Date: November 16, 17 & 18, 2007
Agency Partner: California State Park, Mt. Tamalpais State Park
Sign-up! Join us for this V-O-Cal project
http://vocal.civicore.com
The Volunteers for Outdoor California community trail work-party, weekend celebration, and camp out is November 16-18 in Mount Tamalpais State Park. We’re looking forward to having you join us. Great ready for a fun weekend. Sure, we’ll break a sweat and we may get wet but you’ll meet wonderful people, enjoy tasty food and have a great time!
Volunteers will restore the trail bed, restore drainage and clear vegetation over the length of the Heather Cutoff Trail. This trail has numerous switchbacks that require substantial work to prevent water from running down the trail, and long stretches of the trail are heavily overgrown, making passage difficult. We will also replace a critical retaining wall that slid down the hill. There are many types of work, with plenty to do for both those looking for a strenuous outing and those interested in a less taxing day helping on the trails.
The Mt. Tam Project Fact Sheet (PDF) contains details about the weekend. We asked volunteers to arrive with your waiver signed.
Directions
The project site is located near the Heather Cutoff Trail and Frank Valley Horse Camp. Campers will stay in Santos Meadow. V-O-Cal signs will guide you at key points. For a google map visit: http://tinyurl.com/36e55o
From San Francisco:
Take 101 N over the Golden Gate Bridge
Take Hwy-1 N exit toward Stinson Beach/Mill Valley
Merge onto Hwy-1 and continue to follow Hwy-1
Approx 2 miles from Mill Valley, follow the left fork toward Stinson Beach at the Y marking the Panoramic Hwy & Mt Tam State Park. Follow signs to Stinson Beach. After another 2 miles, as you near the coast you will pass The Pelican Inn on your left. Approx. 300 ft past the Inn, follow sign to Muir Woods Rd. (Hwy 1 makes a sharp left turn here, but you will go almost straight ahead into the park.) Proceed 1/2 mile to the entrance.
From Mill Valley:
Head west on Shoreline Hwy/ Hwy 1 toward Stinson Beach.
Do not follow signs to Muir Woods. Stay on Hwy 1 and follow signs toward Stinson Beach down the hill.
Near the coast you will pass The Pelican Inn on your left. Approx. 300 ft past the Inn, follow sign to Muir Woods Rd. (Hwy 1 makes a sharp left turn here, but you will go almost straight ahead into the park.) Proceed 1/2 mile to the entrance.
Camping
Camping is open to volunteers both Friday and Saturday nights.
Volunteering Options: We encourage you to come for the weekend, although you can volunteer for one day if you can't make the entire weekend. Note: we need more volunteers on Sunday, since several large groups are schedule to attend on Saturday.
Food and Drinks: Meals will be served in the center camp area. A hearty continental breakfast will be provided on Saturday. Lunch makings will be provided for both days for volunteers to assemble their own lunch. There will be a hot dinner on Saturday night and a hot breakfast on Sunday morning. Vegetarian options are provided for all meals. Cold beverages (including some beer for those 21 and over) are provided at the end of the work day on Saturday. Please bring your own eating utensils. We follow “Leave no trace” camping guidelines, bring a plate, a cup and eating utensils for your own use.
If you or your friends plan to attend but have not formally registered, please remind them to do so - it helps us have the right amount of food on hand.
Project Schedule
~ Friday ~
While the project officially starts on Saturday morning, we invite you to camp Friday night. You are on your own for food but it makes the early start easier. Plus, it’s a fun time to come see and enjoy the park and get settled-in for the weekend adventure. Starting after 4 pm a project team member will be available for check-in.
~ Saturday ~
6:30 - 8:00 AM Breakfast, lunch prep. and registration
Arrive by 7:30 AM
8:00 - 8:30 AM Crew Assignments
8:30 AM Start work
12:00 - 12:30 PM Lunch break
3:00 PM Stop work and return to campsite
3:30 Snacks, beer, and cold drinks
5:00 - 7:00 PM Supper and entertainment
~ Sunday ~
6:30 - 8:00 AM Breakfast, lunch prep. and registration
8:00 - 8:30 AM Crew Assignments
8:30 AM Start work
1:00 - 1:30 PM Lunch break and gather tools
1:30 - 2:00 PM Return to campsite and load tools
3:00 PM Leave campsite for home
Download park brochure.
Thank you to our project partners and sponsors:
Accretive Solutions
AirGas
Bingham McCutchen
California State Parks
ClifBar
Jackson’s Hardware
MetroMobile Communications
Marin Brewing Co.
Mt. Tamalpais Interpretive Association
Patagonia, Palo Alto Store
Peet’s Coffee
Port of Redwood City
REI
Tecnu
What to Bring and Wear
For your safety and comfort and to protect yourself against poison oak: wear long pants, long sleeves, and sturdy boots with good tred. Gaiters are also recommended to protect against stickers and ticks. Bring extra sets of clothes to change into after work.
Items to bring:
Bring work gloves (if you have them...
V-O-Cal also has some gloves, if needed)
Bring your own plate, cup and eating utensils
Wear sturdy shoes or boots with good tread (working in sandals will not be allowed)
Day pack or backpack to carry water, etc.
Water bottles and water (at least 3 quarts) Really. You will be working hard, sweating... Bring lots of water!
Flashlight (it gets dark early)
Hat
Sunglasses
Sunscreen, insect repellant, allergy medication
If you are camping, also bring:
Tent and tent stakes
Sleeping bag
Sun shower (if you have one)
Clothes for cold and or wet weather
Folding chair for lounging around camp
Some related web sites:
Mt. Tam Interpretive Association (MTIA)
http://www.mttam.net/
California State Park
Mt. Tam State Park
Sign-up! Join us for this V-O-Cal project
http://vocal.civicore.com
