Friday, March 24, 2023
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Sunday, March 26, 2023

Lynch Canyon Open Space

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Note that children 14 and over are welcome on V-O-Cal projects. Volunteers under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Project Background and Description

Volunteers will be divided into crews of 6-8 volunteers and be assigned to one section of the trail. All volunteers will be assigned to a certified crew leader who will help with the proper tool usage, trail design and monitor safe tool practices. All tools and training are provided for volunteers. Please be sure to wear comfortable work clothing and close-toed shoes and bring plenty of water.
V-O-Cal volunteers will be rehabilitating long-neglected trail at Lynch Canyon Open Space, land that was saved from becoming landfill by the Solano Land Trust, our hosts this weekend. Our focus will be on the Prairie View Trail, a segment of the Bay Area Ridge Trail, which continues across the street in Rockville Hills County Park, as part of an eventual 550 mile loop encircling the Bay. We will be widening the trail in places, improving drainage, and making some small re-routes to improve sustainability.
More info about:
Lynch Canyon Open Space
More about what it is like to volunteer on a project:
Volunteer

Project Pictures

Help recruit more volunteers! Download the project flyer here

Project Flyer

Camp

Camping (optional) will be in the Girl Scout restoration area, about a hundred yards from the parking lot. Because the surrounding area is being grazed, the gate to the camping area must be kept latched at all times. Hot showers will be available at the Center Camp. Our kitchen and all meals will be at the campsite. Because it is a restoration area, we have been asked to use biodegradable soap only, and to filter out any food in our wastewater before pouring it on the ground. Alternatively dirty dishwater can be poured off in the restroom. Smoking is prohibited in Lynch Canyon Open Space. Please be sure to bring a change of clothes for camping; be prepared for a variety of weather conditions, and cool evenings (think layers!). Although the forecast is for sun all weekend, the ground will likely still be wet, so bring a good tarp or footprint for your tent. For the same reason shoes with good tread , and preferably waterproof, would be a good idea. Camp chairs are also advised as there are no picnic tables at this location. Unless there is a serious storm predicted, we will work drizzle or shine. We are not allowed to have campfires here, and no dogs are allowed

Driving Directions

From San Francisco, Oakland and other locations near the Bay:

  1. Take Hwy 80 to Follow I-80 E to American Canyon Road in Vallejo
  2. Take exit 36 from I-80 E, turn right on American Canyon Road
  3. Make an immediate left onto McGary Road
  4. Go 1.5 miles then turn left onto Lynch Road
  5. Go under the freeway to the park gate

From Walnut Creek or Livermore:

  1. Take 680 N to 780 W
  2. Go 6 miles to Exit 1B
  3. Merge onto I-80 E and then follow the directions above
Map Link

Carpool/Parking Information

The entrance is just off Highway 80 and the park will be closed to the public. We will have a gate monitor at key times to control access, but if you arrive at other times look for a brass padlock with orange tape on the gate. It will have a combination of 1212. If you encounter problems with the gate, please call Morris at 925-510-3149 for assistance; cell coverage is good here! Because the park is otherwise closed this weekend, the gate must be locked as soon as you pass through. The parking area is a couple hundred yards inside the gate. There is room for everyone to park if we do not waste space. At times we will have a parking monitor to ensure that we utilize the space in the best way possible

Level of Effort

Project Fact Sheet

Fact Sheet
If a parking pass is required at the project site, it will be included with the fact sheet.

Project Schedule

Friday
5:00pm - Registration and camping open. DINNER IS NOT PROVIDED.

Saturday (6:45 am - 8 am - Arrive at Lynch Canyon)
7:30am - Registration, light breakfast, and lunch packing begin at Center Camp.
8:30 am – Morning greeting, announcements, stretching and safety talk.
9:00 am – Project begins.
12:30pm - Break for lunch on trail.
3:00 pm – Trail work ends. Head back to camp. Clean and store tools.
4:00 pm – Drinks, appetizers, pool party and socializing. Solar showers available.
5:45 pm – Dinner and entertainment. 

Sunday
7:30am - Registration and lunch packing begin. Hot breakfast is served.
8:30 am – Morning greeting, announcements, stretching and safety talk. Project begins.
11:30am - Break for lunch on trail.
12:30pm - Head back to camp, clean tools, pack gear and truck.

Things to Do Before or After the Project

What to Bring and Wear

For your safety and protection from hazards, please be prepared with the following items:
  • Sturdy shoes or boots with good tread. Ankle support will be important where we are building new trails. Sandals and open-toed shoes will not be permitted
  • Water bottles or a water bladder that can hold at least 2 liters of water. (You will not be allowed on the trail without water.)
  • Day pack to carry your water and lunch.
  • Work gloves. (If you don’t have your own gloves, V-O-Cal will provide them. Please return them at the end of the project.)
  • V-O-Cal provides all necessary tools, as well as training on tool use and safety.
  • Sunglasses, hat and sunscreen.
  • Insect repellent and allergy medicine (if you normally need these things when working outdoors).
  • Reusable plate/bowl, eating utensils, and mug/cup.
  • A change of clothes for each work day and for lounging at camp to minimize the spread of poison oak.
  • Please come prepared for a variety of weather conditions (think layers!). Unless there is a serious storm predicted, we will work drizzle or shine.
If you are camping, you will also need the following items: 
  • A tent (if you have the option to bring a smaller tent, please do!)
  • A sleeping bag, sleeping pad and pillow.
  • A flashlight or headlamp.
  • A camp chair (if you don't want to sit on the ground).
  • Other camping gear that makes you comfortable

Meals

V-O-Cal provides all meals for volunteers from breakfast Saturday through lunch Sunday. Vegetarian options are available for all meals. (Please note that dinner is not provided on Friday.)
  • To minimize waste we ask that you bring your own reusable plates, coffee mug, cups and utensils. Hot water and soap are provided.
  • A continental breakfast is served Saturday morning.
  • Lunch is prepared before hitting the trail. You break for lunch on the trail around 12:30pm.
  • Please arrive at camp by 7:40am to register, eat breakfast and prepare your lunch.
  • Appetizers and beverages will be available after the work day on Saturday, usually around 4pm. Dinner will follow, usually around 5:30pm.
  • Hot breakfast is served Sunday morning.

Hazards

SUN EXPOSURE | HYDRATION | HYPOTHERMIA Weather can vary, so bring layers, rain gear, sun hat and sunscreen to be prepared. Carry and drink lots of water on the trail. It may also be a little wet and chilly! 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 the work site. Have your crew leader point some out to you if you don’t know what it looks like. Clean with Tecnu (which V-O-Cal provides) after the work day, and be cautious when handling your dirty clothes. Always wear gloves when handling tools.

MOSQUITOES | TICKS Mosquitoes are active this time of year so bug spray and long sleeved, lightweight shirts are recommended. Ticks are always a hazard; light colored clothing makes them easier to spot when you check during and after the project

SNAKES Snakes are present on the property. Use caution when walking the trails and when picking items up off the ground.

SHARP TOOLS Please listen to your crew leader’s tool safety talk and observe proper tool use throughout the day.

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Volunteer Project Team

  • V-O-Cal Executive Director Cathy Moyer
  • Project Team Lead Morris Older
  • Technical Advisor Joe Cavaness
  • Crew Leader Manager Dmitry Nechayev
  • Food Shopping & Prep Cathy Moyer | Chris Fishel
  • Kitchen | Chef Art Liu
  • Outreach Morris Older | Lily Brady
  • Camp Operations Francesca Verdier | Marlon Tamr
  • Warehouse Load | Truck Driver Curt Hutchings
  • Registration Melanie Lee | Ellen Holbrook

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Agency Partner

Solano Land Trust

Project Sponsor

Special Thanks to Bay Area Barns and Trails for their generous grant supporting the 2023 V-O-Cal Project Season. BABT assists landowners and land managers with preservation and maintenance of publicly accessible Bay Area barns, stables, pastures, staging areas, horse camps, and trails.

In-Kind Project Sponsors

Help recruit more volunteers! Download the project flyer here

Project Flyer

Other Upcoming Projects

October 13, 2023
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October 15, 2023

Pescadero - Memorial County Park

After trailwork, relax by the creek, see the largest tree, take a 20 minute drive to the beach and tidepools, or visit the Pescadero Marsh to see migrating birds and an incredibly biodiverse ecosystem. You won't want to miss it! A full list of suggested activities in the area (including an Apple Fest on Sunday) are below.

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