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Join the Search. Save Our Native Oaks!

Our local oak trees along the American River Parkway (and throughout the Sacramento area) are facing a serious threat from the Mediterranean Oak Borer (MOB)—an invasive beetle causing severe dieback and tree mortality. We need community science detectives like you to help us inspect tree trunks, track beetle signs, and protect our canopy!

No prior forestry or entomology experience needed—hands-on field training will be provided at the start of each session.

THE 4-PART SURVEY SERIES - Choose one session or join us for multiple days!

Day 1: Case of the Missing Canopy

  • Date & Time: Monday, Nov 16 @ 9:30 – 11:30 AM
  • Location: Watt Avenue Area

Day 2: Clues in the Bark

  • Date & Time: Tuesday, Nov 17 @ 9:30 – 11:30 AM
  • Location: Watt Avenue Area

Day 3: Tracking the Beetle

  • Date & Time: Thursday, Nov 19 @ 9:30 – 11:30 AM
  • Location: Ancil Hoffman Area

Day 4: Case Closed (For Now!)

  • Date & Time: Friday, Nov 20 @ 9:30 – 11:30 AM
  • Location: Ancil Hoffman Area (Picking up right where Day 3 ended!)

WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING

  • Learn the Signs: Spot signs of potential Mediterranean Oak Borer infestation.
  • Map & Inspect: Survey native oaks in the Parkway using mobile mapping tools.
  • Make an Impact: Work alongside local experts to help safeguard the Parkway’s oak trees.

WHAT TO BRING

  • Charged smartphone (we will use Survey 123)
  • Sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots
  • Water bottle & sun protection
  • Long pants

RSVP & REGISTRATION

Limited Spots Available! To maintain small group sizes for interactive training, registration is required. Early sign-up is strongly encouraged.

How to Register:

Send an email to Veronica Thorley at ThorleyVe@SacCounty.gov with:

  1. Your Full Name & Phone Number
  2. The specific date(s) you wish to join (Nov 16, 17, 19, and/or 20)

We will reply to confirm your reservation and send exact meeting locations, parking details, and arrival directions.

Organized by Regional Parks Planning and Natural Resource Division.

 We are taking steps to prepare for potential El Niño-related weather and flooding:

  • Monitoring River Levels: Tracking river level projections for the American and Sacramento rivers, along with long-range weather forecasts, to assess potential flooding risks.

  • Preparing Staff and Equipment: Ensuring maintenance equipment is ready for deployment and staff are trained on flood response procedures and areas vulnerable to flooding.

  • Protecting Public Safety: Preparing to close parks in flood-prone areas when necessary based on river level projections.

  • Inspecting Park Facilities: Conducting ground and aerial inspections to document existing conditions, identify maintenance needs and prepare for potential storm-related damage.