Cherry Springs Pond - Weeds & Wildflowers! - Habitat Restoration: Thistle Removal

Join Midpen staff for a fun workday removing invasive thistles at Cherry Springs Pond, a closed area of Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve. Staff will provide training on plant identification, removal techniques, and information about why we want to remove thistles from our local landscape. This project is an excellent opportunity for first-time volunteers! 

• Want to learn more about Italian thistle? Click HERE.
• Want to learn more about bull thistle? Click HERE.
• Want to learn more about yellow star thistle? Click HERE.
• Want to learn more about the history of Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve? Click HERE.

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 

• Advance registration is required.
  

• First time Midpen volunteers – Step 01: Create an Account to submit required forms. Go to the Qualifications tab in the drop-down menu in your account dashboard to complete the Volunteer Agreement and Release and Waiver of Liability. Step 02: Return to the project webpage and click the green "Register" button in the upper right corner 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 the "Respond" button.  
  

• NOTE (November 2, 2022): The Volunteer Agreement form was recently updated and all volunteers, both new and returning, are required to review and sign this updated version that will include an automatic 2-year expiration date reminder.   
  

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 into 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)