Prep the Redwoods for Fire! - Grove of Old Trees

11/02/2024 10:00 AM - 02:00 PM PT

Description

You're warmly invited to lend a hand at the Grove of Old Trees! This 48-acre redwood grove in west Sonoma County is protected forever. A flourishing habitat that's beneficial for plant, animal, and human communities, your stewardship action is crucial to tending the land for a healthy, thriving Grove.

It's wildfire fuels reduction time on the preserve and also time to prep our second unit at the Grove for a thoroughly planned prescribed burn! Please come out to give your tender care to our beloved Redwoods!

Event led in English

Volunteers may leave early but must arrive on time.

Tasks for the day include:

Hiking up and down moderate slopes
Clearing duff and vegetation from around Redwood bases
Trimming small branches off Douglas Fir, California Bay, and Oak trees with hand saws, pole saws, or loppers
Felling small Douglas Fir trees with small hand-saws and loppers
Moving woody material to the trail

Where to Meet: Meet LandPaths' staff and other volunteers in the parking lot of the Grove of Old Trees. Once everyone arrives we will hike to the project site.

Directions: Make your way to the town of Occidental and look for Coleman Valley Road – the main road exiting the West Side of town. Continue along Coleman Valley Road until the road makes a sharp turn to the right. Go straight (do not continue on Coleman Valley Road). You are now on Joy Road. Take Joy Road for approximately ¼ mile where you will turn right on Fitzpatrick Lane.

Proceed slowly on this narrow winding lane. Please remember to give right of way to vehicles traveling uphill. Stay on Fitzpatrick Lane approximately 5 minutes; the road banks to the left over a cattle grate, and up a moderately steep hill. The Grove will appear on your right. Follow the paved road along the Grove to the parking area on the right.

If you are driving from the local area or know others attending this workday, to your comfort, please consider carpooling to reduce the vehicle impact to Fitzpatrick Lane. Thank You!

What is LandPaths' Covid-19 volunteer workday policy? Please read the most recent version of LandPaths' Covid-19 policy before attending the workday.

Does rain mean the workday is cancelled? The stewardship workday will move forward if there is a light drizzle, but a torrential rainstorm will cancel. Please call 707-544-7284 (then press 1) after 7am the morning of the stewardship day if the weather feels questionable. If you don't hear a notice of cancellation on the outgoing voice message, the stewardship day is moving forward.

What should you bring?

Picnic lunch, snacks & plenty of water, backpack to hold your gear
Sturdy boots or shoes that can get muddy
Long pants recommended
Your own workgloves
Hat and sun screen
Hand sanitizer and mask

What else do you need to know?

No experience necessary!
We'll provide the tools.
Expect to do a 0.5 mile round hike around the mostly flat loop trail.
You will be asked to sign a liability waiver.
No restroom on-site
No potable water available on the property. Make sure to fill up your water bottle ahead of time.
No pets or smoking.

Thanks for your support! We look forward to seeing you at the Grove!
Your Friends at LandPaths & Friends of the Grove (FOG)