Join Midpen staff for a fun workday of removing invasive yellow star thistle at Cherry Springs Pond, a closed area of Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve. Staff will provide training on plant identification, removal techniques, and education about why we want to remove yellow star thistle from our local landscape. This project is an excellent opportunity for first-time volunteers!
Project difficulty rating: MODERATE
Project Details, Requirements and Qualifications
- Volunteers must be vaccinated against COVID-19.
- Advance registration is required.
- First time Midpen volunteers – Step 01: Create an Account to sign and submit required forms. Go to the Qualifications tab in the drop-down menu in your account dashboard to complete the Volunteer Agreement and Release of Liability, COVID-19 Addendum and Self-Certification of Vaccination Status Forms. Step 02: Return to the project webpage and click the green "Respond" button in the upper right corner of the posting to register; be sure to scroll to the bottom and click "Submit Opportunity Response".
- Returning volunteers - Once you have 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.
Meeting Location
Please meet staff at gate SA03 at the end of Pheasant Rd. For the exact meeting location, copy and paste this Google Plus Code 635Q+54 San Jose, California 95032 in to a new browser.
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 (heat, wind, rain)