Bamberger Ranch Preserve – Advance Preparations

The 2025 Family Day at the Bamberger Ranch Preserve is scheduled for Saturday, April 12^th.  The ranch is open to the public only twice a year and Family Day is the largest of these two events.  Visitor activities will include but are not limited to trailer tours of the preserve, guided nature hikes, special bird-of-prey demonstrations, fishing at Madrone Lake, visits to the Margaret Bamberger Research & Education Center (MBREC) where various collections will be on display, a photo scavenger hunt, creative projects for kids, and an opportunity to chat with J. David Bamberger at Hes’ Country Store.  There are up to 85 time slots to fill so there is no shortage of volunteer opportunities.  Volunteers are encouraged to stay for as long as they wish and join in on all the fun.

Volunteer Opportunities – April 8^th – Advance Preparations – Trails, Demonstration Garden, & Orientation

In preparation for this annual event, volunteers will be needed for the following.

·       Trails – Volunteers are needed to groom the trails.  Rocks and branches need to be moved away from the main path, holes need to be filled with adjacent dirt and leaves, and low-hanging limbs need to be pruned.  Recommended tools include gloves, rakes, and loppers.  Interested volunteers should plan to arrive at the MBREC parking lot by 8:30 am and work until no later than 10 am.  Volunteer service hours should be logged under Bamberger Ranch Nature/Public Access.

·       Demonstration Garden – Volunteers are needed to groom the demonstration garden in front of the MBREC.  The primary task is to remove invasives such as Silverleaf Nightshade and King Ranch Bluestem.  Recommended tools include gloves, weeding tools, pruners, and knee pads.  Interested volunteers should plan to arrive at the MBREC parking lot by 8:30 am and work until no later than 10 am.    Volunteer service hours should be logged under Bamberger Ranch Nature/Public Access.

·       Orientation – To further prepare for the main event, there will be a volunteer orientation from 10 – 11 am.  Ranch staff will provide a brief overview of the ranch, review the logistics of Family Day, and discuss frequently asked questions.  Volunteer t-shirts will be provided to the extent sizes are available.  Any suggestions regarding the upcoming event will be greatly appreciated.  Volunteer service hours should be logged under Bamberger Ranch Public Outreach (Indirect).

If you are interested in any of these volunteer opportunities on April 8^th, please let me know so I can inform the ranch staff who to expect that day.

Log hours under Bamberger Ranch Nature/Public Access.