On June 14, we will be working with volunteers to weed the restoration area at the Furtado Barn! The Furtado Barn Restoration site is located within Sierra Vista Open Space Preserve and features pollinator friendly planted areas supported from the Xerces Society.
This restoration site needs regular weeding maintenance so that the native plants maintain a foothold on the hillside; it's proximity to Penitentia Creek makes it an important resource for lots of local wildlife.
The site is not super easy to get to, but we've managed to carpool up to 12 people from the Sierra Vista staging area in Authority vehicles. We may be able to carpool from our meeting spot at Alum Rock Park at the Mineral Spring Parking Area or from the Sierra Vista Staging Area on Sierra Rd. We recommend a high clearance vehicle (SUV is fine) for navigating the roads; it is a winding road with a cliff edge, so please endeavor to drive slowly and carefully.
We provide clean gloves, tools, and project-related supplies for the day as well as training on identification and removal of invasive plants. A portable restroom unit will be provided. We require that volunteers wear close-toed shoes, long sleeved and pants, as well as bring their own sun-protection, snacks and water. If you have gloves from previous events then please bring them, otherwise new gloves will be provided on-site.
Work will involve stooping, kneeling, walking on uneven/rocky terrain and using hand tools. Please note that youth (14 and older) are allowed to participate with the supervision and accompaniment of an adult guardian. If you plan to bring a guest (youth or adult) please have them create a volunteer portal account, submit release of liability (and parental permission form, if they are a youth) and sign up for the opportunity through the portal.
If you have questions, please email Kat Hill at khill@openspaceauthority.org
