Upcoming CNPS SCV Events and Activities - November 28, 2023

[CNPS-SCV News]

Dear friends,
Check out our chapter's upcoming events:

[1] Making a Sustainable Wreath Using Dried Native California Flowers, a talk by Jill Sowards
Tuesday, November 28, 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM - tonight!
Location: Saratoga Library Community Room, 13650 Saratoga Avenue, Saratoga
https://www.meetup.com/california-native-plant-society-santa-clara-valley-chapter/events/297291872/

THIS TALK IS IN-PERSON ONLY.

In this talk, Jill will demonstrate how to make a seasonal dried flower wreath using sustainable materials, with a focus on native California plants. She'll share techniques for drying flowers and creating the wreath, demonstrate how to start and finish your creation, and identify some useful garden flowers you can start in the ground now to enjoy next year. These dried arrangements are made to be enjoyed for years or can be composted in their entirety when the season is over.
Please note that Jill will demonstrate how to make a California native plant wreath; there will be no audience participation.

Jill is a gardener and owner of Violetear Studio. She teaches classes and workshops on a range of gardening and design topics throughout the bay area and online. No matter the subject, her foundation is always on ecological gardening, waterwise practices, and how to incorporate native plants.

Directions to the Saratoga Library: From Highway 85 take the Saratoga Ave. exit (NOT Sunnyvale-Saratoga Road) and travel southwest towards the Village of Saratoga. Stay in the right lane of Saratoga Ave. About 1/2 mile from the highway exit, there will be a two-lane left turn for West Valley College at Fruitvale Ave. Proceed through this intersection in the right lane, and take the next left turn into the library parking lot. The Community Room is at the front right of the library building.

[2] Edgewood Restoration
Friday, December 1, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
https://www.cnps-scv.org/events/calendar/eventdetail/3275/-/friday-edgewood-restoration

Contact Friday leader Paul Heiple at weed-warriors-coord @ friendsofedgewood.org

The Edgewood Weed Warriors operate under a permit issued to the Friends of Edgewood. They meet regularly to remove invasive plants at Edgewood Park and Natural Preserve, thereby allowing for greater biodiversity, natural habitats, and those beautiful wildflower displays that everyone enjoys.

The Weed Warriors normally meet at 9:00 AM on Friday throughout the year and on Wednesday afternoons during daylight savings time. Special sessions may be added with notice given at the beginning of the month.

Notice of the meeting location and time for each session is sent to the Weed Warrior email group each week - do not go to the park and expect to find the weeding group if you are not on the email list. If you wish to be added to the Weed Warriors email, contact the Weed Warrior program coordinator, Paul Heiple, at weed-warriors-coord @ friendsofedgewood.org.

New weeders must fill out forms before they come out. Contact vc @ friendsofedgewood.org for the form to fill out.

Sturdy gloves are recommended; you might also want to bring sunscreen, water, a hat, layered clothing and wear long sleeves/pants. Location varies - join the email group to receive weekly notices.

[3] Habitat Restoration at Lake Cunningham
Saturday, December 2, 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
https://www.meetup.com/california-native-plant-society-santa-clara-valley-chapter/events/297317157/

VENUE: Native Garden Parking Lot

Join us to restore habitat (weeding and mulching) in the Native Garden at Lake Cunningham Park, San Jose. During the summer months, we remove invasives throughout the park. Meeting place may change from one week to the next.

First timers: please follow directions in this meetup to get to the native garden. It is a very large park (200 acres) with two entrances. You want to head to the Google map pin for "Lake Cunningham Native Garden".

Wear a hat, gloves, and sturdy garden shoes. Bring plenty of fluids and hydrate often. We start with a 5-minute orientation, then walk to the site, so please be on time.

First-timers: Bring a signed waiver form available at https://lakecunninghamnativegarden.files.wordpress.com/2022/01/2021-volunteer-service-agreement-adoptapark-version.pdf

Workdays are sometimes rescheduled or canceled. Always RSVP to confirm, and check the latest updates Friday night. If you can't make it, please change your RSVP so we know and wait-listers get a chance.

Here are some events from other chapters and organizations:

[4] Don't Turn Coyote Valley's Wildlife Corridor Into a Mausoleum
Thursday, November 30, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Zoom Meeting link: https://sanjoseca.zoom.us/j/97931724612
Link to email the city: https://protectcoyotevalley.org/dont-turn-cv-corridor-into-mausoleum/

On Thursday, November 30, the city of San Jose will hold a virtual community meeting to hear from the public about the Heritage Oaks Memorial Park, a massive project that threatens to block wildlife movement through Coyote Valley. Please ask the city to require a supplemental environmental review to accurately analyze the project's impacts.
Please ask the city to require a supplemental EIR that will accurately analyze the environmental impacts of the Heritage Oaks Memorial Park. You can email the city (link provided above) and also attend the virtual community meeting on November 30 from 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM. More information about this community meeting can be found on the City of San Jose website at https://www.sanjoseca.gov/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/6529/4953

[5] Planting Workday at Ravenswood Open Space Preserve - Peninsula Open Space Trust and Grassroots Ecology
Saturday, December 2, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Location: Cooley Landing Education Center
https://openspacetrust.org/event/volunteer-planting-workday-at-ravenswood-open-space-preserve/

Join Peninsula Open Space Trust and Grassroots Ecology for a community event to restore California habitat! Volunteers will be planting native plants at Ravenswood Open Space Preserve, learning about the history and ecology of the site along the way. Volunteers can expect to work in a flat area, this includes having their backs bent over for long periods, carrying buckets of water, and use of gardening tools. No prior experience required!

[6] Habitat Restoration French Broom - by Midpen
Saturday, December 2, 9:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Location: Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve/Gate BC01
https://volunteer.openspace.org/need/detail/?need_id=863964

Join Midpen staff for a fun workday removing invasive French broom at Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve. Staff will provide training on plant identification, removal techniques, and information about why we want to remove this plant from our local landscape. This project is an excellent opportunity for first-time volunteers!

[7] Wonders of Cherry Springs - by Midpen
Sunday, December 3, 9:35 AM - 1:10 PM
Location: Sierra Azul Preserve
https://www.openspace.org/events/guided-activities/wonders-cherry-springs-6

Join Docent Naturalists Greg Azevedo and Naureen Moon for a leisurely-paced hike at a limited access area that will traverse mixed evergreen forest and grassland and includes a 500-foot elevation gain segment. You'll discuss local history, learn about the pond environment and flora of the area, and enjoy views of Santa Clara Valley. Reservations are required and will be accepted on or after November 19 at 12:00 PM and close December 2 at 2:00 PM.

Questions?  Do not reply to this email - instead, please direct your questions to: info @ cnps-scv.org.

For more information about chapter activities, be sure to check the latest Blazing Star and our chapter website - cnps-scv.org. We also recommend joining our Meetup group to receive a notification when we schedule new activities, including field trips.  Not a member of CNPS yet? Join here.

California Native Plant Society, Santa Clara Valley Chapter
Find us on the web at cnps-scv.org, and follow us on Facebook, Meetup, and Instagram.