller Point parking lot. For the exact meeting location, copy and paste this Google Plus code into a new browser: 52R7+FJ Los Gatos, California 95033. There will be a yellow Volunteer Project sign to indicate where to turn into the gate.

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)

  • Socks that cover your ankles

  • 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

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

 

Details

Get Connected Icon 14 and older
Get Connected Icon Register by Oct 9, 2025
Get Connected Icon Is Outdoors
Inclement Weather Plan: On the morning of the project, check your email for a message from egartside@openspace.org after 7:30 am to find out if the project has been cancelled for any reason.
Get Connected Icon Requires: Volunteer Agreement and Release and Waiver of Liability

Location

Get Connected Icon Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve
52R7+FJ
Los Gatos, CA  95033