Hey if Michelle Obama can get down and dirty while helping to build a playground, then you can volunteer too.  The Volunteers For Outdoor California (V-O-Cal) are making a last-minute call for volunteers at Dimond Park this weekend, and looking for able-bodied trail workers.

Anyone 14 years or older is welcome to sign up, camp Friday and Saturday nights at Dimond, and join this full-on push to restore canyon trails.  Everything is free, including the food!  If you can’t devote a weekend, then sign up for a day or a few hours:

• Friday night arrival and camping – from 5pm – 10pm
• Saturday work day – from 8am – 4pm
• Saturday dinner & entertainment – from 4pm – 8pm
• Saturday night camping – arrive 8pm – 10pm
• Sunday work day – from 8am – 2pm

V-O-Cal has very specific goals this weekend, namely to “build sustainable access trails to Sausal Creek, repair several fences to improve safety and restore some overgrown and unstable trails.”  While there’s work ahead, it will be in the company of many like-minded volunteers.  (Learn more about the weekend, and then register and sign up here.)

The real reason for showing up comes from insiders, who say there’s a great camaraderie when volunteering en masse.  We also understand that V-O-Cal rewards their volunteers with gourmet grub, especially on Saturday night.  That’s unlike any kind of trail and camping experiences we have, even in the Sierras.

Update: The Friends of Sausal Creek (FOSC newsletter) also support Dimond Canyon on a regular basis.  Following this weekend’s event, they have scheduled restoration efforts on Tuesday, June 30th from 6-9 pm.  Volunteer work includes removing invasive species and cleaning up litter near the creek.

To kick things off, FOSC will host a welcome potluck dinner starting at 5pm.  Please bring some edibles over to the Scout Hut at Dimond Park, along with your family and friends.  This is a chance to mingle with FOSC Executive Director Kimra McAfee and other devoted Sausal Creek supporters.  (RSVP to coordinator@sausalcreek.org or 510-501-3672.)