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Point Reyes National SeashoreBlack Mountain with fog in Olema Valley
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Point Reyes National Seashore
Volunteer: Native Plant Seed Collection

Overview
The Native Plant Seed Collection volunteer assists park staff in collecting native grass seed for use in park restoration/conservation projects.

Duties

  • Identify native grass, shrub, and forb species such as: Purple Needlegrass (Nassella pulchra), California Fescue (Festuca californica), Coyotebrush (Baccharis pilularis), and Lupine (Lupinus sp.)
  • Determine stage of growth of particular native plant species
  • Follow seed collection protocols
  • Deliver seed to park staff and report back regarding work performed, hours, and location information

Volunteers must have an interest in native plants and possess the ability, desire, and willingness to identify native plant species. Volunteers must be able to hike over occasionally rugged terrain.

Volunteers are required to provide their own personal hiking gear, such as hiking boots, water bottle, small first aid kit, etc.

Schedule and Time Commitment
Workdays are scheduled from 9:00am to 1:00pm on the dates below.

The Native Plant Seed Collection program is a drop-in program where volunteers are not required to work more than one day at a time. However, volunteers are welcome to work as many of the Native Plant Seed Collection workdays as desired.

Currently scheduled workdays include:.

Saturday, May 31, 2008
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Additional workdays will be scheduled as the season progresses.

Training
Training on specific plant identification, biology, and seed collection protocols will be provided.

Benefits to the Volunteer
The volunteer will receive education on native plant/grass identification and restoration techniques and enjoy the satisfaction in helping to create a native plant/grass seed collection for use in park restoration/conservation projects. The volunteer will also gain personal enrichment and experience working in a national park setting.

Group Type
Individuals and groups up to 15 people are encouraged to participate.

Minimum Age
Minimum age is 7 to 8 years old. Volunteers under 18 must have a signed parental consent form and must be accompanied by an adult. Please contact us (see below) for more information.

Accommodations
Housing and camping/RV sites are unavailable.

Application and Contact Information
Advanced registration is encouraged and appreciated although not required for individuals. Simply meet at the Bear Valley Visitor Center at 9:00am.

Groups should register in advance by applying under the Current Opportunities listing or by contacting Beth Eisenberg at 415-464-5216 or by email.

For more information about the Native Plant Seed Collection workdays, please contact Beth Eisenberg at the number or email link above.

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Elephant seals at the main colony at Point Reyes  

Did You Know?
Northern elephant seals (Mirounga angustirostris) began breeding at Point Reyes in 1981 after being absent for over 150 years. The population breeds at terrestrial haul out sites at Point Reyes Headland, one of only eleven mainland breeding areas for northern elephant seals in the world.

Last Updated: May 23, 2008 at 15:36 EST