MidPen Seeks Trail Work Volunteers Who Want To Unplug

PALO ALTO, CA — Giving back to nature is one of the selfless things outdoor enthusiasts may do for their communities. On the San Francisco Peninsula, the natural bounty may be maintained through volunteer efforts organized through the regional open space district.

Trail work volunteers may sign up to remove invasive French broom at the historic, 167-acre Thornewood Open Space Preserve situated east of Interstate 280 off Sand Hill Road near Palo Alto to the west and Woodside to the north.

This habitat restoration project set for Oct. 12 between 9:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. will include moderate hiking and tool use and serves as an ideal endeavor for beginners interested in learning more about natural resource management.

Of the three levels detailing scale of difficulty, this project is consider optional for all grades of activity. The volunteer gig may be suitable for a first time project volunteer including children under 14 accompanied by an adult. As with all the projects, minors under age 18 must provide prior parent or guardian approval with a signed liability waiver or be accompanied by an adult to participate may not just be dropped off at a project.

Registration opens on Sept. 1.

The preserve offers easy hikes or horseback rides through beautiful surroundings, and leashed dogs are allowed on these trails.

One of the high points of the preserve, Schilling Lake provides an excellent place to view birds.

Click on the link to register.

Other scheduled volunteer venues include:

• Bear Creek Redwoods Preserve on Sept. 5; Oct. 3, 19; Nov. 9; Dec. 5, 14
• Rancho San Antonio Preserve on Oct. 10
• Sierra Azul Preserve on Oct. 24; Nov. 7, 8, 21, 23
• Saratoga Gap on Oct. 26
• Los Trancos on Oct. 31
• El Sereno on Dec. 19