Sudden Oak Death Blitz- Ocean Song

05/17/2025 09:00 AM - 01:00 PM PT

Description

 
 
Help us learn about and protect our precious oak species at Ocean Song! Sudden oak death is a tree disease caused by a pathogen (Phytophthora ramorum). This plant pathogen has killed over 1 million oak and tan oak trees in the past decade.  During this event, you can learn how to identify sudden oak death in California Bay Laurels and various Oak species and learn how to limit Sudden Oak Death transmission on your own property. This event is part of a larger state-wide survey called the SOD Blitz, now in its 16th year.  
 
Some of the things we'll do on this day: 
  • Hiking on and off trails
  • Surveying trees for Sudden Oak Death symptoms
  • Collecting bay leaves and placing them in envelopes
  • Fill out information in a data sheet

Where to Meet: We'll meet at 9am at the large, red-roof barn next to the dirt parking lot.  See address below. 

Directions to Ocean Song: From the town of Occidental, head west on Coleman Valley Rd for 1.8 Miles. Turn right to remain on Coleman Valley Rd and continue an additional 3.4 miles to the main entrance to the preserve. Once you are out of the trees, pass the pond on the left, and have a view of the ocean,  turn left into the preserve at 19100 Coleman Valley Road. PLEASE NOTE THAT THE ADDRESSES ARE NOT IN NUMERICAL ORDER ON COLEMAN VALLEY ROAD. Do not turn left until you see the address 19100 otherwise you will get lost and go down the wrong road.  Please do not arrive more than 10 minutes early as the gate will not be open. 

Google Maps Linkhttps://maps.app.goo.gl/ff6nDDbEN4MvBMM49

Address: 19100 Coleman Valley Rd, Occidental, CA 94923

Cancellations:  A light drizzle won't stop us, but we'll cancel if it's a heavy downpour. We'll email you if we cancel. You can also check back on this post; it will say "CANCELLED" if the program is called off.

 
What should you bring?  
  • Lunch, snacks, and a water bottle filled with water 
  • A backpack for your gear
  • Sturdy boots or shoes that can get muddy
  • Long pants are recommended 
  • Work gloves 
  • Hat and sunscreen
What else do you need to know? 
  • No experience necessary! Everyone is welcome! We will create tasks according to your abilities 
  • You will be asked to sign a liability waiver
  • There is a restroom and potable water at Bohemia
  • No pets or smoking 
Thank you for fostering a love of the land with LandPaths!