Join Midpen staff for a fun workday removing invasive French broom in a closed area of Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve. Staff will provide training on plant identification, removal techniques, and information about why we want to remove French broom from our local landscape. This project is an excellent opportunity for first-time volunteers!
French broom is native to Europe and was introduced as an ornamental landscape plant. As French broom escaped into wild land habitats it has altered the landscape by forming dense monocultures which prevent native species from thriving. A single French broom may produce up to 10,000 seeds per year which can persist in the soil for over 20 years. During wildfires tall French broom plants act as “ladder fuel”, carrying flames from the ground up into the tree canopy where fire can spread more quickly. Removing French broom helps reduce wild land fire fuels and encourages the growth of native plants.
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
What You'll Need
To get the most out of your day with us, please bring or wear the following:
- Mask or face covering
- Sturdy shoes (no sneakers, sandals, or open-toed shoes)
- Layered clothing: long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, jacket, etc.
- Gear appropriate to that day's weather conditions (hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, rain gear, etc.)
- Snacks, lunch, water
Forms
Note: At this time, only vaccinated individuals are invited to volunteer with us.
Before the project, volunteers are required to sign a Volunteer Agreement and Release of Liability Form and a Self-Certification of Vaccination Status. Please complete the forms and upload them under “Qualifications” tab in your profile. If you have trouble uploading forms to your account, please bring the completed forms to the project and hand them to the Program Lead.
Health Check
Daily self-health checks are mandatory for both staff and volunteers working in the preserves. On the morning of the project, please conduct a self-health check via this Wufoo form. This form does not collect or store personal health information and is not a medical assessment. If a volunteer refuses or does not pass the self-health check, they will not be allowed to participate in the project.
Meeting Location
Please meet staff at gate BC01, approximately half mile west of Rte. 17, at 9:00 am.
For the exact meeting location, copy and paste this Google Plus Code 52P3+RH Lexington Hills, California; 95033 in 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 (sun, heat, wind, rain)
