Thornewood Preserve - Trail Maintenance: Rock of Ages Trail

Get Connected Icon Happens On Feb 5, 2026
Get Connected Icon 9:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Description

Join Midpen staff for a trail maintenance workday at Thornewood Open Space Preserve on the Rock of Ages Trail. Experience the hidden historic spots in this less visited area of the preserve! We will be further improving a small connector trail to preserve some historic resources. 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 (about 1 mi of hiking with tools)


Project Details, Requirements and Qualifications

  • Advance registration is required.
  • First time Midpen volunteers: 1) Create an Account to submit required forms. 2) Return to this project's posting and click the "Register" button, and on the Opportunity Response page scroll to the bottom and click "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."
  • 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.
  • If your plans change and you need to cancel, please log in, come back to this opportunity posting and click the “Unregister” button. You can find opportunities you’ve registered for in your volunteer profile under the Opportunities Response section.

Meeting Location - Note special parking instructions!

Please meet staff at the end of Espinosa Rd (near Schilling Lake) to park in the non-public Thornewood lot. Do not go to the main entrance! For the exact meeting location, copy and paste this Google Plus Code into a new browser: 9PQR+X9M Woodside, California 94062. Detailed directions will also be provided in the reminder email sent the day before the project.

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) and long socks
  • 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

Details

Get Connected Icon 14 and older
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 jvolino@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 Thornewood Open Space Preserve
9PQR+X9M
Woodside, CA  94062