Volunteer Outdoors in Palo Alto at Pearson-Arastradero Preserve

It's planting season! We will be working together to expand our habitat restoration areas by planting native plants to increase biodiversity and support wildlife. Planting includes digging holes with a hori hori (Japanese digging knife), bending, kneeling or sititng on the ground, and walking on possible wet uneven terrain carrying supplies.

Volunteer with Grassroots Ecology to support the expansive oak woodlands and grasslands at Pearson-Arastradero Preserve. These ecosystems are home to an abundance of wildlife, including deer, bobcats, coyotes, many species of birds and insects, and more!

During our time together, volunteers will help maintain restoration areas by spreading mulch, pruning plants, and making metal cages to protect plants. Volunteers should expect to shovel, push wheelbarrows, carry buckets of mulch, use hand tools, handle metal wire, and walk on uneven terrain.

Visit Grassroots Ecology’s Pearson-Arastradero Preserve webpage to learn more about the ecosystem and accessibility considerations.

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. Please 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 street parking available along Arastradero Road or Page Mill 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 on the right side of the parking lot. Water fountains and all-gender, single stall restrooms are accessible within a 10 minute walk during the event.

Prepare for Working Outdoors:

• 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

We will provide gloves, tools, and snacks.

Event Cancellations:

We are committed to the safety of our staff and volunteers. If 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 before 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 contact the workday facilitator so we can prepare for your participation.

Accessibility concerns? Questions? Cancellations? Email [email protected]

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