Join this partnership between Dmitrius Rodriguez (they/he), a Corpsmember of the Watershed Stewards Program, and Grassroots Ecology for a Watershed Awareness Volunteer Event (WAVE) in a restorative space for the ecosystem and community. During the event, volunteers should expect to use gloves, buckets, and small hand-held tools to remove non-native weeds from the floodplains of Buckeye Creek at Foothills Nature Preserve. Volunteers will also participate in a guided walk with themes in restoration, California, and queer ecology.
Please, visit Grassroots Ecology’s Foothills Nature Preserve page to learn more about the ecosystem and the work being done by Grassroots Ecology.
Watershed Stewards Program (WSP) is a partnership between the California Conservation Corps and AmeriCorps. WSP is dedicated to improving watershed health by actively engaging in restoration science, civic service, and community education while empowering the next generation of environmental stewards.
Waivers/Registration:
All volunteers attending the workday must be registered individually and have approved the online waiver through this Eventbrite page. Youths under 18 must have their legal guardian approve the waiver. Volunteers aged 12 and under require an accompanying adult.
Driving instructions from 280 N/S:
Exit the freeway at Page Mill Rd.
Heading North on 280? turn left onto Page Mill Road to head up the Foothills.
Heading South on 280? Turn right onto Page Mill Road to head up the Foothills.
Follow Page Mill Road until you reach the Entrance to Foothills Nature Preserve. Volunteers with Grassroots Ecology do not need to pay the park fees. Follow the main road into Foothills Nature Preserve, heading down into Los Trancos Valley and passing Boronda Lake. After entering the valley continue straight until you see a large building on your right and park adjacently, behind or further along the Coyote Trail Road.
Parking:
Carpooling is highly encouraged. Limited parking is available directly near the staging area (Interpretive Center), be mindful of your parking needs and save the closest parking for those who may benefit more. Ample parking is located throughout the valley and requires less than a mile walk to the Interpretive Center, where we will begin the event.
Alternate Transportation:
Foothills Nature Preserve is mainly accessible by car. Strong bikers can lock their bike to a rack on-site.
Meeting Space:
We will be meeting at the Foothills Nature Preserve Interpretive Center. Signs will designate the general meeting location. There is limited cellular service throughout the park and in our staging and restoration areas. The interpretive center, less than a mile away, has public wifi. Gendered restrooms and water fountains are located in the Interpretive Center and nearby our work site.
Preparing 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
Prepare to walk for at least a mile at a comfortable pace
We will provide gloves and tools.
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 by 5:00 PM the day prior to this event.
We would love to have you join our celebration!
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 dmitrius@grassrootsecology.org