Friday, April 14, 2023
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Sunday, April 16, 2023

Yip Trip Trail - Moore Creek

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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

V-O-Cal volunteers will be returning to Moore Creek Park, near St. Helena in Napa County, to help extend the newly renamed Yip Trip Trail, aka the Madrone Trail, a single track that has been entirely built by volunteers.. This trail leads to a view spot high above the creek and eventually will form a loop branching off the Moore Creek Trail, a part of the Bay Area Ridge Trail. The new section, reached after a 2 mile walk, traversing sections constructed by V-O-Cal and others on pre-pandemic weekends, crosses a hillside that is level in some places, and quite steep in others, so establishing tread will offer good opportunities for our varying trail building abilities.
V-O-Cal and other volunteers have been involved in building trails at Moore Creek, since 700 acres of mostly wild and natural property was acquired in 2009 by the Napa County Regional Park and Open Space District. Since then the NCRPOSD has been working on installing a multiuse trail network and other recreation facilities. V-O-Cal volunteers have spent 5 weekends in the past building trails there, and were on site to help open this fantastic new park in 2013. Since then, and with the addition of 900 acres and new trails around adjacent Lake Hennessey, it has become a favorite destination for trail enthusiasts of all stripes.
More info about:
Yip Trip Trail - Moore Creek
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 area surrounding the original ranch house, and nearby, on the property. This unique opportunity will allow for volunteers to camp and relax in a beautiful creek- side setting. Hot showers will be available at the Center Camp, but unfortunately the water pump for the swimming pool is not functional at this time so the pool will not be available. There is a fire pit adjacent to the ranch house and, barring extreme heat, we may have campfires Friday and Saturday evening while food is served in the courtyard. Tent space near the house will be somewhat close quarters, although there is also a bunk house with a few beds inside that we can use. Please be sure to bring a change of clothes for camping and be prepared for possible cool evenings. Camp chairs are also advised as there are no picnic tables at this location. Camping will take place in the area surrounding the old ranch house. You may begin arriving Friday at 4:30 pm. For those arriving Saturday, you may need to set up your camp after the work day. There is a 1 mile walk from the parking area to camp. A shuttle will be available throughout the weekend. It will run Friday between 5:00 pm to 10 pm, Saturday/Sunday morning between 6:45 am to 8:00 am, with a return shuttle running back to the parking lot as needed Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon. NOTE: There is no cell phone reception and very limited internet connectivity in the park. If you need to contact V-O-Cal staff, please do so before noon on Friday, April 15. Most people have signed V-O-Cal’s liability waiver when they registered, but it will be available at registration for anyone who was signed up by another person, or who did not pre-register.

Driving Directions

From Downtown Napa:

  1. Take Hwy 29 (St Helena Hwy) North for approx.14 miles, 2.9 miles north
  2. of Yountville.
  3. Turn right at Oakville Cross Road.
  4. Turn left on Silverado Trail, then right on Hwy 128.
  5. At the far end of Lake Hennessy, past the boat launch, the road will fork.
  6. Follow Chiles Pope Canyon Road to the left. In 1.3 miles, turn left through the gate (follow V-O-Cal signs).
  7. The turn into the gate is immediately after a stone bridge and immediately before a horse corral. Once you turn into the driveway, please drive slowly on the narrow paved road. 
  8. Continue past the gatehouse on the left and you will arrive at the parking lot in 0.1mile.

From SF and the Peninsula:

  1. Take Hwy 101 or 280 to SF.
  2. Follow signs to Bay Bridge/80 East.
  3. Take the Hwy 37 exit West to Napa, then Hwy 29 exit North to Napa.
  4. Follow directions above from Downtown Napa.

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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

(4:30 pm to 10 pm – Gear/passenger shuttles run from parking area to camp area.)

5:00pm - Registration and camping opens at Moore Creek. DINNER IS NOT PROVIDED.

Saturday
(6:45 am to 8am– Gear/passenger shuttles run from parking area to camp area.)

7:30am - Registration, light breakfast, and lunch packing begin at Center Camp.
8:30 am – Morning greeting, announcements, stretching and safety  talk. Project begins.
12:30pm - Break for lunch on trail.
3:00 pm – Head back to camp.
4:00 pm – Drinks, appetizers and socializing. Solar showers available.
5:45 pm – Dinner and entertainment. 

Sunday
6:45am - Morning shuttle starts7:30am - Check in and lunch packing begin. Hot breakfast is served.
7:30 am – Registration and lunch packing begin. Hot breakfast is served.
8:30am - Morning greeting, announcements, warm-up and safety talk near the Entry Kiosk. Project begins.
11:30am - Break for lunch on trail. 
12:30pm - Head back to camp, clean tools, pack gear and truck.

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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 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.

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Volunteer Project Team

  • V-O-Cal Executive Director Cathy Moyer
  • Project Team Lead Morris Older
  • Technical Advisor Dmitry Nechayev
  • Crew Leader Manager Tomomi Yuasa
  • Food Shopping & Prep Cathy Moyer | Chris Fishel
  • Kitchen | Chef Pete and Debbie Duringer | Kim Applequist
  • Outreach Morris Older | Lily Brady
  • Camp Operations Pete and Debbie Duringer
  • Warehouse Load | Truck Driver Duane Sheets
  • Registration Melanie Lee | Augusta Murphy

Agency Partner

City of Napa

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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