Opportunities From: Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority

Our Natural Resources staff is now seeking volunteer help for irrigation work and TLC for the native planting sites installed last fall. This help will unfold over 3 return trips to the recently restored Rancho ponds. This is the last of 3 weekday visits to the site.

Join Open Space Authority Staff as we tend native vegetation around some newly restored ponds at Rancho Cañada del Oro! Last fall, staff and volunteers completed plantings at three ponds that had undergone restoration to ensure that they could hold water longer into the dry season and better serve native species. We replanted native vegetation that serves as important habitat for red-legged frogs, western pond turtles and other species around the ponds. 

We will 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, 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 (between 8:45-9am) since we will be carpooling to the site; meet-up location will be at the Rancho Cañada del Oro overflow lot. Please note that in case of extreme heat over 94 degrees, we may cancel an event.

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. 

Join us at Máyyan 'Ooyákma – Coyote Ridge Open Space Preserve to remove invasive yellow star thistle from sensitive habitat. Yellow star thistle is harmful to grassland ecosystems as it depletes moisture and competes with native plants. Help us protect one of the most biodiverse places in the Santa Clara Valley by removing this plant!

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 shirt 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. You will know you are officially signed up when you receive an automated email confirming you are signed up.

Please contact Jeanette (jmayorga@openspaceauthority.org) if you have any questions about this Land Stewards event.