WEED WATCHERS

Seasonal (February–September), Times vary

Become a citizen scientist and join the Weed Watchers team! The Weed Watcher program is a volunteer-based invasive plant early detection program. Weed Watchers survey trails and roads in spectacular locations throughout the Golden Gate National Parks to identify weeds as they first invade. Discovering weeds before they become well-established is critical to reducing damage to ecosystem integrity, preventing the loss of habitat for rare plants and animals, and preventing costly natural resource management. Location varies throughout San Mateo, San Francisco, and Marin counties.

Join staff and other volunteers on excursions to search for the priority weeds of the park. Learn to use your digital camera, smart phone, or GPS unit to report weed sightings to park managers via the Internet. The hikes vary in length and difficulty and last approximately 3–4 hours. Weed Watcher walks are focused on identification and mapping, with strategic removal of small, new weed patches. These outings are perfect for anyone who wants to learn more about the plants of the park.

Contact Information
To sign up for trainings and hikes, contact Eric Wrubel at
(415) 331-5023 or Eric_Wrubel@nps.gov.

Upcoming Trainings

July 16, 2011
Introduction to new technologies for identifying and mapping invasive plants
Time: 10:30 am–2 pm
Location: Fort Mason, Building 201, Golden Gate Room,
San Francisco 94123.

For more information visit the Weed Watcher website.

Age/Skills/What to Bring

• Adults and youth are welcome. With young volunteers, adult chaperones are encouraged.
• No experience necessary. Training will be provided. Fulfills community service requirements.
• Bring the appropriate waiver forms (see below).
• Please wear comfortable hiking clothes, long pants, closed-toe shoes, layers for changing weather, and rain gear if necessary.
• Bring your own lunch, plenty of water, binoculars (if available), pen/pencil, and field notebook/blank paper.

Waiver Forms (Please bring the completed forms to the project).

• Youth/Adult: Complete the volunteer waiver. Volunteers under the age of 18 must have the parent/guardian approval section signed.
• Waiver Work Description: For a general description of the volunteer work, download the work description.
  

The Golden Gate National Parks Volunteer Program is a cooperative parkwide effort of the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy, the National Park Service, and the Presidio Trust.  

Resources

• Age/Skills/What to Bring
• Contact Information
• Waiver Forms
• Survey Results
• Weed Watcher Homepage

Park Academy