Join Open Space Authority Staff to help replant native vegetation around some newly restored ponds at Rancho Cañada del Oro! This last summer, staff retrofitted three ponds in the southern portion of the preserve in order to ensure that they could hold water longer into the dry season and better serve native species. This November 1 and 8 we will be replanting native vegetation around the ponds which will serve as important habitat for red-legged frogs, western pond turtles and other species. To learn more about the efforts made to restore the ponds, check out the article here:
https://www.openspaceauthority.org/whats-new/pond-habitat-restoration
We provide clean gloves, tools, and project-related supplies for the day, as well as training and instructions. We require that volunteers wear close-toed shoes, long sleeves 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, digging with shovels, kneeling, using hand tools and walking 20-30 min to the work-site. Since this work will be done in a non-public part of the preserve, all volunteers will need to arrive on time (8:30 a.m.) since we will be carpooling to the site; meet-up location will be at the Rancho Canada del Oro overflow lot. Please note that in case of rain, we may have 1 back-up date (Nov 15) to complete this work.
Please note that youth (14-17) 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.
