Stulsaft Park is home to several distinct ecosystems within its small foot print! Join Grassroots Ecology staff as we explore this park and document the amazing amount of biodiversity that can be found here. Participants can expect to see all sorts of native plant species, including several rare ones in the serpentine grassland! The park also has a flowing creek which provides habitat for many insects and a shady cool corridor which is such fun to investigate. Staff will be stationed around the park in certain habitats and available to guide your exploration.
A bioblitz is an effort to record as many plant and wildlife species as possible (bio-) at a specific location over a specific timeframe (-blitz). During this bioblitz we will use iNaturalist to catalog all the different species we find at Stulsaft Park. These observations will be counted in the City Nature Challenge (CNC).
The CNC is an annual four-day global bioblitz at the end of April, where cities are in a collaboration-meets-friendly-competition to see not only what can be accomplished when we all work toward a common goal, but also which city can gather the most observations of nature, find the most species, and engage the most people in the event.
By participating in the City Nature Challenge, not only do you learn more about your local nature, but you can also make it a better place – for you and other species!
Using iNaturalist: For this event, we will be using the mobile phone app, iNaturalist. Before you arrive, please download the app on the app store/google play, and create an account. Further information and guidance will be provided before and during the event.
Attendees should expect to walk 2 miles at a slow to moderate pace on hilly, dirt and gravel paths and at times with steep or uneven terrain. Please note: Though Stulsaft Park is dog-friendly, please keep your pups at home for this event! Attendees may encounter unleashed dogs, however; the park has certain trails where they are allowed.
Waivers/Registration: All attendees must be registered individually and have approved the online waiver through this Eventbrite page. Youth under 18 must have their legal guardian approve the waiver on their behalf. Attendees age 12 and under require an accompanying adult.
Parking: Please park on the surrounding streets by the Lower Entrance of Stulsaft Park.
Alternate Transportation: Stulsaft Park is accessible by foot, bike, and public transportation. By bus, take the 274 bus going west and get off at the Emerald Hill Rd stop. From there it is a 900 ft walk going northeast to the park entrance. If you take the 274 bus going east, get off at the 3550 Farm Hill Blvd stop and walk 1/2 mile south to the park. These options will get you to the Farm Hill Blvd entrance. The Lower Entrance is on the opposite side of the park and a 10 minute walk from Farm Hill Blvd.
Meeting Space: Enter the park through the gate at the Lower Entrance and meet by the red sign that reads "Stulsaft Park." There are restrooms and multiple drinking fountains available. There is cell service within the park.
Prepare for Exploring Outdoors:
Phone and/or camera
[iNaturalist account: Sign up here]
Other naturalist supplies if desired: field guides, binoculars, etc
Face mask for COVID-19 safety (optional)
Reusable water bottle
Snacks, if desired
Long pants, long sleeves recommended
Sturdy closed-toed shoes
Hat/sunscreen or rain gear/boots
Epi-Pen or allergy medicine, if applicable
Plan for potential exposure to sun, poison oak, ticks
We will provide [supplies?].
COVID-19 Safety
Our staff will carefully adhere to safety protocols we have developed in compliance with public health guidelines. View our COVID-19 safety protocols here. As of March 1, 2022, masks are optional for all staff and volunteers.
Event Cancellations:
We are committed to the safety of our staff and community. In the event that we must cancel an event due to extreme weather conditions or poor air quality, a Grassroots Ecology staff person will reach out via email no later than 5:00 PM the day prior to this event.
Join Us!
Grassroots Ecology encourages people from all identities and backgrounds to participate in our programs. Many of our programs are outdoors and involve moving and working in a variety of landscapes. If you have accessibility concerns (e.g. allergies, limited mobility, learning differences), our projects are flexible and we are happy to work with you. Please reach out to the event facilitator so we can prepare for your participation.
Accessibility concerns? Questions? Cancellations? Email nina@grassrootsecology.org