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Urban Open Space and 20% Funding

 

Current Volunteer Opportunities

Invasive Plant Eradication
If you enjoy being outside, having fun, working with people and don't mind getting dirty, this may be the volunteer opportunity for you. Join us on one or all of the days scheduled to eradicate invasive plants on OSA lands. Locations vary as noted. See below for contact information.

Saturday, April 5: OSA lands near Alum Rock Area
Friday, April 18: OSA lands near Uvas Canyon
Friday, April 25: OSA lands near Uvas Canyon
Saturday, May 17: OSA lands near Uvas Canyon
Saturday, May 31: OSA lands near Uvas Canyon

Trail Patrol Volunteer Training
Trail Patrol volunteers are the eyes and ears that help keep OSA staff informed about trail conditions. They answer questions and provide directions for visitors. They work on horseback, on bicycle or on foot. The next Trail Patrol training will be in May. To become a member of the OSA Trail Patrol, volunteers must attend on indoor training session and the field session.

May 13, 5-7 p.m. Program expectations, rules and regulations.

May 14, 5-7 p.m. Program expectations, rules and regulations.

May 18, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Field training and guided hike.

For more information about volunteering, contact Supervising Open Space Technician, Derek Neumann or call 408-224-7476.


VOLUNTEER PROGRAMS

Volunteers provide essential support toward our goal of preserving Open Space.

They offer the Open Space Authority assistance by serving as our “eyes and ears” while patrolling trails; assisting with conservation projects; and educating the public about the goals and benefits of the Authority.

Land Stewardship
Get your hands dirty and affect a positive change on open space lands. Members of the Land Steward Program actively participate in the protection and restoration of open space lands and assist in providing opportunities for low-impact public enjoyment. They assist Authority staff with helpful projects such as:

  • Trail Construction & Maintenance
  • Removal of invasive, non-native vegetation
  • Clean-Up

Trail Patrol
Get out on the trail and serve as a resource to hikers and the Authority alike. Members of the Trail Patrol program actively participate in the protection of open space lands and assist in monitoring visitor use. Trail Patrol members distribute information, brochures, and maps to trail users, educate visitors about proper trail use and safety, and provide staff with information on trail conditions and visitor use patterns. Patrol can be done on foot, bicycle, or horseback.

Special Project Volunteers
These volunteers assist with long or short-term projects on Authority properties and/or in the office. This may include using specialized skills you already have such as conducting plant or wildlife inventories, fence and gate repairs, gathering and compiling mapping, GIS, or ArcInfo data, as well as helping with clerical tasks in the office.

Outdoor Activity Leaders
Share your love of nature and the outdoors with others. Outdoor Activity leaders share their interest in the natural environment, leading groups on fun and informational hikes on Open Space lands. The Activity Leader provides a safe environment for new and veteran hikers to experience the OSA trails. Each leader will receive training on leading group hikes, and on information specific to each hike area. Outdoor Activity Leaders commit to leading/assisting one hike per quarter.

Community Outreach
Put your “people skills” to work for open space preservation . Community Outreach volunteers further the Authority's community relations and public information goals by representing the Authority at festivals, health fairs, and other public events. At these events (along with a partner) volunteers staff an Authority display; answering questions, explaining the Authority policies on a wide variety of issues, and distributing printed information (brochures, maps, newsletters, etc.).

To learn more about the volunteer opportunities available, contact contact us at Volunteering
or call (408) 224-7476

Many thanks to all of the volunteers who contribute their time and talent to support the Open Space Authority.

 

Become a Volunteer

Volunteer Now!

For more information, contact us at Volunteering
or call (408) 224-7476

Check out the Volunteer Newsletter!

 

 

 

Copyright 2004, Santa Clara County Open Space Authority

Volunteer Newsletter -- September and October 2006