Friday, May 19, 2023
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Sunday, May 21, 2023

Sanborn Park 2023

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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

We'll be returning to beautiful Sanborn Park in Santa Clara County.
This time we'll be working to extend portions of the Peterson Trail and the Sanborn Creek Loop Trail. These trails will be accessible to the public via a bridge over Aubrey Creek, which will be installed later this year.
More info about:
Sanborn Park 2023
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

Center Camp will be located at the lower end of the walk-in campground which can be reached via a paved road from the parking lot. The kitchen will be set up in campsite #8, and campsite #9 will be used as the common area. There won’t be a gear shuttle, although push-carts are available. Please note that available camping space is limited and we’ll need to fit 3 or 4 tents into every available campsite. If you’re camping overnight and have the option to bring a smaller tent, please do. There is no cell phone reception and sometimes limited internet connectivity in the park. If you need to contact V-O-Cal staff, please do so before Friday May 19.

Driving Directions

Sanborn County Park, 16055 Sanborn Road, Saratoga, CA 95070

From Saratoga

  1. Proceed 2 miles west on Highway 9 to Sanborn Road
  2. Turn left onto Sanborn Road, traveling 1 mile to the park entrance

Map Link

Carpool/Parking Information

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 - Check in and camping open. DINNER IS NOT PROVIDED.

Saturday
7:30am - Check in, light breakfast and lunch-packing begin ~ Please arrive by 7:45 AM
8:30 am – Morning greeting, announcements, stretching, safety talk and crew assignments
12:30pm - Break for lunch on trail
3:30 pm – Stop work and return to camp
4:00 pm – Drinks, appetizers and socializing. Showers available.
6:00 pm – Dinner and more socializing 

Sunday
7:30am - Breakfast, lunch prep and registration ~ Please arrive by 7:45 AM. Hot breakfast is served.
8:30 am – Morning greeting, announcements, stretching, safety talk and crew assignments. Project beings.
11:30am - Break for lunch on trail.
1:30pm - Return to camp, load tools and gear on 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 Most of the work areas are fully shaded. However, please plan for sun protection, including sun hats, sun block and light long sleeve shirts. Please bring water bottles or a water bladder large enough to hold at least 2 liters of water. 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 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 we provide) after the work day and be cautious when handling your dirty clothes.

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.

Volunteer Project Team

  • V-O-Cal Executive Director Cathy Moyer
  • Project Team Lead Joe Cavaness
  • Technical Advisor Rudi Boekamp
  • Tool Managers Craig Fish | Jared Rodgers
  • Crew Leader Manager Chris Moen
  • Food Shopping & Prep Cathy Moyer | Chris Fishel
  • Kitchen | Chef Francesca Verdier
  • Outreach Joe Cavaness | Lily Brady
  • Camp Operations Pete and Debbie Duringer
  • Warehouse Load | Truck Driver Duane Sheets
  • Registration Kim Appelquist

Agency Partner

Santa Clara County Parks

Project Sponsors

Season 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.

Help recruit more volunteers! Download the project flyer here

Project Flyer

Other Upcoming Projects

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