Join Midpen staff for a fun workday removing invasive French broom at Loma Prieta Ridge, a closed area of Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve. This project will help improve habitat for the recently discovered Santa Cruz Kangaroo Rat, which has not been seen in this area since 1947. Staff will provide training on plant identification, removal techniques, and information about why we want to remove these plants from our local landscape. This project is an excellent opportunity for first-time volunteers!
This project will require shuttling and sharing a vehicle with staff and other volunteers. Please arrive on time and be available to stay for the entire project.
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 the Mt. Umunhum Summit parking lot at 9:00 am. For the exact meeting location, paste this Google Plus code into a new browser window: 535X+XQ San Jose, California, 95120.
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
