Sponsors

Agency Partner

oakland logo

btceb logo
Media Partner

BayNature

In-Kind Project Sponsors

AMK

ClifBar

Equator Estates

Intel

MetroMobileCommunications

REI

Tecnu

Joaquin Miller Park
City of Oakland
September 10-12, 2010

jmp pre-workRegister for this project here

What will we do?

Where is it?

Where will we camp?

Where can I park?

What is the schedule?

What else should I know?

Project Background
Joaquin Miller Park was the site of V-O-Cal's first partnership with the City of Oakland, and we are re-visiting this beautifully wild urban park with the goal of protecting the redwoods along the Big Trees Trail. The Big Trees Trail winds through several groves of magestic redwood, providing its many visitors with a well-shaded walk in the hills. In two spots, though, steep inclines and heavy use has caused extensive erosion and exposed the roots of the adjacent trees. V-O-Cal volunteers will build new sections of trail to re-route around these vulnerable areas, creating sustainable contour routes around and through the groves of trees.

Level of Effort
Manual Labor: mixed

Camp
Camping is open to volunteers Friday and Saturday nights. Food is also provided for volunteers from breakfast Saturday through lunch Sunday. While camping is optional and participants are able to participate for one day, this will be a unique opportunity to relax after the work day and camp in a festive atmosphere with other volunteers.
We will be camping on near the equestrian area at Joaquin Miller Park.

Carpooling, Public transportation and Parking
We encourage participants to carpool, as parking will be at a premium. If you need a ride, or have space in your car, please try and carpool. We are working on providing some shuttles from the closest BART stop, so please stay tuned.

Map (Driving Directions will be added soon)


View Larger Map 

Schedule
Friday
5pm - Registration and camping opens
Saturday
7:30am - Registration, light breakfast, and lunch prep begin.
8am - Morning greeting, announcements, stretching and safety talk. Project begins.
12:30pm - Break for lunch on trail.
3:30pm - Head back to camp.
4pm - Drinks, appetizers and socializing. Showers available.
6:15pm - Dinner and entertainment.
Sunday
8am - Registration, hot breakfast, and lunch prep.
8:30am - Morning greeting, announcements, stretching and safety talk. Project begins.
11:30am - Break for lunch on trail.
1:30pm - Head back to camp to pack gear and truck.
2pm - Celebrate the work and say goodbyes.

What to bring and wear
For your safety and protection from hazards, please be prepared with the following items:
-Water, sun hat, and sunscreen. You will not be allowed on the trail without a water container.

  • Plates, utensils, coffee mug and a cup.
  • Work Gloves (if you do not have work gloves V-O-Cal can provide a pair to use).
  • Sturdy shoes or books with tread. Working in sandals or open-toed shoes will not be permitted.
  • Day pack to carry water and lunch.
  • Sunglasses.
  • Insect repellent, allergy medicine, etc.
  • A change of clothes for each work day and for lounging at camp to minimize the spread of poison oak.
  • IF CAMPING: bring a tent, sleeping bag, folding chair, flashlight, and other camping gear. A coffee mug is also necessary. Also bring a change of clothes.

    Meals
    V-O-Cal provides all meals for volunteers from breakfast Saturday through lunch Sunday. Vegetarian options are available for all meals.

  • Please bring your own reusable plates, coffee mug, cups and utensils. To minimize waste from our projects, we ask that you bring your own dishes. Hot water and soap are provided.
  • A continental breakfast is served Saturday morning.
  • Lunch is prepared before hitting the trails. You break for lunch on the trail around 12:30.
  • Please arrive at camp by 7:40am to register, eat breakfast and prepare your lunch.
  • Appetizers and beverages will be available at 4pm after the work day on Saturday. Dinner will follow at 6:15pm.
  • Hot breakfast is served Sunday.

    Hazards
    HYDRATION/SUN EXPOSURE: The work site is exposed and it may be HOT. Wear a sun hat! Please drink plenty of water throughout the work day. If you feel tired or weak, let your crew leader know and take a break.
    POISON OAK: There is a risk of exposure to poison oak at at the work site. Have your crew leader point some out to you if you don’t know what it looks like. Clean with Tecnu after the workday and be cautious when handling your dirty clothes.
    SNAKES: Snakes are present on the property. Use caution when walking the trails and when picking items up off the ground.
    TICKS: Ticks are always a hazard so it is important to check during and after the project.
    SHARP TOOLS: Please listen to your crew leaders tool safety talk and observe proper tool use throughout the day.

    View other V-O-Cal Projects.