For the Greens at Work group, “voluntourism” means gathering our local volunteers, traveling to a destination outside the Bay Area, and working for organizations that support environmental sustainability and conservation efforts. In June, we spent several days removing invasive plants in beautiful and diverse Santa Cruz Mountains habitats, including redwood forests and sandhills, and exploring other natural wonders of the area.

Our chapter is planning our first native plant seed exchange. If you would like to share seed of natives you grow in your garden, get ready! And if you would like to help plan this event, contact Anne Chambers, corresponding-secretary@ebcnps.org.

Volunteer with our CNPS East Bay Chapter and like-minded organizations to remove invasive weeds and create more habitat for native plants in our East Bay parks. Join us—it’s fun and rewarding work!

Last fall the East Bay Regional Park District’s board of directors voted to commit public funds toward planning a 1.4-mile downhill mountain bike sport trail in the quiet Havey Canyon area of Wildcat Canyon Regional Park. CNPS East Bay Chapter, community volunteers, and other environmental organizations have formed the Friends of Wildcat Canyon Park to protect the park’s important plant and wildlife habitat. You can help by signing the Friends’ online petition now and signing up to receive email updates.