Grassroots Ecology and Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District are partnering to maintain a habitat garden and remove invasive plants at Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve. Volunteers can expect to weed small spiny plants at their smooth base and learn all about native California plants. Volunteers can also expect a walk to learn about California ecology with spectacular views of the San Francisco Bay.
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: Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve parking lot on Skyline Blvd. We will meet at the parking lot on the corner of Skyline Blvd and Alpine Road. Please carpool if possible. The road up to the site is very steep and curvy. Download driving instructions ahead of time, as there is no cell reception up on Skyline Blvd.
Alternate Transportation: Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve is mainly accessible by car. Strong bikers can lock their bikes to a rack on-site.
Meeting Space: We will meet at the parking lot on the corner of Skyline Blvd and Alpine Road. The work area is less than a five minute walk from the parking lot. Russian Ridge has no available drinking water. Volunteers will have access to a pit toilet.
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
Prepare for limited to no cell reception, access to a pit toilet, and no available drinking water
We will provide light snacks, gloves, and tools.
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 tyler@grassrootsecology.org