avert, the pop up is attached to an underground pipe which brings water to the zone when the valve is open. The fitting which attaches the two is called a riser or nipple. This is a short pipe with threads at each end. So if you dig around the body of the pop up, you will then be able to grab it by hand or slip joint pliers and unscrew it. If it comes away leaving the riser in place, then all you will need is a threaded cap of the right size (probably 1/2 inch) and screw it on to the riser. If the riser comes away with the pop up, then separate them and screw the cap on to one end of the riser. Then screw the capped riser into the threaded opening in the underground pipe. Try not to get too much debris falling back into the pipe. When you are disassembling things, if water starts to bleed out, allow it to do so until it stops before continuing.

thankyou!

i'll start digging and be extra careful to not let any dirt and muck drop into any openings.

cheers
kelly