V-O-Cal - Miwok Trail 2009

Miwok Trail
California State Parks
October 2 - 4, 2009

What to Bring and Wear
Driving Directions
Schedule

Project Background
This project will be V-O-Cal's third year working in the Muir Woods/Mount Tamalpais area. We will be camping at Santos Meadow, a short walk from the work site. The area offers plenty of multi-use trails for exploration, along with some outstanding views of the Pacific Ocean from the ridge.

Trail Description
The Miwok Trail has not had any intensive maintenance in almost 20 years! Volunteers will rehabilitate a substantial section of the Miwok Trail from Frank Valley up to the junction of the Diaz Ridge Trail, approx. 1.5 miles of trail. We will clear the corridor of brush and improve the tread (walking surface), repair several switchbacks which have become eroded over the years. Additionally, we will build a set of rock steps in a short, steep section and repair three different slide areas which are causing users to veer off the trail. Finally, we will remove a large overhanging Bay tree that is currently a major obstacle.
Volunteers will be divided into crews of 8-12 and be assigned to a certified crew leader who will provide tool usage and safety training and direct and supervise the trail work.

All tools are provided, but please bring your own gloves if you have them. Wear comfortable work clothing and closed toed shoes.

Camp
Camping is open to volunteers Friday and Saturday nights. Food is also provided for volunteers from breakfast Saturday through lunch Sunday. While camping is optional and participants are able to participate for one day, this will be a unique opportunity to relax after the work day and camp in a festive atmosphere with other volunteers.

Camping will be at Santos Meadow, a secluded field in between Muir Woods and Muir Beach.

Carpooling and Parking
We encourage participants to carpool because of the large number of people and limited parking. If you need a ride, or have space in your car, please try and carpool. We use a carpooling service which can be accessed at http://v_o_cal.erideshare.com. Log in using the password "trails". In the middle of the page is a link to create a posting.

Parking for the project will be at the campsite. Signs will direct you to parking when you reach the park.

Driving Directions

View larger map
From North or South:
Take 101 toward Mill Valley
Take the CA-1 N exit toward Stinson Beach/Mill Valley

Stay on Hwy 1 following signs to Stinson Beach. After approximately 4 miles, as you near the coast you will pass The Pelican Inn on your left. Approx. 300 ft past the Inn, follow sign to Muir Woods Rd. (Hwy 1 makes a sharp left turn here, but you will go almost straight ahead into the park.) Proceed 1/2 mile to the entrance to Santos Meadow and the Frank Valley Horse Camp.

Schedule
Friday
5pm - Registration and camping opens.
Saturday
7:30am - Registration, light breakfast, and lunch prep begin.
8am - Morning greeting, announcements, stretching and safety talk. Project begins.
12:30pm - Break for lunch on trail.
3:30pm - Head back to camp.
4pm - Drinks, appetizers and socializing. Showers available.
6:15pm - Dinner and entertainment.
Sunday
8am - Registration, hot breakfast, and lunch prep.
8:00am - Morning greeting, announcements, stretching and safety talk. Project begins.
11:30am - Break for lunch on trail.
1:30pm - Head back to camp to pack gear and truck.
2pm - Celebrate the work and say goodbyes.

What to bring and wear
For your safety and protection from hazards, please be prepared with the following items:
-Water, sun hat, and sunscreen. You will not be allowed on the trail without a water container.
-Plates, utensils, coffee mug and a cup.
-Work Gloves (if you do not have work gloves V-O-Cal can provide a pair to use).
-Sturdy shoes or books with tread. Working in sandals or open-toed shoes will not be permitted.
-Day pack to carry water and lunch.
-Sunglasses.
-Insect repellent, allergy medicine, etc.
-A change of clothes for each work day and for lounging at camp to minimize the spread of poison oak.
-IF CAMPING: bring a tent, sleeping bag, folding chair, flashlight, and other camping gear. A coffee mug is also necessary. Also bring a change of clothes.

Meals
V-O-Cal provides all meals for volunteers from breakfast Saturday through lunch Sunday. Vegetarian options are available for all meals.
-Please bring your own reusable plates, coffee mug, cups and utensils. To minimize waste from our projects, we ask that you bring your own dishes. Hot water and soap are provided.
-A continental breakfast is served Saturday morning.
-Lunch is prepared before hitting the trails. You break for lunch on the trail around 12:30.
-Please arrive at camp by 7:40am to register, eat breakfast and prepare your lunch.
-Appetizers and beverages will be available at 4pm after the work day on Saturday. Dinner will follow at 6:15pm.
-Hot breakfast is served Sunday.

Hazards
HYDRATION/SUN EXPOSURE: The work site is exposed and it may be HOT. Wear a sun hat! Please drink plenty of water throughout the work day. If you feel tired or weak, let your crew leader know and take a break.
POISON OAK: There is a risk of exposure to poison oak at at the work site. Have your crew leader point some out to you if you don’t know what it looks like. Clean with Tecnu after the workday and be cautious when handling your dirty clothes.
SNAKES: Snakes are present on the property. Use caution when walking the trails and when picking items up off the ground.
TICKS: Ticks are always a hazard so it is important to check during and after the project.
SHARP TOOLS: Please listen to your crew leaders tool safety talk and observe proper tool use throughout the day.

View other V-O-Cal Projects.