CNPS SCV is a volunteer-run organization. Please consider if you have time to keep events running smoothly by filling these roles.
(a) Docents and Greeters needed for the 2026 Growing Natives Garden Tour
Saturday and Sunday, April 18 and 19, 10:00 am - 1:00 pm or 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
GNGT 2026 needs volunteers to help bring this inspiring event to life. Join us to share your passion, learn from fellow gardeners, and celebrate the beauty of native landscapes. This year, the tour is showcasing nearly 60 gardens, most of them on Saturday, in the southern portion of the tour. Each day has two shifts to choose from. We need to fill about 160 shifts on Saturday and 80 on Sunday.You can sign up for a Greeter or Docent role at the link above. The details of what is involved in each role can be found at https://gngt.org/GNGT/Greeters.php and https://gngt.org/GNGT/Docents.php.
(b) Hospitality Chair
If you have organized food for large gatherings before, then you already have what it takes to be hospitality chair! The Hospitality Chair oversees food and beverage arrangements at chapter events including the Wildflower Show in April, the Fall Plant Sale in October and the potluck in November. There may be other smaller events throughout the year, like the mailing party that's usually held in April.Your main tasks include shopping for food and drinks, and directing other chapter volunteers with set up before events and clean up afterwards.
[3] Chapter Restoration Activities
RSVP is required for all Chapter restoration activities, along with signed waiver forms. Please see the individual listings for details.
(a) Habitat Restoration at Alum Rock Park
Wednesday, Feb 11, Saturday, Feb 14, and Monday, Feb 16, all at 8:30 am
Location: Alum Rock Park, San Jose (meeting spot varies; email contact provided on page)
Come help us weed non-native, invasive plants at this natural gem of San Jose. Our habitat restoration efforts allow the native plants to “come to light.” Forms and reservations are required to volunteer. For the Monday/Wednesday workdays, the meeting spot varies, so please contact Todd Hayes at
ultra...@gmail.com for more information and instructions on where to park.
(b) Friday Edgewood Restoration
Friday Feb 13, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Location: Edgewood Park and Natural Preserve (Redwood City)
Help restore habitat at Edgewood Park and Natural Preserve, known for fabulous wildflowers and amazing diversity. Weeders see far more than weeds: we get to be up close to the native plants, some of which are seen only by weeders. To participate, join the email list and sign the electronic volunteer agreement, by sending an email to
weed-warr...@friendsofedgewood.org.
(c) Habitat Restoration at Cataldi Park
Saturday, Feb 14, 9:00 am – 11:00 am
Location: Cataldi Park — 1797 Bethany Ave, San Jose
Join us to restore habitat in Cataldi Park, San Jose, and to prepare it for the 2026 Growing Natives Garden Tour. We are planting and maintaining native plants in a 1/2-acre area of the park off Bethany Ave. Activities include planting, pruning, sheet mulching, irrigation setup and general maintenance.
(d) Habitat Restoration at Cunningham Park
Saturday, Feb 14, 8:00 am – 10:00 am
Location: Native Garden Parking Lot, Lake Cunningham — 2305 S. White Road, San Jose
Join us to restore habitat in the Native Garden at Lake Cunningham Park. During the winter months, we plant, water, weed, and mulch. See the Meetup link for detailed information about the location.
(e) Community Work Day at the Native Plant Garden in Kirk Park
Saturday, Feb 14, 9:00 am – 11:00 am
Location: Briarwood Drive & Wawona Drive, San Jose
Volunteers meet at the garden on Saturdays from 9 am to 11 am, weather permitting, for weeding, watering and other maintenance activities. Occasionally there will be other tasks such as mulching and planting. Community volunteers, including families with children over 6, are always welcome!