How do you show up for the Earth? Offer your respect to our home planet on this special holiday by spending a fun day outdoors with Midpen Volunteer Program Lead Catherine Caldwell and Interpretive Specialist Katie Renz. In the morning you’ll help restore habitat by removing invasive French broom. Staff will provide training on plant identification, removal techniques, and information about why we want to remove this plant from our local landscape. This project is an excellent opportunity for first-time volunteers.
After lunch, enjoy a short, moderately-paced hike to Schilling Lake and wander along the Bridle Trail. While walking among the redwoods, wildflowers, and creek you’ll learn about the 54-year history of Earth Day and consider your relationship with the natural world for the remaining the 364 days of the year. (Note: This is a very small parking area and carpooling is strongly encouraged.) Reservations are required and will be accepted on or after April 8 at 12:00 p.m. (Noon) and close April 19 at 2:00 p.m.
PLEASE READ: Important details about this activity
What You Will Need: Please bring or wear the following:
Sturdy shoes (no sandals or open-toed shoes)
Layered clothing: long pants, long-sleeved shirt, jacket, etc.
Gear appropriate for that day’s weather (hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, rain gear, etc.)
Snacks, lunch, refillable water bottle
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
Note that you will need to sign a waiver of liability for both the restoration activity and the guided hike.
Inclement Weather Plan
On the morning of the project, check your email for a message from docent@openspace.org after 7:30 a.m. to find out if the project has been cancelled for any reason.
Cancellations
Please contact docent@openspace.org if you need to cancel your reservation.
Species information
Want to learn more about French broom? Click HERE
Meet at the Thornewood Parking Area on La Honda Road. From I-280, take the Highway 84/Woodside Road exit. Follow Highway 84/Woodside Road through Woodside and then to a junction with Portola Road at 3.3. miles. Bear right to stay on Highway 84, now La Honda Road. At 4.9 miles from Highway 280, turn left at a brick wall marked 895-897; look for the Midpen sign just inside this gate. The small parking area is on the right about 500 feet from the entrance gate. Please do not drive beyond this lot toward the private residences.
Alternatively, from the junction of Highway 35 (Skyline Boulevard) and Highway 84 in Sky Londa, take Highway 84/La Honda Road north 1.9 miles and turn right at the brick wall marked 895-897.