Volunteer: 5/2026 Volunteer Hike Guides Needed - Fresh Air and Flowers Hikes at Máyyan 'Ooyákma--Coyote RidgeFresh Air and Flowers Hikes at Máyyan 'Ooyákma! To help protect this sensitive and unique ecosystem, in March, April, and May the trails will be open by reservation ONLY on Saturdays and Sundays. During this time, the public must sign up here for a volunteer-led hike to access the Bay Checkerspot trail, the Tule Elk Trail, and the Serpentine Spring Trail. The hikes below are the shifts/hikes that we are offering to the public. In addition to our educational/interpretive 'Habitat Protection Hikes' we are offering 'Fresh Air and Flowers' Hikes. These are intended to be less educational, have minimal stops, while still giving the public guided access on the ridge. Since these hikes are not interpretive, preserve stewards are welcome to sign up if they would like to guide a group in the preserve on one of these hikes. Please note that shifts follow the format below. Official Hike Timing Docent/Sweep Shift Route Taken 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM Sat, Full Loop 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM Sun, BCB and back Further information will be sent to docents upon sign-up; while there are two slots for each hike, both docents should be prepared to lead. Below is the Info We Provide to Public Attendees: These guided hikes up the Bay Checkerspot Trail will have over 500 ft of elevation gain. The loop hike has steep ascents and descents. Comfortable hiking shoes and hiking poles are recommended. CANCELLATIONS: For public safety, rain and red flag warnings will cancel hikes. IF YOU CANNOT ATTEND AFTER REGISTERING PLEASE cancel your reservation so others may attend PARKING: Each ticket is for one parking spot, you will only need one ticket per car. Feel free to bring as many people in your car as you can safely fit. You may also choose to use alternative transportation and get dropped off at the front gate, walk, or ride a bicycle. If you choose to arrive this way, you will not be permitted to park at the preserve. SPRING HIKE DETAILS: To help protect this sensitive and unique ecosystem, in March, April, and May the trails will be open by reservation only on Saturdays and Sundays. During this time, the public must sign up here for a docent-led hike to access the Bay Checkerspot trail, the Tule Elk Trail, and the Serpentine Spring Trail. 'Fresh Air and Flowers' Hikes have minimal educational stops and are prime opportunity to get to see the preserve with minimal interruption while still providing docent guidance. HOW TO PREPARE: Please wear comfortable shoes, bring water, and come prepared to hike in the outdoors with appropriate clothing and sun protection. Hiking poles are recommended. Program: Preserve Stewards Fresh Air and Flowers Hikes at Máyyan 'Ooyákma! To help protect this sensitive and unique ecosystem, in March, April, and May the trails will be open by reservation ONLY on Saturdays and Sundays. During this time, the public must sign up here for a volunteer-led hike to access the Bay Checkerspot trail, the Tule Elk Trail, and the Serpentine Spring Trail. The hikes below are the shifts/hikes that we are offering to the public. In addition to our educational/interpretive 'Habitat Protection Hikes' we are offering 'Fresh Air and Flowers' Hikes. These are intended to be less educational, have minimal stops, while still giving the public guided access on the ridge. Since these hikes are not interpretive, preserve stewards are welcome to sign up if they would like to guide a group in the preserve on one of these hikes. Please note that shifts follow the format below. Official Hike Timing Docent/Sweep Shift Route Taken 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM Sat, Full Loop 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM Sun, BCB and back Further information will be sent to docents upon sign-up; while there are two slots for each hike, both docents should be prepared to lead. Below is the Info We Provide to Public Attendees: These guided hikes up the Bay Checkerspot Trail will have over 500 ft of elevation gain. The loop hike has steep ascents and descents. Comfortable hiking shoes and hiking poles are recommended. CANCELLATIONS: For public safety, rain and red flag warnings will cancel hikes. IF YOU CANNOT ATTEND AFTER REGISTERING PLEASE cancel your reservation so others may attend PARKING: Each ticket is for one parking spot, you will only need one ticket per car. Feel free to bring as many people in your car as you can safely fit. You may also choose to use alternative transportation and get dropped off at the front gate, walk, or ride a bicycle. If you choose to arrive this way, you will not be permitted to park at the preserve. SPRING HIKE DETAILS: To help protect this sensitive and unique ecosystem, in March, April, and May the trails will be open by reservation only on Saturdays and Sundays. During this time, the public must sign up here for a docent-led hike to access the Bay Checkerspot trail, the Tule Elk Trail, and the Serpentine Spring Trail. 'Fresh Air and Flowers' Hikes have minimal educational stops and are prime opportunity to get to see the preserve with minimal interruption while still providing docent guidance. HOW TO PREPARE: Please wear comfortable shoes, bring water, and come prepared to hike in the outdoors with appropriate clothing and sun protection. Hiking poles are recommended. Program: Preserve Stewards Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Multiple Shifts Available Zip Code: 95037 Allow Groups: No |
Volunteer: 5/2026 Preserve Stewards needed for Fresh Air and Flowers Hike Sweeps Máyyan 'Ooyákma Coyote RidgeFresh Air and Flowers at Máyyan ‘Ooyákma - Coyote Ridge Open Space Preserve- Hike Sweeps Needed! Please note shifts are listed below. To help protect this sensitive and unique ecosystem, in March, April, and May the trails will be open by reservation ONLY on Saturdays and Sundays. During this time, the public must sign up here for a volunteer-led hike to access the Bay Checkerspot trail, the Tule Elk Trail, and the Serpentine Spring Trail. The hikes below are the shifts/hikes that we are offering to the public. In addition to our educational/interpretive 'Habitat Protection Hikes' we are offering 'Fresh Air and Flowers' Hikes. These are intended to be less educational, have minimal stops, while still giving the public guided access on the ridge. Further information will be sent to preserve steward sweeps upon sign-up. Official Hike Timing Docent/Sweep Shift Route Taken 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM Sat, Full Loop 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM Sun, BCB and back Below is the Info We Provide to Public Attendees: These guided hikes up the Bay Checkerspot Trail will have over 500 ft of elevation gain. The loop hike has steep ascents and descents. Comfortable hiking shoes and hiking poles are recommended. CANCELLATIONS: For public safety, rain and red flag warnings will cancel hikes. IF YOU CANNOT ATTEND AFTER REGISTERING PLEASE cancel your reservation so others may attend PARKING: Each ticket is for one parking spot, you will only need one ticket per car. Feel free to bring as many people in your car as you can safely fit. You may also choose to use alternative transportation and get dropped off at the front gate, walk, or ride a bicycle. If you choose to arrive this way, you will not be permitted to park at the preserve. SPRING HIKE DETAILS: To help protect this sensitive and unique ecosystem, in March, April, and May the trails will be open by reservation only on Saturdays and Sundays. During this time, the public must sign up here for a docent-led hike to access the Bay Checkerspot trail, the Tule Elk Trail, and the Serpentine Spring Trail. 'Fresh Air and Flowers' Hikes have minimal educational stops and are prime opportunity to get to see the preserve with minimal interruption while still providing docent guidance. HOW TO PREPARE: Please wear comfortable shoes, bring water, and come prepared to hike in the outdoors with appropriate clothing and sun protection. Hiking poles are recommended. Program: Preserve Stewards Fresh Air and Flowers at Máyyan ‘Ooyákma - Coyote Ridge Open Space Preserve- Hike Sweeps Needed! Please note shifts are listed below. To help protect this sensitive and unique ecosystem, in March, April, and May the trails will be open by reservation ONLY on Saturdays and Sundays. During this time, the public must sign up here for a volunteer-led hike to access the Bay Checkerspot trail, the Tule Elk Trail, and the Serpentine Spring Trail. The hikes below are the shifts/hikes that we are offering to the public. In addition to our educational/interpretive 'Habitat Protection Hikes' we are offering 'Fresh Air and Flowers' Hikes. These are intended to be less educational, have minimal stops, while still giving the public guided access on the ridge. Further information will be sent to preserve steward sweeps upon sign-up. Official Hike Timing Docent/Sweep Shift Route Taken 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM Sat, Full Loop 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM Sun, BCB and back Below is the Info We Provide to Public Attendees: These guided hikes up the Bay Checkerspot Trail will have over 500 ft of elevation gain. The loop hike has steep ascents and descents. Comfortable hiking shoes and hiking poles are recommended. CANCELLATIONS: For public safety, rain and red flag warnings will cancel hikes. IF YOU CANNOT ATTEND AFTER REGISTERING PLEASE cancel your reservation so others may attend PARKING: Each ticket is for one parking spot, you will only need one ticket per car. Feel free to bring as many people in your car as you can safely fit. You may also choose to use alternative transportation and get dropped off at the front gate, walk, or ride a bicycle. If you choose to arrive this way, you will not be permitted to park at the preserve. SPRING HIKE DETAILS: To help protect this sensitive and unique ecosystem, in March, April, and May the trails will be open by reservation only on Saturdays and Sundays. During this time, the public must sign up here for a docent-led hike to access the Bay Checkerspot trail, the Tule Elk Trail, and the Serpentine Spring Trail. 'Fresh Air and Flowers' Hikes have minimal educational stops and are prime opportunity to get to see the preserve with minimal interruption while still providing docent guidance. HOW TO PREPARE: Please wear comfortable shoes, bring water, and come prepared to hike in the outdoors with appropriate clothing and sun protection. Hiking poles are recommended. Program: Preserve Stewards Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Multiple Shifts Available Zip Code: 95037 Allow Groups: No |
Volunteer: 5/2026 Gateway Preserve Stewards Needed for Máyyan 'Ooyákma Coyote RidgeWe are seeking two volunteer Preserve Stewards each Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday in spring to support operations at MOCR. In addition, we will need preserve stewards to welcome the public on the holiday Monday, May 25. These volunteers will provide public engagement support in the gateway property using the welcome booth, beginning at 9:45 a.m. each day.
Welcome Booth Preserve Stewards shifts are from 9:45 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. and 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. All supporting materials needed for this role will be staged each morning at the central gathering area. Volunteers are expected to set up the welcome booth, engage guests to the preserve, keep track of visitor interactions using the welcome booth end of day form, and enter all data into the Survey123 app at the end of their shift. Volunteers will also take down all welcome booth items at the end of their shift and hand off to staff. Please mention you served in the welcome booth in your hours report and select project name ‘Habitat Protection Team’. Weekday volunteers will be supported by staff supplying the welcome booth kit, table, antler and OSA devices. Staff will stage these items at the central gathering area. Inside the welcome booth kit will be three patrol hip-bags each containing an OSA wifi-enabled device, QR code for obtaining a butterfly pass, paper passes and receipts, contact info for field staff, a pen and small notebook. Volunteers at Máyyan 'Ooyákma should arrive with OSA branded volunteer shirt or orange vest, nametag, appropriate layers, sun protection, and plenty of snacks and water for their shift. Please reach out to Kat Hill at khill@openspaceauthority.org if you have any additional questions about this role. Program: Preserve Stewards We are seeking two volunteer Preserve Stewards each Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday in spring to support operations at MOCR. In addition, we will need preserve stewards to welcome the public on the holiday Monday, May 25. These volunteers will provide public engagement support in the gateway property using the welcome booth, beginning at 9:45 a.m. each day.
Welcome Booth Preserve Stewards shifts are from 9:45 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. and 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. All supporting materials needed for this role will be staged each morning at the central gathering area. Volunteers are expected to set up the welcome booth, engage guests to the preserve, keep track of visitor interactions using the welcome booth end of day form, and enter all data into the Survey123 app at the end of their shift. Volunteers will also take down all welcome booth items at the end of their shift and hand off to staff. Please mention you served in the welcome booth in your hours report and select project name ‘Habitat Protection Team’. Weekday volunteers will be supported by staff supplying the welcome booth kit, table, antler and OSA devices. Staff will stage these items at the central gathering area. Inside the welcome booth kit will be three patrol hip-bags each containing an OSA wifi-enabled device, QR code for obtaining a butterfly pass, paper passes and receipts, contact info for field staff, a pen and small notebook. Volunteers at Máyyan 'Ooyákma should arrive with OSA branded volunteer shirt or orange vest, nametag, appropriate layers, sun protection, and plenty of snacks and water for their shift. Please reach out to Kat Hill at khill@openspaceauthority.org if you have any additional questions about this role. Program: Preserve Stewards Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Multiple Shifts Available Zip Code: 95037 Allow Groups: No |
Volunteer: 5/2026 Preserve Stewards Patrols Needed for Máyyan 'Ooyákma-- Coyote Ridge We are seeking three volunteer Preserve Stewards each Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday in spring to support operations at MOCR. In addition we will be seeking patrols on the holiday Monday, May 25. These volunteers will perform patrols in the Habitat Protection Zone starting at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., and 12:00 p.m. We need three patrols each Wednesday, Thursday and Friday in the Habitat Protection Zone. 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. patrols may be full or partial loop. A partial patrol is up to the first interpretive station on the Bay Checkerspot Butterfly Trail or Serpentine Seep Trail and back. The third patrol, at 12:00 p.m., is a complete full-loop in the direction of volunteer’s choice. Please advise all guests encountered that the preserve closes at 4:00 p.m.The goals of patrols are to check butterfly passes of visitors on trail, to observe and report the condition of trails and interpretive infrastructure, and to report observed violations of preserve rules. We expect volunteers to engage visitors to check butterfly passes. In your hours report, please input direction (clockwise/counterclockwise) and length (full/partial) of the patrol. Please select project name: 'Habitat Protection Team'. Weekday volunteers will be supported by field staff supplying the welcome booth kit, table, antler and OSA devices. Field staff will stage these items at the central gathering area. Inside the welcome booth kit will be three patrol hip-bags each containing an OSA wifi-enabled device, QR code for obtaining a butterfly pass, paper passes and receipts, contact info for field staff, a pen and small notebook. When you have completed your patrol, please make sure you have submitted all observations, you have turned off the OSA device, and return the bag to the OSA Field tech stationed at the preserve so that they can return it to the knack box to be charged. VET’s staff will not be present on weekdays, but there will be field staff on site for support should the need arise.
Volunteers at Máyyan 'Ooyákma should arrive with OSA branded volunteer shirt or orange vest, nametag, appropriate layers, sun protection, and plenty of snacks and water for their shift. Please reach out to Kat Hill at khill@openspaceauthority.org if you have any additional questions about this role. Program: Preserve Stewards We are seeking three volunteer Preserve Stewards each Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday in spring to support operations at MOCR. In addition we will be seeking patrols on the holiday Monday, May 25. These volunteers will perform patrols in the Habitat Protection Zone starting at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., and 12:00 p.m. We need three patrols each Wednesday, Thursday and Friday in the Habitat Protection Zone. 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. patrols may be full or partial loop. A partial patrol is up to the first interpretive station on the Bay Checkerspot Butterfly Trail or Serpentine Seep Trail and back. The third patrol, at 12:00 p.m., is a complete full-loop in the direction of volunteer’s choice. Please advise all guests encountered that the preserve closes at 4:00 p.m.The goals of patrols are to check butterfly passes of visitors on trail, to observe and report the condition of trails and interpretive infrastructure, and to report observed violations of preserve rules. We expect volunteers to engage visitors to check butterfly passes. In your hours report, please input direction (clockwise/counterclockwise) and length (full/partial) of the patrol. Please select project name: 'Habitat Protection Team'. Weekday volunteers will be supported by field staff supplying the welcome booth kit, table, antler and OSA devices. Field staff will stage these items at the central gathering area. Inside the welcome booth kit will be three patrol hip-bags each containing an OSA wifi-enabled device, QR code for obtaining a butterfly pass, paper passes and receipts, contact info for field staff, a pen and small notebook. When you have completed your patrol, please make sure you have submitted all observations, you have turned off the OSA device, and return the bag to the OSA Field tech stationed at the preserve so that they can return it to the knack box to be charged. VET’s staff will not be present on weekdays, but there will be field staff on site for support should the need arise.
Volunteers at Máyyan 'Ooyákma should arrive with OSA branded volunteer shirt or orange vest, nametag, appropriate layers, sun protection, and plenty of snacks and water for their shift. Please reach out to Kat Hill at khill@openspaceauthority.org if you have any additional questions about this role. Program: Preserve Stewards Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Multiple Shifts Available Zip Code: 95037 Allow Groups: No |
Volunteer: 5/23/2026 - Hike Sweep Needed! Beginning Birding at Rancho Cañada del OroOur docent, Karen, will be leading a "Beginning Birding Walk at Rancho Cañada del Oro" with one other docent. Sweeps will join the hike to help keep the group together, and possibly walk community members back if they are unable to complete the walk. Shift time: 8:00 AM - 11:30 AM Program run time (when the public will be there): 8:30 AM - 11:00 AM Details below. Program: Preserve Stewards Our docent, Karen, will be leading a "Beginning Birding Walk at Rancho Cañada del Oro" with one other docent. Sweeps will join the hike to help keep the group together, and possibly walk community members back if they are unable to complete the walk. Shift time: 8:00 AM - 11:30 AM Program run time (when the public will be there): 8:30 AM - 11:00 AM Details below. Program: Preserve Stewards Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Happens On May 23, 2026 Zip Code: 95037 Allow Groups: No |
Volunteer: 5/2/2026- Preserve Stewards Needed for Laguna Seca Discovery Day (Open Access)We are seeking 4 volunteers to come help us welcome and engage the public at Laguna Seca Discovery Day. This is an Open Access format event where members of the public can come hike on the Laguna Seca property and learn all about CVCAMP planning efforts. We need volunteers to come help us with parking, way-finding, greeting and signing in the public and engagement. Here is the description offered to the public: Take the opportunity to explore Laguna Seca during this open access day. Once one of the largest freshwater wetlands in Santa Clara County, this special place remains an exceptional spot for birdwatching and connecting with nature. Imagine the future of this dynamic landscape and view plans for habitat restoration, public access and local agriculture in Coyote Valley. This event is part of Coyote Valley Discovery Days! Program: Preserve Stewards We are seeking 4 volunteers to come help us welcome and engage the public at Laguna Seca Discovery Day. This is an Open Access format event where members of the public can come hike on the Laguna Seca property and learn all about CVCAMP planning efforts. We need volunteers to come help us with parking, way-finding, greeting and signing in the public and engagement. Here is the description offered to the public: Take the opportunity to explore Laguna Seca during this open access day. Once one of the largest freshwater wetlands in Santa Clara County, this special place remains an exceptional spot for birdwatching and connecting with nature. Imagine the future of this dynamic landscape and view plans for habitat restoration, public access and local agriculture in Coyote Valley. This event is part of Coyote Valley Discovery Days! Program: Preserve Stewards Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Happens On May 2, 2026 Zip Code: 95141 Allow Groups: No |
Volunteer: May 9, 2026 - Interpretive Host Training!Join VET's staff from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on May 9, 2026 to learn all about how to use interpretive techniques for engaging our preserve audiences! We will go over our mission and resources, engagement techniques for all roles and for all attendees. We hope you can make it to this training date so that you will be prepared for volunteering with us. We will be hosting our training at the Tilton Ranch Complex-- a great place to bird, learn about agriculture and local history! If weather is uncooperative, we will train at our offices at 33 Las Colinas Lane. This training is a qualification for representing the Authority as a Community Outreach Volunteer, supporting large scale public events such as Open Access events as a Preserve Steward, or for participating in trail patrol. This training is also required for volunteers who wish to help out as a part of the Habitat Protection Team at Máyyan 'Ooyákma. We want all volunteers to be well-versed in our mission, values and resources so please take this opportunity to come learn with us! Please sign up before May 5 to ensure staff have time to prepare you a name-tag, volunteer shirt and send out directions. Please email gcomstock@openspaceauthority.org directly if you are trying to sign up after May 5. Program: Preserve Stewards Join VET's staff from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on May 9, 2026 to learn all about how to use interpretive techniques for engaging our preserve audiences! We will go over our mission and resources, engagement techniques for all roles and for all attendees. We hope you can make it to this training date so that you will be prepared for volunteering with us. We will be hosting our training at the Tilton Ranch Complex-- a great place to bird, learn about agriculture and local history! If weather is uncooperative, we will train at our offices at 33 Las Colinas Lane. This training is a qualification for representing the Authority as a Community Outreach Volunteer, supporting large scale public events such as Open Access events as a Preserve Steward, or for participating in trail patrol. This training is also required for volunteers who wish to help out as a part of the Habitat Protection Team at Máyyan 'Ooyákma. We want all volunteers to be well-versed in our mission, values and resources so please take this opportunity to come learn with us! Please sign up before May 5 to ensure staff have time to prepare you a name-tag, volunteer shirt and send out directions. Please email gcomstock@openspaceauthority.org directly if you are trying to sign up after May 5. Program: Preserve Stewards Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Happens On May 9, 2026 Zip Code: 95037 Allow Groups: No |
Volunteer: Jan - Dec 2026 - Preserve Stewards Needed for Starry Nights at Rancho! ⭐We're seeking 5 volunteers to help with Starry Nights each month in 2026! ⭐
The Basics Volunteer shift date & time: Varies - specific times shown in YELLOW below Program Time: Varies - shown below in white Note: the program run time is NOT the volunteer shift. We need volunteers to arrive early to set up, and clean up after the event ents. See the specific shift time in yellow.Location: Rancho Cañada del Oro Open Space Preserve: 4289 Casa Loma Rd, Morgan Hill, CA, 95037For more information about Rancho Cañada del Oro Open Space Preserve please click here: https://www.openspaceauthority.org/preserves/rancho.htmlProject code (when recording your well-deserved volunteer hours): Starry Nights Volunteer Shift time (shown in YELLOW below) Tell me more! ⭐Description: Join us to help with Starry Nights at Rancho Cañada del Oro Open Space Preserve! Assist us and our partners from San Jose Astronomical Association (SJAA) to bring the excitement of our glittery skies to the community - and learn some stuff while you're at it! Don't know stars? No problem! That's why we got the pros. What we'll need help with is ensuring the event runs smoothly and efficiently - we hope you'll sign up and join us for one of our most popular events. What we're asking YOU to help with: Set upTear DownParkingChecking-in guestsSupporting the simple craft station, if applicableHaving fun! Make sure our guests (and you!) have an enjoyable stargazing experienceWhat should I bring? Let us know if you have questions or concerns. Volunteer shirtHigh-vis-vestFlashlight with a red-light optionComfortable walking shoesLight layersA camp chairMore information: The event runs for two hours. About 30 minutes after the program starts, most guests will have arrived, and you can enjoy the rest of the night stargazing! At the end of the specified "program run time" we will start cleaning up and we should be all wrapped up by an hour after the program.There will be 10 – 12 different telescopes with an astronomer at each one looking at different objects in the sky. Guests are welcome to move from station to station as they like. There are usually upwards of 80 guests who come and join us for these events!The event will be cancelled in the case of rainy weather and/or poor viewing conditions.Notes: Please review the information below to ensure you're ready to go!If cloudy or inclement weather is forecasted, volunteers will be directly informed by either OSA staffPro-tip:Bring layers, good shoes, water, snacks, and everything you need to be self-sufficient for the eventThis is a popular event! - know that we'll have a full crew and roster. OSA's team is here to support how we can - please let us know if there are specific ways we can do soVolunteers need to have attended OSA's interpretive host training to participate AND be enrolled in the volunteer portal. Questions? Email Kat Hill at khill@openspaceauthority.orgWhat we told the public: OSA is teaming up with San Jose Astronomical Association (SJAA) to co-host this eventIt's a "star party!" at Rancho Cañada del OroWe're going to be 20 minutes south of downtown San José, this location features night skies so dark we can see the band of our Milky Way galaxyOSA-approved SJAA club members will set up telescopes and provide tons of content and knowledge (and of course, a fun-filled, exciting experience)During the event, the public is welcome to move freely from telescope to telescope, each one looking at a different features in the skyWe requested for the public NOT to bring their own telescope (binoculars are welcomed, but please no tripods)Gates will be closed to the public 30 minutes after the program starts to minimize headlights and create the best viewing experience. Please arrive before then (for volunteers, see the specific shift time above that differs from what we are sharing with the public)⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Program: Preserve Stewards We're seeking 5 volunteers to help with Starry Nights each month in 2026! ⭐
The Basics Volunteer shift date & time: Varies - specific times shown in YELLOW below Program Time: Varies - shown below in white Note: the program run time is NOT the volunteer shift. We need volunteers to arrive early to set up, and clean up after the event ents. See the specific shift time in yellow.Location: Rancho Cañada del Oro Open Space Preserve: 4289 Casa Loma Rd, Morgan Hill, CA, 95037For more information about Rancho Cañada del Oro Open Space Preserve please click here: https://www.openspaceauthority.org/preserves/rancho.htmlProject code (when recording your well-deserved volunteer hours): Starry Nights Volunteer Shift time (shown in YELLOW below) Tell me more! ⭐Description: Join us to help with Starry Nights at Rancho Cañada del Oro Open Space Preserve! Assist us and our partners from San Jose Astronomical Association (SJAA) to bring the excitement of our glittery skies to the community - and learn some stuff while you're at it! Don't know stars? No problem! That's why we got the pros. What we'll need help with is ensuring the event runs smoothly and efficiently - we hope you'll sign up and join us for one of our most popular events. What we're asking YOU to help with: Set upTear DownParkingChecking-in guestsSupporting the simple craft station, if applicableHaving fun! Make sure our guests (and you!) have an enjoyable stargazing experienceWhat should I bring? Let us know if you have questions or concerns. Volunteer shirtHigh-vis-vestFlashlight with a red-light optionComfortable walking shoesLight layersA camp chairMore information: The event runs for two hours. About 30 minutes after the program starts, most guests will have arrived, and you can enjoy the rest of the night stargazing! At the end of the specified "program run time" we will start cleaning up and we should be all wrapped up by an hour after the program.There will be 10 – 12 different telescopes with an astronomer at each one looking at different objects in the sky. Guests are welcome to move from station to station as they like. There are usually upwards of 80 guests who come and join us for these events!The event will be cancelled in the case of rainy weather and/or poor viewing conditions.Notes: Please review the information below to ensure you're ready to go!If cloudy or inclement weather is forecasted, volunteers will be directly informed by either OSA staffPro-tip:Bring layers, good shoes, water, snacks, and everything you need to be self-sufficient for the eventThis is a popular event! - know that we'll have a full crew and roster. OSA's team is here to support how we can - please let us know if there are specific ways we can do soVolunteers need to have attended OSA's interpretive host training to participate AND be enrolled in the volunteer portal. Questions? Email Kat Hill at khill@openspaceauthority.orgWhat we told the public: OSA is teaming up with San Jose Astronomical Association (SJAA) to co-host this eventIt's a "star party!" at Rancho Cañada del OroWe're going to be 20 minutes south of downtown San José, this location features night skies so dark we can see the band of our Milky Way galaxyOSA-approved SJAA club members will set up telescopes and provide tons of content and knowledge (and of course, a fun-filled, exciting experience)During the event, the public is welcome to move freely from telescope to telescope, each one looking at a different features in the skyWe requested for the public NOT to bring their own telescope (binoculars are welcomed, but please no tripods)Gates will be closed to the public 30 minutes after the program starts to minimize headlights and create the best viewing experience. Please arrive before then (for volunteers, see the specific shift time above that differs from what we are sharing with the public)⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Program: Preserve Stewards Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Multiple Shifts Available Zip Code: 95037 Allow Groups: No |
Volunteer: June, July, and/or August 2026 - PRESERVE STEWARDS NEEDED - Binocular StargazingWe are looking for 3 volunteers to help with Binocular Stargazing events at Coyote Valley Open Space Preserve June, July, and/or August from 9:00pm - 11:30pm.
Dates (pick one or all!): June 6, 2026July 18, 2026August 8, 2026Shift time: 9:00 PM - 11:30 PM Program Run Time (when the public is there): 9:30 PM - 11:00 PM What you'll be doing: We will need volunteers to help with set up, tear down, parking, check in guests, and make sure guests have an enjoyable night stargazing. The actual event goes from 9:30 PM - 11:00 PM. By about 10:00pm most guests will have arrived, and you can enjoy the rest of the night stargazing! At 11:00pm we will start cleaning up and we should be all wrapped up by 11:30 PM. Where: Binocular Stargazing will be held at Coyote Valley Open Space Preserve: 599 Palm Ave, Morgan Hill, CA 95037 What to bring: Volunteer shirt, high-vis-vest, flashlight with a red-light option, comfortable walking shoes, light layers, a camp chair, and some binoculars! About the event: We run this event in partnership with the San Jose Astronomical Association (SJAA). SJAA does the educational astronomy and we run the parking and check in. When guests arrive, we will get the checked in and then they will make their way over to the astronomers. There will be about 10 astronomers. Each astronomer will walk their group through the night sky, pointing out what can be seen with just binoculars! There are usually about 40 guests who come and join us for these events! When submitting hours please use Project Code: Starry Nights Program: Preserve Stewards We are looking for 3 volunteers to help with Binocular Stargazing events at Coyote Valley Open Space Preserve June, July, and/or August from 9:00pm - 11:30pm.
Dates (pick one or all!): June 6, 2026July 18, 2026August 8, 2026Shift time: 9:00 PM - 11:30 PM Program Run Time (when the public is there): 9:30 PM - 11:00 PM What you'll be doing: We will need volunteers to help with set up, tear down, parking, check in guests, and make sure guests have an enjoyable night stargazing. The actual event goes from 9:30 PM - 11:00 PM. By about 10:00pm most guests will have arrived, and you can enjoy the rest of the night stargazing! At 11:00pm we will start cleaning up and we should be all wrapped up by 11:30 PM. Where: Binocular Stargazing will be held at Coyote Valley Open Space Preserve: 599 Palm Ave, Morgan Hill, CA 95037 What to bring: Volunteer shirt, high-vis-vest, flashlight with a red-light option, comfortable walking shoes, light layers, a camp chair, and some binoculars! About the event: We run this event in partnership with the San Jose Astronomical Association (SJAA). SJAA does the educational astronomy and we run the parking and check in. When guests arrive, we will get the checked in and then they will make their way over to the astronomers. There will be about 10 astronomers. Each astronomer will walk their group through the night sky, pointing out what can be seen with just binoculars! There are usually about 40 guests who come and join us for these events! When submitting hours please use Project Code: Starry Nights Program: Preserve Stewards Opportunity Type: Volunteer Date: Multiple Shifts Available Zip Code: 95037 Allow Groups: No |