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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 outdoor gear, such as hiking boots, water bottle, etc.

Schedule and Time Commitment
The Native Plant Seed Collection volunteers may work on a drop-in basis and/or on an ongoing basis. Various workdays are scheduled on a drop-in basis where volunteers are asked to make a one-time commitment of up to 4 hours. Volunteers are welcome to work as many of the scheduled Native Plant Seed Collection workdays as desired.

Currently scheduled workdays include:

Wednesday, June 3
Wednesday, June 10
Thursday, June 11
Saturday, June 13
Wednesday, June 17
Thursday, June 18
Saturday, June 20

Time: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Meet at Bear Valley Visitor Center at 9:00 am.

Additional workdays will also be scheduled for later in the season (as different species mature).

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 15-25 people are encouraged to participate. (Group size limitations vary depending upon the area and species to be collected.)

Minimum Age
Minimum age is 7 to 8 years old, and children under 16 years must be accompanied by an adult. Volunteers under 18 must have a signed parental consent form. Please contact us (see below) for more information.

Accommodations
Housing and camping/RV sites are unavailable.

Application and Contact Information
For scheduled workdays, advanced registration is encouraged and appreciated although not required for individuals. Groups should register in advance for scheduled workdays by applying with the link at left or by contacting Beth Eisenberg (see below).

Individuals wishing to work independently on an ongoing basis should apply with the link below or contact Beth Eisenberg (see below).

Please apply under the "Current Opportunities" listing. For more information, please contact Beth Eisenberg at 415-464-5216 or email.

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Last Updated: June 01, 2009 at 18:25 EST