Celebrate Earth Day with Midpen and join the Annual Wildflower Surveys in Sierra Azul Preserve!
Volunteers will participate in an important ongoing citizen science monitoring project that has been occurring in Sierra Azul for over 12 years. Phenology, or the study of the timing of flowering, is a tool used to understand plant populations in relation to global climate change. This is a fun day of looking for blooming plants both on and off-trail.
Participants need to bring a lunch and plenty of water. Hiking poles are recommended due to a fair amount of off-trail exploration. No experience needed - plant lists, identification resources, and data sheets will be emailed to participants before the hike so you have the option to prepare for the flowering species you might see. NOTE: Shuttling and sharing a vehicle with staff and other volunteers is required.
Woods-Barlow Trail (4.7 miles, 5-6 hours)
Led by Lewis Reed, Resource Management Specialist II, and Hannah Wallis, Resource Management Specialist III, this is the longest hike through a number of habitats on a dirt road with a moderate grade. You'll explore grassy areas, rocky trail sides, and oaks standing among ferns and bays. This hike will cover a lot of ground and will most likely end around 4:00 pm.
DIFFICULTY RATING: STRENUOUS
MEETING LOCATION
- Meet staff at the Camden Park-n-Ride at 9:00 am. (Google Plus location code: 63XR+V5 San Jose, California 95124)
- Staff and volunteers will carpool to the trailhead. Please arrive on time and be available to stay for the entire project.
REGISTRATION
Advance registration is required
- First time Midpen volunteers: Click the green "Register" button in the upper right corner of this posting where you'll be prompted to sign-up and create a profile ("account"). Follow the prompts (you may choose to skip additional interest questions) until you reach the "Qualification" screen where you'll need to review and e-sign the Volunteer Agreement and Release of Liability Waiver in order to click through and complete this registration.
- Returning volunteers: When logged into your account, simply click the "Register" button in the Opportunity posting to complete your registration.
- Minor volunteers: Prior to the project day, minors under the age of 18 must have parent/guardian approval on file through the registration process. The Volunteer Agreement and Release of Liability form for minors requires parent/guardian approval and signature. Follow the prompts to complete the form in registration. Minor children may not be dropped off, but must be accompanied by an active parent/guardian chaperone for the duration of the project except when the minor has a valid drivers license and is driving themselves to and from the project and the minor volunteer waiver is current and on file. Parent/guardian chaperones may choose to register themselves if they wish to participate in the project, but must actively monitor the minor's participation during the project.
- NOTE: The Volunteer Agreement form is valid for two years; all volunteers will be promoted to review and sign at expiration, every 2-years.
PRE-PROJECT PREPARATION
To make the most of your day, review the following in advance of the project day.
Bring or Wear:
- Layered clothing and sturdy hiking shoes (absolutely no sandals or open-toed shoes)
- Weather appropriate gear (hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, rain gear, etc.)
- Lunch and ample water/refillable bottle
- Mask or face covering (when project requires shuttling)
Safety Concerns and Hazards - be aware that you may encounter:
- Poison oak and other plants that can cause skin rash or irritation
- Uneven, steep ground, and tripping hazards
- Unfavorable or changing weather conditions
- Ticks, rattlesnakes, and other critters
- Sharp tools and equipment
