Naturalists Needed: OSCSP
Explore the Coyote Valley with us! The Oak Savanna Community Science Project is a three year project funded by the Open Space Authority to bring the community into nature and introduce high school students to community science at the North Coyote Valley Conservation Area.
BioBlitz Naturalists: On April 30, 9am-12pm SCVAS will be holding our third BioBlitz in the North Coyote Valley Conservation Area. Naturalists will be asked to help guide groups of 5-10 people in exploring the site and helping document sightings using iNaturalist.
Ages 14 & up with parent participation, familiarity with native species (of any taxa) and iNaturalist preferred.
Monthly Bird Surveys: Wednesday morning, once a month, 7:30-11am. Birders survey transects in the North Coyote Valley Conservation Area, making special note of breeding and nesting birds. This site is closed to the public and has been the location of birds like the Tri-colored Blackbird and Grasshopper Sparrow!
Ages 12 & up with parent participation, some birding and eBird experience preferred.
Curriculum Consultant: SCVAS is looking for a current or recently retired science teacher at the high school level to help us develop our curriculum for the coming school year. Volunteers will work with the education committee to help develop accessible curriculum for introducing students to field biology and community science within the oak savanna ecosystem.
Contact programs@scvas.org with interest/questions.
Outreach Opportunities: Introducing birds to people
Vietnamese Translator: SCVAS is looking for a volunteer that is fluent in Vietnamese to help in our outreach efforts with that portion of the community. Volunteer work would involve translating materials such as self-guided field trips. This volunteering opportunity is largely virtual.
Tabling Volunteer: From time to time SCVAS takes part in local festivals, allowing us to interact with the public and introduce them to both our organization and our love of birding. We're looking for friendly, enthusiastic volunteers interested in sharing their understanding of SCVAS and birds with the public in tabling events throughout the year. Typical volunteering shifts are three to four hours, and take place primarily in the fall. Upcoming events include Midpen's 50th Anniversary Bayside Family Festival on April 30th.
Reach out to our Outreach Committee Chair, Ann Hepenstal with interest here.
Field Trips: Bringing people to birds
Field Trip Leaders: Hey Birders! Have a favorite birding spot that you’d like to share with others? Consider joining our team of volunteer field trip leaders. We have a lot of fun! And, we provide all the resources that you need to feel confident such as co-leads, shadowing opportunities and access to SCVAS birding classes. Contact the SCVAS Field Trip Coordinator, Eve Meier, at fieldtrips@scvas.org for more information.
Self-guided Field Trips: Do you have a favorite birding place that would make a great self-guided field trip? We are looking for more submissions. This task does not require any technical skills besides email, it only requires a love of your location and basic birding knowledge. We will make the maps for you, collect any bird photos you need, and even take the location photos.
Please contact Eve Meier at fieldtrips@scvas.org for more information.
Environmental Advocacy: Get involved in your community
ACTION NEEDED: Valco in Cupertino is now The Rise and it's A LOT of glass On the project’s website, please scroll down to “Comments” and enter: “Please adhere to the City of Cupertino's Bird Safety and Dark Sky ordinance. Please turn all lights off inside office buildings after 11PM”
Check Your Inbox for Upcoming Action Items! Look out for upcoming Action Alerts! Midpen Open Space will soon be considering a new electric bike trail policy, the Palo Alto Parks and Recreation Commission will be discussing the new Baylands Comprehensive Conservation Plan, and Cupertino’s City Council will be considering changes to Blackberry Farm Golf Course. We need voices like yours to speak up in public meetings and write to your elected officials to protect birds and their habitat!
Recruiting Palo Alto Volunteers Do you live or work in Palo Alto and are looking for ways to take action in your community? We are looking for volunteers to advocate for the natural community in Palo Alto! We need strong voices to speak up at public meetings to raise awareness about lighting, bird safety, and habitat protections. If you are interested in this opportunity, please reach out to Shani Kleinhaus at advocate@scvas.org.
Education Docents: Engaged in the environment
Do you love nature? Do you have experience with students or a passion for sharing an appreciation for the environment? We're looking for docents to be available on weekday mornings to volunteer in schools and lead field trips for the Wetlands Discovery Program. Volunteers teach students grade 3-5 about local wetlands, adaptations, and migration in the classroom and out in the field in this program, all while sharing their love of local birds. Minimal birding and education experience required. All volunteers must be fingerprinted and submit a county vaccination record.
New volunteers this season will shadow on field trips throughout April.
Please contact Carolyn Knight at programs@scvas.org with interest/questions.