Opportunity Description:

This year's National Public Lands Day (NPLD) "Caring for our Shared America" event will be hosted by the Friends of the Los Angeles River (FoLAR) Habitat Restoration Day on lands managed by the City of Los Angeles on behalf of the US Army Corps of Engineers Los Angeles District (USACE). Volunteers will be participating in two activities throughout the event. FoLAR and RecLA will supply materials for volunteers to remove invasive mustard (non-native vegetation) and learn about its impact on the basin ecosystem and why its removal is vital to restoring California’s native habitat. After weeding, the San Fernando Valley Audubon Society will lead nature walks around the Wildlife Reserve within the Sepulveda Dam basin.

Registration process:

Please sign up for free through FoLAR's website at: https://support.folar.org/event/habitat-restoration-day-sep-2026/e728497. Please note that this registration will be open about 1 month prior to the event. In the meantime, if you have questions, please contact FoLAR at contact@folar.org.

Parking & Where to Meet:

If you use Google Maps, type in Woodley Archery Range for the correct location.

If you use Apple maps, type in Woodley Park Archers for the correct location.

Parking: From I-405, exit at Victory Blvd. and head west on Victory Blvd. Turn left on Woodley Ave. and enter the Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve area. NOTE: Please do NOT park along the streets or block any entrances, as you may get a parking citation.

Where to Meet: Event check-in will be at the Amphitheater.

Anticipated Timing of Event Activities:

1. Prior to 8:00am: Arriving volunteers will be directed to park at one of the four designated parking lots and then asked to check in at the staging area located at the Amphitheater. USACE Park Rangers will have information about the Sepulveda Dam Basin available at the staging area.
2. 8:00am-8:15am: After completing the event sign-in, volunteers will remain in the Amphitheater area. The whole group will be welcomed to the “Caring for our Shared America” event and receive PPE issues and safety briefings by Friends of the Los Angeles River (FoLAR) and a welcome by USACE staff before having a group photo taken.
3. 8:15am-10:45am: Volunteers will weed for habitat restoration and afterwards be led on a nature walk.
4. 10:45-11:00am: At the conclusion of the event, volunteers will be redirected back to the staging area located at the Amphitheater for thanks and closing remarks by FoLAR and USACE staff.

What to Bring:

*Refillable water bottle and snacks

*Sunscreen and hat

*Sturdy, closed-toe shoes

*Lightweight long pants (recommended)

*Lightweight long-sleeved shirt

*Binoculars (recommended)

     NOTE: Gloves and weeding tools will be provided. However, feel free to bring your own so that we don't run out!