V-O-Cal - Coyote Lake 2009

Coyote Lake-Harvey Ranch County Park
Santa Clara County Parks
July 17-19, 2009

View a project flyer to post at your work, local coffee shop, or forward to friends.

Project Background
Coyote Lake-Harvey Bear Ranch Park, located east of San Martin and Gilroy in the Diablo Range, is a 4,595 acre park home to the 635 acre Coyote Lake. The park contains over 15 miles of hiking, biking and equestrian trails along with a lake open to boating, jetskiing, waterskiing, sailing, kayaking and fishing. The park also has several picnic areas as well as the Lakeview Campground, the location of V-O-Cal's center camp for the project weekend.

Trail Description
V-O-Cal volunteers will work to create a new trail to Mummy Mountain. While the inital trail alignment will be made by a "Sweco" dozer, there will be much finishing and refining work done to make the alignment safe, sustainable and reinforced. The trail will approach the peak of Mummy Mountain, allowing for outstanding views of Coyote Lake and the South Bay.

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 at the Lakeview Campground, an established campground with restroom facilities and hot showers.

Carpooling and Parking
We encourage participants to carpool because of the large number of people and limited parking. If you need a ride, or have space in your car, please try and carpool. We use a carpooling service which can be accessed at http://v_o_cal.erideshare.com. Log in using the password "trails". In the middle of the page is a link to create a posting.
Parking for the project will be within a short walk of the campsite. Signs will direct you to parking when you reach the property.

Driving Directions

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From most points in the Bay Area:
Take Hwy 101 South. In Gilroy (appx 25 miles south of San Jose) exit Leavesley Road. Turn left onto Leavesley Road. Turn left on New Ave. Turn right on Roop Rd. Turn left onto Coyote Lake Road, into the park.

Schedule
Friday
5pm - Registration and camping opens at Lakeview Campground, Coyote Lake Park.
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.