Preregistration is required. Use the link provided to register and get the meeting place location.

Join Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District staff as we celebrate National Public Lands Day with trail maintenance at Long Ridge Open Space Preserve on the Achistaca Trail. "Achistaca" is a word from the Mutsun language meaning "Place of the Enemy/Competitor," and referred to the Cotoni people who lived in the upland Santa Cruz Mountains. We will be restoring the tread width by removing accumulated soil and some vegetation that's grown into it. This is an opportunity to learn more about how we keep the trails accessible for users throughout the year. Staff will provide training on hand tool safety and guide volunteers in performing typical maintenance activities. This project is an excellent event for first-time volunteers! Project difficulty: MODERATE (about 1.2 mi of hiking with tools).

What You Will Need

To get the most out of your day with us, please bring or wear the following:

• Sturdy shoes (no sandals or open-toed shoes) and long socks
• Layered clothing: long pants, long-sleeved shirt, jacket, etc.
• Gear appropriate for that day’s weather (hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, rain gear, etc.)
• Snacks, lunch, refillable water bottle
• A small pack with shoulder straps to hold the above items, as you'll need your hands available to carry tools

What Midpen provides:

• Gloves and safety glasses (if you aren’t wearing sunglasses)
• Tools
• Water refills

Hazards and Safety

While working outdoors in natural areas, you may encounter the following:

• Poison oak and other plants that cause dermatitis (skin rash or irritation)
• Uneven, steep ground with tripping hazards
• Unfavorable weather conditions (heat, wind, rain)
• Ticks
• Rattlesnakes
• Sharp tools and equipment