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Star Thistle Stewardship & Sandwich Bar at Bohemia Ecological Preserve

06/28/2025 09:00 AM - 01:00 PM PT

Description

 
Let's join forces to get ride of Yellow Starthistle at Bohemia Ecological Preserves followed by LandPaths' staffers favorite food: The Sandwich! This is a stewardship opportunity for all ages! 
 
Why are we so intent on removing Yellow Starthistle? Well, did you know that one plant from this wily invasive species can disperse more than 35,000 seeds per year? And that yellow star-thistle tends to dramatically outcompete the precious and threatened native grasslands that are crucial to planetary health? For all these reasons, removing star-thistle at this preserve is a major priority. After a couple of hours of caring for the land together, we'll break for lunch on LandPaths! We'll provide trail snacks, non-alcoholic beverages, water, and sandwich-making ingredients for a post-stewardship picnic at this beautiful preserves in West Sonoma County. 
 
Here's the "leading up to the sandwich feast" itinerary: 
  • Hiking moderate slopes.  
  • Pulling yellow star-thistle plants by hand (wearing gloves that we’ll provide) and placing them in bag.  
  • Carrying bags of yellow star-thistle to disposal site. 
  • Bonding with like-minded peoplle in a beautiful place.
Where is Bohemia Ecological Preserve? 

Address: 6773 Bohemian Highway, Occidental, CA 95465 

Directions: From Occidental head north on Bohemian Highway. In about 3 miles the entrance will be on your right. As you are driving there you will pass Alliance Redwoods and Westminster Woods. If you end up in the town of Monte Rio, you have gone too far.  

Google Map and Coordinates: https://maps.app.goo.gl/6jHX7Fe4FVmBB32q9

Parking: Please make sure to arrive right on time as staff will meet you at the entrance and give guidance on where to park. It's not easy to figure out where to go if you arrive late, especially if you have never been to Bohemia before. Please be on time. 

What should you bring?  
  • 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 
  • We'll provide tools, but bring your own if you'd like.
  • No power tools, please
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 
  • Children are welcome! This is an all ages stewardship task, though you'll want to make sure they wear gloves! 
If we need to cancel due to weather or other circumstances: You will immediately receive an email if the program gets cancelled. However, if you would like to confirm, check back on this post; it will say "CANCELLED" if the program is called off.
 
We welcome questions! Please call the office at 707-544-7284 or email us at outings@landpaths.org.  Please know that the office is only open Monday - Friday from 9am - 5pm. All calls or emails sent before or after that time will be responded to on the next business day.

We are excited to team up with you and take care of the land together!