Sierra Azul Preserve: Mt. Umunhum - Habitat Restoration: Spanish & Scotch Broom Removal

Get Connected Icon Happens On Feb 5, 2026
Get Connected Icon 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Description

Join Midpen staff for a fun workday removing invasive Spanish & Scotch broom at Mt. Umunhum in Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve. Staff will provide training on plant identification, removal techniques, and information about why we want to remove this plant from our local landscape. This project is excellent 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:  MODERATE



Project Details, Requirements and Qualifications

Advance registration is required.

·  First time Midpen volunteers: Click the green ‘REGISTER’ button. You will be directed to create a volunteer profile/account to sign the required volunteer liability waiver agreement. Once this form is complete, you will return to this project posting and complete registration by selecting the ‘REGISTER’ button again. IMPORTANT: Once you click ‘REGISTER’, the Opportunity Response will open – review project details there and scroll to the bottom and select ‘Submit Opportunity Response’.  

·  Returning volunteers: Reserve your spot for this project by clicking the "Register" button, log in if needed, and on the Opportunity Response page scroll to the bottom and click "Submit Opportunity Response."

·  If the project is full, sign up for the wait list.

·  If your plans change and you need to cancel, please log-in and select the ‘UNREGISTER’ button. You can find  the opportunities you have registered for in your volunteer profile under the ‘Opportunities Response’ section

Meeting Location

Please meet staff at Mt. Umunhum flag pole just below the summit parking lot. For the exact meeting location, copy and paste this Google Plus Code into a new browser: 535X+XQ San Jose, California 95120.

Look for the yellow Volunteer Project sign at the flag pole.

What You Will Need

To get the most out of your day with us, please bring or wear the following:

  • Sturdy shoes/boots (no sandals or open-toes 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 repellant, rain gear, etc.

  • Snacks, lunch, refillable water bottle 

What Midpen Provides

  • Gloves & safety glasses

  • Tools

  • Water to refill bottles

Hazards and Safety

While working outdoors in natural areas, you may encounter the following:

  • Poison oak and other plants that may cause a 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 Is Family Friendly
Get Connected Icon Register by Feb 5, 2026
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 a.m. 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
535X+XQ
San Jose, CA  95120