Together we will be working to improve habitat and increase biodiversity in a demonstration garden near the preserve facilities and along Arastradero Creek. We will be deeply watering native plants with buckets and hoses, as well as shoveling mulch, using a wheelbarrow, and carrying buckets. These essential (and fun!) summertime activities involve lifting, carrying, bending, and walking on flat and uneven terrain.
Pearson-Arastradero Preserve has expansive oak woodlands and grasslands with beautiful trees and wildflowers and is home to an abundance of wildlife, including deer, bobcats, coyotes, and many species of birds and insects. The work you do will support the health of the preserve's ecosystems!
We will maximize our time outside together in the shade, but be sure to prepare for summertime conditions. If the heat becomes dangerous, we will end the workday early for safety.
Waivers/Registration: All volunteers attending the workday 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. Volunteers age 12 and under require an accompanying adult.
Parking: 1530 Arastradero Road, Palo Alto. The parking lot can fill up quickly, so arrive early and carpool if possible. There will be some parking spaces reserved for the event at the back of the lot. There is no parking available along Arastradero Road.
Alternate Transportation: Bike racks are available near the parking lot. The 280/Page Mill Rd Park and Ride lot is a 10-minute walk from the preserve.
Meeting Space: We will meet by the buildings in the Gateway Garden down the path from the parking lot. Bathrooms and drinking fountains are accessible there.
Prepare for Working Outdoors:
Face mask for COVID-19 safety (optional)
Reusable water bottle (filled with water)
Snacks, if desired
Long pants, long sleeves recommended
Sturdy closed-toed shoes that can get dirty
Hat/sunscreen or rain gear/boots
Epi-Pen or allergy medicine, if applicable
Plan for potential exposure to sun, poison oak, ticks, prickly plants
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 volunteers. In the event that we must cancel a workday 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 workday facilitator so we can prepare for your participation.
Accessibility concerns? Questions? Cancellations?
Email claireg@grassrootsecology.org
