Wednesday, August 31, 2022
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Monday, September 5, 2022

East Bay Hills Benefit

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Note that children 14 and over are welcome on V-O-Cal projects. Volunteers under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Project Background and Description

This year is also the 20th Anniversary of the East Bay Hills Benefit, a hiking or horse back riding overnight adventure that takes participants through many of the great East Bay trails. It is also a fundraiser for V-O-Cal and other related groups. This event will be held August 31 - Sept 5. Because volunteers like you have helped provide a quality experience for our riders and hikers, we have been able to raise over $360,000 over the past 20 years to support trail building and volunteer trail work programs like V-O-Cal.
          
We are hoping that you will be able to join us for a single volunteer shift or more to help make the 2022 East Bay Hills Trails Benefit Ride and Hike the best ever! Please sign up now if you can —and help Morris keep his sanity intact knowing that once again you all will come through! As usual, if you want to sign up for several days, you can camp with us and your meals will be included. Come for more than 2 days, and you probably will be able to join one of the hikes! Use the sign up link above to sign up for volunteer shifts; if you want to sign up as a regular participant, use the link directly below.
More info about:
East Bay Hills Benefit
More about what it is like to volunteer on a project:
Volunteer

Project Pictures

Help recruit more volunteers! Download the project flyer here

Project Flyer

Camp

Driving Directions

Map Link

Carpool/Parking Information

Level of Effort

Project Fact Sheet

Fact Sheet
If a parking pass is required at the project site, it will be included with the fact sheet.

Project Schedule

Things to Do Before or After the Project

What to Bring and Wear

For your safety and protection from hazards, please be prepared with the following items:
  • Sturdy shoes or boots with good tread. Ankle support will be important where we are building new trails. Sandals and open-toed shoes will not be permitted
  • Water bottles or a water bladder that can hold at least 2 liters of water. (You will not be allowed on the trail without water.)
  • Day pack to carry your water and lunch.
  • Work gloves. (If you don’t have your own gloves, V-O-Cal will provide them. Please return them at the end of the project.)
  • V-O-Cal provides all necessary tools, as well as training on tool use and safety.
  • Sunglasses, hat and sunscreen.
  • Insect repellent and allergy medicine (if you normally need these things when working outdoors).
  • Reusable plate/bowl, eating utensils, and mug/cup.
  • A change of clothes for each work day and for lounging at camp to minimize the spread of poison oak.
  • Please come prepared for a variety of weather conditions (think layers!). Unless there is a serious storm predicted, we will work drizzle or shine.
If you are camping, you will also need the following items: 
  • A tent (if you have the option to bring a smaller tent, please do!)
  • A sleeping bag, sleeping pad and pillow.
  • A flashlight or headlamp.
  • A camp chair (if you don't want to sit on the ground).
  • Other camping gear that makes you comfortable

Meals

V-O-Cal provides all meals for volunteers from breakfast Saturday through lunch Sunday. Vegetarian options are available for all meals. (Please note that dinner is not provided on Friday.)
  • To minimize waste we ask that you bring your own reusable plates, coffee mug, cups and utensils. Hot water and soap are provided.
  • A continental breakfast is served Saturday morning.
  • Lunch is prepared before hitting the trail. You break for lunch on the trail around 12:30pm.
  • Please arrive at camp by 7:40am to register, eat breakfast and prepare your lunch.
  • Appetizers and beverages will be available after the work day on Saturday, usually around 4pm. Dinner will follow, usually around 5:30pm.
  • Hot breakfast is served Sunday morning.

Hazards

SUN EXPOSURE | HYDRATION | HYPOTHERMIA Please plan for sun protection, including sun hats, sun block and light long sleeve shirts. Please bring water bottles or a water bladder large enough to hold at least 2 liters of water. 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 are limited areas of poison oak. Have your crew leader point some out to you if you don’t know what it looks like. “Bunny suits” will be provided for those who need extra protection. Clean with Tecnu (which V-O-Cal provides) after the work day, and be cautious when handling your dirty clothes. Always wear gloves when handling tools.

TICKS Ticks are always a hazard so it is important to check during and after the project.

SNAKES Rattlesnakes can be present but likely will be scared away by the large number of volunteers. If you see one, tell your crew leader, and wait until it leaves the area before proceeding.

SHARP TOOLS Please listen to your crew leader’s tool safety talk and observe proper tool use throughout the day.

Volunteer Project Team

  • V-O-Cal Executive Director Cathy Moyer
  • Project Team Lead Morris Older

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Agency Partners

East Bay Regional Parks District

Project Sponsors

Help recruit more volunteers! Download the project flyer here

Project Flyer

Other Upcoming Projects

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