Join Midpen staff for a fun workday removing invasive Italian & yellow star thistle on the Mt. Umunhum Trail in Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve. Staff will provide training on plant identification, removal techniques, and information about why we want to remove Italian thistle 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. Everyone will be required to wear masks during the shuttle ride, regardless of vaccination status.
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 or 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
- Volunteers must be vaccinated against COVID-19.
- No previous experience needed - we'll show you everything you need to know.
- Advance registration is required.
- First time Midpen volunteers - Create an Account in order to access and eSign required forms; visit the Qualifications tab from the dropdown menu in your account dashboard to find and complete the Volunteer Agreement and Release of Liability, COVID-19 Addendum, and Self-Certification of Vaccination Status Forms. Next, come back here and click the green "Respond" button in the upper right corner of this posting to sign-up.
- Recurrent volunteers - Once you've created an account and completed all forms, reserve your spot for Land Steward projects by clicking on the "Respond" button in the posting.
- Self administered health checks are required of both staff and volunteers on the morning of the project. (Note: Program leads will verify receipt of health checks prior to the start of the project; volunteers who do not submit a health check that morning will not be able to participate in the project.
Meeting Location
Please meet staff at the Bald Mountain parking lot on Mt. Umunhum Rd. For the exact meeting location, copy and paste this Google Plus Code 545F+RR San Jose, California, 95120 into a new browser.
What You'll Need
To get the most out of your day with us, please bring or wear the following:
- Mask or face covering (required when shuttling)
- Sturdy shoes (no sneakers, sandals, or open-toed shoes)
- Layered clothing: long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, jacket, etc.
- Gear appropriate to that days' weather conditions (hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, rain gear, etc.)
- Snacks, lunch, water
Hazards and Safety
While working outdoors in natural areas, you may encounter the following:
- Ticks
- Rattlesnakes
- Poison oak and other plants that cause dermatitis (skin rash or irritation)
- Uneven, steep ground with tripping hazards
- Sharp tools and equipment
- Unfavorable weather conditions (sun, heat, wind, rain)
