Nurture Nature for Earth Day by tending oak trees started as acorns in 2001, along Patrick’s Ridge in China Camp. This was at a time when Sudden Oak Disease/Death was beginning to receive media attention. The project is being watched by UC Berkeley as a test plot for possible survivors of the disease. Survivors will be subject to future research for trees that are resistant to the disease.

Volunteers are asked to meet the park gate at the end of McNear’s Drive, at 9:45 A.M., Saturday, April 27. Work until noon cleaning up area around trees and recording the GPS address of survivors.

Safety Protocols: The spores of Sudden Oak Disease/Death will be active. You need to take precautions to prevent them coming home with you and infecting your home and garden. Everything you bring into the field will have to be wiped down with .01% bleach before getting into your vehicle. Bring a change of outer clothes to change before getting into your vehicle. Shoes will be sprayed with Lysol that we will provide. If you are allergic to Lysol bring your own means of disinfecting your shoes. Bring your own wet wash cloth to clean your face and hands. Plan on laundering your clothes as soon as possible when leaving the park. Clothes detergent kills the spores.

Wear long socks that you can stuff into long pants legs, long sleeve shirt, and sturdy shoes, sun hat and sun screen. Bring drinking water, a bag lunch, and camera. Bring your cell phone, but secure it to your clothes with a cord. We will use them to keep in contact with each other if necessary. Cell phones have been lost in the field.

For more information call our voice mail, (415) 721-4374. Leave a message. We will call you back. Last returned call will be the previous day at noon.