Join Midpen staff for a fun workday of removing invasive yellow star thistle along the Manzanita trail in St. Joseph's Hill 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!
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.
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 drop-down 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.
- 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 for 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 Lexington reservoir parking lot on Alma Bridge Rd. For the exact meeting location, copy and paste this Google Plus Code in to a new browser: 6227+55 Los Gatos, California 95033
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 sandals or open-toed shoes)
- Layered clothing: long pants, long-sleeved shirt, jacket, etc.
- Gear appropriate to that day's 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:
- 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
