Sacramento County Regional Parks is inviting community members to assist in tracking the spread of the Mediterranean Oak Borer (MOB) along the American River Parkway. The initiative will include hands-on training sessions from November 16 to November 20, 2026, where participants will learn to identify signs of infestation and document their findings using mobile technology.

No prior experience is necessary, and local experts will guide participants through the process of inspecting native oak trees. Registration is required to reserve a spot in the four-part survey series.

Press Release: Sacramento County

Reproduced in full from the Sacramento County.

Join the Search. Help Save Our Native Oaks!

Published on November 10, 2026

Parks and Recreation

Our native oak trees along the American River Parkway are facing a growing threat from the Mediterranean Oak Borer (MOB), an invasive beetle responsible for serious tree damage, dieback and mortality.

Now, you can help fight back!

Sacramento County Regional Parks is inviting community members to become community science detectives and help track the spread of MOB along the Parkway. No forestry or entomology experience is necessary! Local experts will provide hands-on training at the beginning of each session.

Participants will learn how to identify signs of potential infestation, inspect native oak trees and map their findings using mobile technology. Every set of eyes helps us better understand the threat and protect our local oak canopy.

The Four-Part Survey Series

Choose one session or join us for all four!

  • Day 1: Case of the Missing Canopy, Monday, Nov. 16 | 9:30-11:30 a.m. | Watt Avenue
  • Day 2: Clues in the Bark, Tuesday, Nov. 17 | 9:30-11:30 a.m. | Watt Avenue
  • Day 3: Tracking the Beetle, Thursday, Nov. 19 | 9:30-11:30 a.m. | Ancil Hoffman Park
  • Day 4: Case Closed (for Now!), Friday, Nov. 20 | 9:30-11:30 a.m. | Ancil Hoffman Park

What to Expect

During each session, you'll:

  • Learn to recognize signs of potential Mediterranean Oak Borer infestation.
  • Survey native oak trees along the Parkway.
  • Use mobile mapping tools to document observations and help track the beetle.

What to Bring

  • A charged smartphone (we'll use the Survey123 app).
  • Sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots.
  • Water and sun protection.
  • Long pants.

Ready to Join the Search?

Space is limited, and registration is required. To reserve your spot, email Veronica Thorley at [email protected] with:

  1. Your full name and phone number.
  2. The date(s) you'd like to attend (Nov. 16, 17, 19 and/or 20).

You'll receive a confirmation email with exact meeting locations, parking details and arrival directions.

Contact Information

Filter Updates

Ken Casparis

Sacramento County Public Information Department