Volunteer: Habitat Restoration - Third Thursday Weeders

You might also be interested in the Habitat Restoration volunteer opportunity!

Overview
Join the Marin Chapter of the California Native Plant Society's "Third Thursday Weeders" to spend a day at beautiful Point Reyes and help tackle invasive weeds that threaten important plant habitat in Point Reyes National Seashore.

Duties
Volunteers visit beautiful sites to conduct important follow-up removal to maintain and enhance large-scale restoration projects. The workday usually involves a chance to view native plants that are recolonizing the areas, often including rare species. Visit some of the most beautiful areas in the park and learn about local plant ecology while you work alongside park staff to carry out ecological restoration projects.

Knowledge/Skills/Experience Desired
We encourage volunteers of all backgrounds, ages and experience levels. Get involved, meet new people, and make a positive impact on your environment!

Special Requirements of the Position
Participants are advised to wear warm and wind-stopping layers, long pants, knee pads, sturdy shoes and other seasonally appropriate clothing, as well as bring plenty of water, lunch and snacks. No shorts or open-toed shoes. Training, tools, gloves, and some knee pads will be provided.

Schedule and Time Commitment
The Third Thursday Weeders meets on the third Thursday of every month year-round (except for December) at 9:30 am, usually at a trailhead near the work location.

We'll remove weeds until about 2 pm with a lunch break around noon.

In case of stormy weather, please call 415-464-5196 between 7:30 and 8:30 am on the workday to confirm that it has not been cancelled. We do work in rainy conditions, but the project may be cancelled if heavy rains and/or high winds occur.

The Third Thursday Weeders is a drop-in program where volunteers are not required to work more than one day at a time. However, volunteers are welcome to work as many of the work days as desired.

Currently scheduled workdays for 2013 include:

• Thursday, March 21, 2013
• Thursday, April 18, 2013
• Thursday, May 16, 2013
• Thursday, July 18, 2013
• Thursday, August 15, 2013
• Thursday, September 19, 2013
• Thursday, October 17, 2013
• Thursday, November 21, 2013

Training
Training is provided on-the-job.

Benefits to the Volunteer
Volunteers have the opportunity to work in some of the most beautiful areas in the park and learn about local plant ecology while working alongside park staff. Volunteers enjoy the satisfaction of helping to protect and restore endangered plant and wildlife habitat.

Group Type
Individuals and groups encouraged to participate. Minimum group size is 4, maximum group size is 25.

For groups of 5 or more people, please call as far in advance as possible to determine if space is still available since many sites can support only a limited number of volunteers. Many groups contact us a month or more in advance. Groups can schedule additional weekend or weekday dates other than those listed above.

Minimum Age
Minimum age is 9. Volunteers under 18 must have a signed parental consent form. Please contact us (see below) for more information.

Accommodations
Housing and RV sites are unavailable.

Application and Contact Information
Please contact Ellen Hamingson at 415-464-5196 or by email to confirm workdays and for more information.

Visit our Habitat Restoration Volunteer Program page for more information.