Upcoming CNPS SCV Events and Activities - June 2, 2026
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CNPS-SCV News
Jun 2, 2026, 9:27:31 PMJun 2
to CNPS-SCV News
Dear Friends,
Check out our chapter's upcoming events:
[1] Upcoming Event
(a) From Noticing Nature to Conservation: How iNaturalist and Community Science Can Make a Difference, a talk by Dr. Merav Vonshak
Thursday, June 25, 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Location: Cupertino Library Program Room, 10800 Torre Ave, Cupertino
Have you ever come across a native plant and wondered about its role in the ecosystem? Community science offers a way to turn those observations into meaningful data that support research and conservation. In this talk, Dr. Merav Vonshak will share examples from BioBlitz events and other local projects, and show how iNaturalist can help document plant diversity and track changes over time. She will discuss why this work matters, how easy it is to participate, and a few practical tips for using iNaturalist effectively.Dr. Merav Vonshak is an ecologist, naturalist, and citizen science organizer based in the San Francisco Bay Area. She is the founder of BioBlitz Club, a grassroots initiative that brings volunteers together to document plants and wildlife in parks and preserves. She also leads the Newt Patrol, a community group dedicated to monitoring the decline of newt populations near Lexington Reservoir in Los Gatos and the efforts to save them.
[2] Volunteers Needed
Help make the next library talk run smoothly.
(a) Greeters Needed
Thursday, June 25, 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Location: Cupertino Library Program Room, 10800 Torre Ave, Cupertino
Dr. Merav Vonshak will be talking about turning observations into meaningful data by using community science and iNaturalist. This talk will be held in person at the Cupertino library. We need two greeters for this event. Worry not, if you are new to doing this! You will have an experienced volunteer with you to assist you. The responsibilities of the greeters are to staff the welcome table and answer basic questions about CNPS if attendees have any. Tables, chairs, and CNPS literature will be provided.
[3] Chapter Restoration Activities
Please RSVP for all Chapter restoration activities. See the individual listings for details.
(a) Habitat Restoration at Alum Rock Park
Wednesday, June 3 and Monday, June 8, both 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) Edgewood Restoration
Wednesday, June 3 at 5:30 pm and Friday June 5, from 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, June 6, 9:00 am – 11:00 am
Location: Cataldi Park — 1797 Bethany Ave, San Jose
Join us to restore habitat in Cataldi Park, San Jose. We are planting and maintaining native plants in a 1/2-acre section of the park off Bethany Ave. We have planted more than 200 native plants over the last couple of years. Activities depend on the season. Spring is the time for taking care of the young saplings and controlling weeds.
(d) Habitat Restoration at Cunningham Park
Saturday, June 6, 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. We plant, water, weed, and mulch to keep this native garden thriving. See the Meetup link for detailed information about the location.
[4] Other Chapters & Organizations
(a) Naturehood: Get Your Native Plants Ready for Summer - CNPS
Thursday June 4, 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm
Location: online
Summer can be a challenging season for any landscape—but with the right care, native gardens can shine. Join Oscar Lucario as we explore stewardship techniques that help your plants thrive through heat and dryness. We’ll cover seasonal pruning, water budgeting, plant-by-plant care tips, and easy design adjustments that increase beauty, resilience, and habitat value all summer long.
(b) Nutmegs & Ferns of Red Mountain - Midpen
Wednesday June 3, 10:30 am - 2:30 pm
Location: Long Ridge Preserve
California nutmeg trees and ferns both belong to ancient plant lineages. Set off from Saratoga Gap Vista Point to look for, observe closely, and learn about these plants with Docent Naturalists Kate Bauer, Nick Yatsko, and Mary Brunkhorst. You'll enjoy a mostly shady route along the Nutmeg and Red Mountain trails on this moderately-paced, 5-mile hike, with time to enjoy this beautiful, quiet southern portion of the preserve. Bring a snack or lunch.
(c) Redwood Ramble - Midpen
Monday, June 8, 9:00 am - 12:30 pm
Location: Bear Creek Redwoods Preserve, Los Gatos
Join Docent Naturalists Nick Yatsko, Anouchka Gaillard, and Peter Maxwell on this moderately-paced hike following the Upper Peter Siemens Trail along its steep, redwood-shrouded ravine before transitioning to a mixed woodland habitat. You'll follow the shady Redwood Springs Trail which loops back to the Upper Pete Siemens Trail and then down to the headwaters of spring-fed Webb Creek under the cool canopy. Afterwards you’ll visit two old-growth redwoods before completing your journey back to the parking area.
(d) Screening of "The Extraordinary Caterpillar" - Midpen
Monday, June 15, 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: Congregation Etz Chayim - 4161 Alma St., Palo Alto
Peek into the world of nature’s tiniest superheroes! We are hosting a special screening of "The Extraordinary Caterpillar", a beautifully shot 60-minute documentary that reveals the vital role that caterpillars play in our ecosystems. From blooming meadows, to city parks and backyard gardens, this inspiring film celebrates the magic of nature, while showing families practical ways to make a difference. You'll see the groundbreaking work of The Caterpillar Lab, entomologist David Wagner and Doug Tallamy, co-founder of the Homegrown National Park. Hands-on activity for children ages 6-10.
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