the trail companion · jacqui kuni, daniel hsu, jen hsu, amy tong, rebecca de cillis, jim ... into...

In the Beginning...In the Beginning...In the Beginning...In the Beginning...In the Beginning...In the TC’s early years, if you

showed up for enough trail daysand showed some aptitude fortrail building, someone wouldeventually ask if you’d be a crewleader and hand you a red shirt.You’d be encouraged to attend oneof the joint trainings held by theTC and Midpenninsula Regional

The TThe TThe TThe TThe Trail Companionrail Companionrail Companionrail Companionrail CompanionWinter2002Winter2002Winter2002Winter2002Winter2002

A Day in the Life of a Crew LeaderA Day in the Life of a Crew LeaderA Day in the Life of a Crew LeaderA Day in the Life of a Crew LeaderA Day in the Life of a Crew Leaderby Richard Allsop and Geoffrey Skinner

Park News — page 5Park News — page 5Park News — page 5Park News — page 5Park News — page 5

Activity Scedule — page 9Activity Scedule — page 9Activity Scedule — page 9Activity Scedule — page 9Activity Scedule — page 9

TTTTTrail Running thrrail Running thrrail Running thrrail Running thrrail Running through Redwough Redwough Redwough Redwough Redwood and Coastal Tood and Coastal Tood and Coastal Tood and Coastal Tood and Coastal Trails — pagrails — pagrails — pagrails — pagrails — page 20e 20e 20e 20e 20

(cont'd on page 17)

If you have ever taken part in one of the Trail Center’s trail construction or main-tenance events, you’ve had the opportunity to work with one or more red-shirtedcrew leaders, and perhaps a crew leader trainee wearing a red bandanna. Crewleaders and trainees form a critical part of the TC’s operation - without these experi-enced volunteers, our neophytes would never get the training and direction thatmakes a successful and fun event.But what makes a crew leader andhow did they get their red shirts?

Crew Leaders and crewcheck the trail at

Arastradero

photo by GeoffreySkinner

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REI Community Service Day atArastradero Preserve, Oct. 27

We made our final appearanceat Arastradero Preserve with abig showing of volunteers for thefirst REI Community Service Dayheld at Arastradero Preserve.Jason Flesher, REI’s SpecialEvents Coordinator said that intheir past community servicedays had focused on beachcleanup, but they decided tosponsor a project more directlytied to REI’s emphasis. In all, 43volunteers (over a third from CalBerkeley’s Eta Kappa Nu - MuChapter and a number more fromLos Altos High School) gave theirSaturday to improve the Preserveas we joined the ArastraderoPreserve Stewardship Projectstaff to fix drainage on a badlyrutted segment of Acorn Trail inthe northwest corner of thePreserve. We also worked to closeand restore a redundant sectionof the Perimeter Trail back tomore natural state by breaking uphighly compacted earth, knockingdown berms to let water drainmore easily, and spreading ricestraw over the top to preventadditional erosion.

The ground was like concreteafter the long dry summer, butthe volunteers dug with gusto andaccomplished everything we’dplanned to complete by the timewe broke for lunch provided byREI. REI also gave a wealth ofthank-you gifts and drawingprizes, including water bottles,camping gear and a very nicebackpack. Please check out photos

from this event in the PhotoGallery section of our website.

We expect to work in this areaof the Preserve again in thespring, with another possiblereroute or additional erosioncontrol in the offing.

Thank you, Arastradero Volun-teers, you put in a great Saturday!Scott Heeschen, Alan Ross, DavidSmernoff, Rich Allsop, Boyd Wise,Darwin Poulos, Geoffrey Skinner(crew leaders); Karen Cotter(Arastradero Preserve Steward-ship Project), Lee Hickenbothamand City of Palo Alto Open SpaceRangers; Jason Flesher and theREI staff; Alex Fabrikant, BensonLu, Ray Jung, Carl Wang, JiongShen, Aaron Jow, Phoebus Chen,Claude Ezner, Camille Ezner, IreneEzner, Neve Ezner, Gregory Chen,Jacqui Kuni, Daniel Hsu, Jen Hsu,Amy Tong, Rebecca De Cillis, JimElemen, Bart Balocki, AndrewBuysse, Colin Abraham, JeffClark, Esther Su, Sabra Abula,Eric Buysse, Jay, Anne DoweDelreye, Tex Houston.

Fall and Winter Builds in theRedwoods on Gazos Creek,

Sept. 15, Oct. 6, Dec. 8, 2001and Jan. 12, 2002

On Sept. 15, we held our thirdsession at Pescadero ConservationAlliance’s Field Research Stationat Gazos Creek (see story, thisissue). Following our earliersessions in July and August, weconcentrated on completing our14-foot bridge over a tributary ofGazos Creek and the approachdown into the ravine. Although we

TTTTTrail Center Notesrail Center Notesrail Center Notesrail Center Notesrail Center Notes

TTTTTrail Construction and Maintenancerail Construction and Maintenancerail Construction and Maintenancerail Construction and Maintenancerail Construction and Maintenance

Building, Preserving and Promoting Local Trails page 3

(cont'd on following page)

had to wait until Oct. 6 to put thefinal touches on the railings,everyone enjoyed being able touse the new bridge at the end ofthe day. We also improved severalhundred yards of trail down-stream from the bridge.

A small, but hardy, band ofvolunteers turned out on Oct. 6and made short work of the firstbridge and moved on to preparethe way for a second bridge onanother tributary.

Rain postponed our final sessionfor the year, but let up soonenough for us to try again on Dec.8. The waterfalls on Gazos’ tribu-taries were in full force while webuilt most of the approach to thesecond bridge and hauled bridgetimbers. We cut the timbers fromdowned logs many hundreds ofyards away - each 5-person crewthat brought the 14-foot timbersto the bridge site had to carrythem up an extremely steep hill.Then the crews jockeyed theminto place in order to slide themdown the side of the ravine to thebridge site without sending them

over a cliff. David “Tex” Houstonof the PCA saved the day byrustling up a pot of hot soup thathe and TC stalwart Dave Crokerthen lugged across the creek andup the cliff to nourish the hard-working crews. At the end of theday, we were all exhausted andmuddy, but the timbers were all inplace.

After December, we realized weneeded to permanently attach thebridge timbers so heavy rainswouldn’t carry them over thefalls. We had planned an informaltrip that we canceled at the lastminute due to a (needlessly)pessimistic weather. We hadexpected to work at Jasper Ridgefor our first trip of the new yearon Jan. 8, but we had to changeplans at the last minute, andinstead headed to Gazos after all.Despite the change, enough volun-teers made the long drive out toGazos and we had a great day.Despite a broken Pulaski andshattered post-pounder, we fin-ished the retaining wall on theapproach and completed thebridge except for handrails.

Please check out photos fromour Gazos events that are postedin the Photo Gallery section of ourwebsite.

Thanks, Gazos volunteers! Steve& Alice Ringer, Augie Kuo, PaulettePan, Aaron Beverly, BillWarburton, Sandy Venning, AlexFabrikant, Dan Moran (andfriends Dave and Jay), Chuck.andBrion Doyle, David Alderman, EdAlderman, Elena Fabrikant, BemJones-Bey, Elizabeth Hansell, PeterCrigger, Tex Houston, Bill, JoanSchwan, Dilgep George, GeoffreySkinner, Justin Knowles, Tim andPat Oren, David Taylor, JoneeAustin, Anukul Shenoy, Arvind(KC) Chakravarthy, PrimroseBoynton, Sarita Jain, Dave Croker,Scott Heeschen, Bill Henzel, JustinKnowles, Bobby Shaw.

CrCrCrCrCrew Leader Tew Leader Tew Leader Tew Leader Tew Leader TrainingrainingrainingrainingrainingCongratulations to Bill Henzel,

who graduated to Crew Leader onFeb. 9! Bill is a long-time volunteerand supporter and we haveappreciated his help in manyareas, including his beautiful MapSource cabinet. Welcome to theranks of the Red Shirts, Bill!

The completed bridge at GazosCreek

photo by Tim Oren

Spiffy TSpiffy TSpiffy TSpiffy TSpiffy Tools...ools...ools...ools...ools...A spotless trailer and well-fed

Volunteers! We held our 2001Volunteer Appreciation, AnnualMeeting, and Tool Party. It wasparty time at Board member ScottHeeschen’s home in Campbell onNov. 18. We scrubbed, swept,ground tool heads, replacedhandles and more before chowingdown on pizza. During the AnnualMeeting, we unanimously electedtwo new members to the Board ofDirectors, Kim Cousin and GaelErickson (see New Faces on theBoard), as well as re-elected DavidCroker and Scott Heeschen. Wefinished up with Dave Croker’s

stunning slide show of wildernessscenes from across the West.

Whether you were able to makethe party or not, we want to say abig “Thanks!” to all our membersand volunteers for another goodyear at the Trail Center.

OfficeOfficeOfficeOfficeOffice

LifeScan Grant Provides NewCamera and Computer

We are pleased to announce thatLifeScan awarded the Trail Centera $1500 grant toward purchase

of a digital camera and replace-ment of our aged computer. Weinaugurated our new camera atour August Gazos Creek event andwere able to post photos on ourwebsite within a few days. Thecamera will be an important partof our upcoming project to createa digital collection of park, trailand trail building images to useon our website and publications.

Our new computer enables us torun desktop publishing anddatabase software that our oldcomputer simply couldn’t handle.Thank you, LifeScan!

MapsMapsMapsMapsMaps

Transit to Trails Map Available

The Trail Center Map Sourcecontinues to grow with the addi-tion of the free Transit to Trailsmap for the Bay Area. You mightbe surprised at how many wildplaces you can visit without yourcar! Thanks to David Coale ofActerra, we are making availablea number of reprints of Transit

Outdoors’ map showing transitaccess to Bay Area parks andopen spaces. The map originallyappeared in the July-September2001 issue of Bay Nature(www.baynature.com) and alsofeatures several great photo-graphs by former Trail Centervolunteer Alan Justice. Highlightedhikes include shuttle trips such asthe Ohlone Wilderness Trail andSweeney Ridge-Mori Ridge Trail.You can pick up your copy fromthe Trail Center Map Sourcelocated in the lobby of the Penin-sula Conservation Center.

Transit Outdoors is a project ofthe Bay Area Open Space Council.For more information, seewww.transitoutdoors.org

WWWWWebsiteebsiteebsiteebsiteebsiteWe welcome new volunteers

Ashley Holt and Roderick Chowon board! They are working onvarious projects, ranging fromwebsite usability and organizationto a park and trails database forour five-county region.

Clean Loppers at the Tool Partyphoto by Rich Allsop

The Map Source at the Peninsula Conservation Center


rides. Soon after becoming famil-iar with the parklands and trails,Gael became a hike leader, con-centrating on the Peninsula andSouth Bay area.

Gael is still an active hikeleader and volunteer for GreenbeltAlliance and is on the board ofdirectors for Committee for GreenFoothills. After recently movingwith her family to El Granada,Gael is enjoying the coast sidetrails. While not involved in

outdoor volunteer and hikingactivities, Gael is a TechnicalPublications Manager forMicrosoft in Mountain View.

Kim and Gael, like many of ourvolunteers, found us throughVolunteer Match(www.volunteermatch.org).Thank you, Kim and Gael...andwelcome aboard!

Kim Cousin and Gael Ericksonrecently joined the Trail CenterBoard of Directors and wereformally elected by members atthe Annual Meeting. Kim hasvaluable non-profit experiencewith the NAACP, the Girl Scouts,and currently works with awomen’s service sorority in SanJose, as well as experience infiscal analysis with Wells Fargo. Afairly recent transplant to theBay Area, Kim was interested ingetting to know the Bay Area’s

public lands and thought the TrailCenter would be a great fit.

Gael has lived in the San Fran-cisco Bay area for over10 years. While living inLos Gatos, she becameinterested in theparklands, the open spaceand all the hiking oppor-tunities in the area. Afterreading an article in theSan Jose Mercury Newsabout the open spaceareas at risk, Gael joinedthe Greenbelt Allianceoutreach and outingsteam. As a member ofthe outings team, Gaelbegan coordinating andscheduling hikes and bike

Kim Cousin (left) and GaelErickson (below) have recently

joined our Board

Park NewsPark NewsPark NewsPark NewsPark News

Windy Hill OSP TWindy Hill OSP TWindy Hill OSP TWindy Hill OSP TWindy Hill OSP TrailrailrailrailrailNamed in Memory ofNamed in Memory ofNamed in Memory ofNamed in Memory ofNamed in Memory ofBetsy CrowderBetsy CrowderBetsy CrowderBetsy CrowderBetsy Crowder(Midpeninsula Regional(Midpeninsula Regional(Midpeninsula Regional(Midpeninsula Regional(Midpeninsula RegionalOpen Space District)Open Space District)Open Space District)Open Space District)Open Space District)

Friends and associates of thelate Betsy Crowder gathered atWindy Hill Open Space Preservein July to dedicate a trail in thename of the longtime and sorelymissed activist, who was killed ina freak accident in September2000. The Betsy Crowder Trail(formerly known as the SausalTrail) was recently constructed toprovide a link between the pre-serve entrance on Portola Roadand Spring Ridge Trail. Speakersrecalled her unceasing efforts topreserve and protect open space.More recently, the MRSOD Boardvoted to install a donated memo-rial bench along the trail, in-scribed with a plaque reading “InMemory of Betsy Crowder.”

The trail is open year-round tohikers, dogs on leash and season-ally to equestrians.

Also at Windy Hill, the newbridge from Alpine Road leadingto the house under constructionin the inholding will be closed tohikers weekdays through summer2002. No equestrian access iscurrently permitted from theAlpine Road gate.

Information taken in part fromMarion Softkey’s July 11, 2001story in the Country Almanac,“Trail on Windy Hill dedicated toBetsy Crowder”

(cont'd on next page)

New Faces on the Board New Faces on the Board New Faces on the Board New Faces on the Board New Faces on the Board

Acquisition of TAcquisition of TAcquisition of TAcquisition of TAcquisition of TunitasunitasunitasunitasunitasCreek Property Pro-Creek Property Pro-Creek Property Pro-Creek Property Pro-Creek Property Pro-posed (MROSD)posed (MROSD)posed (MROSD)posed (MROSD)posed (MROSD)

The MROSD Board of Directorsvoted Sept. 26 to move forwardwith plans to acquire the 708-acre Tunitas Creek property fromthe Peninsula Open Space Trust(POST), using funds from theHabitat Conservation Fund GrantProgram, which will be grantedlater this year. Although theproperty is outside the District’scurrent sphere of influence, itdoes fall within the proposedcoastal annexation. When ac-quired, the property will become anew open space preserve withlittle development beyond limitedpublic trail access. It is an area ofexceptional biological diversity.Several perennial and unpollutedcreeks flow through the property,providing spawning areas for thefederally listed steelhead troutand habitat for red-legged frogs,as well as numerous other spe-cies.

An existing network of ranchroads could connect with trails inboth El Corte de Madera andPurisima Creek Redwoods OpenSpace Preserves. Further downthe road, trail connections couldbe made to link the urban areasof the Central Peninsula with thecoast and the San Mateo CoastalTrail.

Strategic Plan for SantaStrategic Plan for SantaStrategic Plan for SantaStrategic Plan for SantaStrategic Plan for SantaClara County ParksClara County ParksClara County ParksClara County ParksClara County Parks

Since the SC County Parks andRecreation Department wasfounded in 1956 with four parks,it has grown to include 27 parks

of installing new trail signsthroughout the Preserve.

Proposition 12 Grant toProposition 12 Grant toProposition 12 Grant toProposition 12 Grant toProposition 12 Grant toFund Arastradero Pre-Fund Arastradero Pre-Fund Arastradero Pre-Fund Arastradero Pre-Fund Arastradero Pre-serve Improvementsserve Improvementsserve Improvementsserve Improvementsserve Improvements

The City of Palo Alto was one ofa handful of agencies to receive aportion of the Parks Bond Act of2000’s $1.7 million awarded bythe state Parks & RecreationDept. The grant will fund trailimprovements throughout thePreserve that were identified inthe Trails Management Plan. TheCity is currently soliciting bids forsome of the work, which willinclude widening, regrading andsurfacing portions of numeroustrails.

Nature ConservancyNature ConservancyNature ConservancyNature ConservancyNature ConservancyBuys Gilroy HotBuys Gilroy HotBuys Gilroy HotBuys Gilroy HotBuys Gilroy HotSprings PropertySprings PropertySprings PropertySprings PropertySprings Property

Henry Coe State park will soonextend westward to include GilroyHot Springs. The Nature Conser-vancy purchased the 240-acrehistoric property in February toadd to hundreds of acres alreadypreserved east of Morgan Hill andadjacent to Henry Coe StatePark’s western border. The landfeatures good stands of blue oak,black oak, and coast live oak andover half a mile of frontage onCoyote Creek. What remains ofthe 140-year old hot springsresort area (a California Histori-cal Landmark) will be preservedas well. The new purchase is partof the Conservancy’s MountHamilton Project that has nowsafeguarded over eight thousandacres in Santa Clara County.

encompassing over 45,000 acres.With current projections placingthe county population at over 1.9million by 2010, both the Depart-ment and the SC Parks andRecreation Commission aim todevelop a strategic plan to guidethe development and expansion ofthe county’s parks system overthe next five to twenty years toserve the expected populationgrowth. The plan would incorpo-rate and build on many existingdocuments including the countyGeneral Plan and Trails MasterPlan. The Department highlyencourages county residents toattend regular meeting of theSteering Committee, public work-shops, and related Strategic Planevents throughout the 18- to 24-month process. Contact JaneMark, Project Manager, at (408)358-3741, extension 152, via faxat (408) 358-3245, or by email:[email protected], or visit the SC Parksand Recreation website:www.parkhere.org.

New TNew TNew TNew TNew Trail Maps atrail Maps atrail Maps atrail Maps atrail Maps atArastradero PreserveArastradero PreserveArastradero PreserveArastradero PreserveArastradero Preserve(City of Palo Alto)(City of Palo Alto)(City of Palo Alto)(City of Palo Alto)(City of Palo Alto)

Updated trail maps are finallyavailable for Arastradero Pre-serve. The new maps feature thenew names chosen for many ofthe trails in last year’s TrailsManagement Plan for the Pre-serve. The most notable is AcornTrail, which no longer windsthrough the entire preserve - thename has been kept for only thelowest segment of the trail. Themaps also show which trails willclose during the wet season(beginning next winter). The Cityexpects to update the maps on ayearly basis and is in the process

(Park News from page 5)

(cont'd on page 8)


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POST PurchasesPOST PurchasesPOST PurchasesPOST PurchasesPOST PurchasesDriscoll RanchDriscoll RanchDriscoll RanchDriscoll RanchDriscoll Ranch

The Peninsula Open Space Trustacquired the 3,681-acre DriscollRanch in early February. Thisproperty stretches nearly twomiles from the outskirts of LaHonda toward the crest of theSanta Cruz Mountains and ad-joins La Honda Creek Open SpacePreserve and the Djerassi Resi-dent Artists Program conserva-tion easement. Audrey Rust, POSTexecutive director, noted in apress release that the ranchprovides ideal habitat for moun-tain lions, as well as the endan-gered tiger salamander and SanFrancisco garter snake. Deer,bobcat, American badger, fox andcoyote all have been identified onthe property, and numerousraptors can be seen flying over-head, including golden eagles. With

three creeks, eight ponds andmore than 35 springs and wells,the property supports steelheadtrout populations and is home tothe Southwestern pond turtle andfederally threatened Californiared-legged frog. Rust said theresource management plan for theranch will protect the biodiversityof the property, maintain cattlegrazing, and facilitate low-impactrecreational activities such ashiking, biking, and equestrian use.Under the terms of the agreement,the current owner, Rudy Driscoll,Jr., will retain a lifetime lease on300 acres and additional lifetimerights for grazing, pedestrian andequestrian use. POST hopes toeventually transfer the ranch toMROSD or another agency.

Another Bay TAnother Bay TAnother Bay TAnother Bay TAnother Bay Trail Gaprail Gaprail Gaprail Gaprail GapTTTTTo Closeo Closeo Closeo Closeo Close

NASA and the Association ofBay Area Governments (ABAG)signed an agreement in earlyFebruary to allow the Bay Trail to

run through Moffett Field andconnect the Mountain View andSunnyvale segments. The trail willrun approximately two milesalong the perimeter of NASA’sAmes Research Center.

The 400-mile San Francisco BayTrail, when completed, will con-nect more than 130 parks andopen spaces around the SanFrancisco Bay. The 2000-2001state budget allocated $7.5 millionin Prop. 12 funds for Bay Trailprojects, ranging from improve-ments and construction in SanMateo’s Shoreline Park to SanFrancisco’s downtown FerryTerminal area, and planningstudies in Solano and Sonomacounties. Menlo Park will completea study for closing the 0.57-milegap between the DumbartonBridge and Ravenswood OpenSpace Preserve, which will pro-vide connections to the SF BayNational Wildlife Refuge, BayfrontPark, and the East Bay via thebridge.

The Earth Day Bay Walk is afive-day trip starting in Moun-tain View on Thursday, April 18and arriving in San Franciscoon Earth Day - April 22. Peopleare invited to join the walk foran hour, a day, or the entire trip.

At rallies along the way,participants will learn aboutissues affecting the Bay, such asSan Francisco Airport’s plan tofill up to one square mile of theBay - an area twice as large as

Treasure Island - for new run-ways. We also will learn about thepossible acquisition of 19,000acres of salt ponds in the SouthBay for inclusion in the SanFrancisco Bay Wildlife Refuge.

This journey along the Bay Trailwill be a great opportunity tolearn about marshland restora-tion, water quality treatment, localwildlife, and historical issues,such as the successful campaignsto protect Bair Island and San

Bruno Mountain.

Come make new friends and getsome exercise while enjoying ourbeautiful natural treasure - SanFrancisco Bay.

For more information, visitwww.BayAreaEarthDay.net/BayWalk or call Peter Drekmeierat (650) 320-8699.

Earth Day Bay WEarth Day Bay WEarth Day Bay WEarth Day Bay WEarth Day Bay Walkalkalkalkalk

(Park News from page 6)


TTTTTrail Building and Maintenancerail Building and Maintenancerail Building and Maintenancerail Building and Maintenancerail Building and MaintenanceYou provide your lunch and water, boots orsturdy shoes, long sleeves, long pants and a hat.We provide a spectacular setting for awesometrail building, tools, and training - no experiencenecessary. You may get hooked!

Please see Trail Building schedule on our website(www.trailcenter.org) for details on the followingprojects. You may also e-mail or call the TrailCenter office at (650) 968-7065. Reservationsencouraged.

April 21, 2002 - Sunday - Arastradero Preserve (PaloApril 21, 2002 - Sunday - Arastradero Preserve (PaloApril 21, 2002 - Sunday - Arastradero Preserve (PaloApril 21, 2002 - Sunday - Arastradero Preserve (PaloApril 21, 2002 - Sunday - Arastradero Preserve (PaloAlto)Alto)Alto)Alto)Alto)

Celebrate Earth Day/California Trail Days withthe Woodland Star (Acorn) Trail reroute. Newtrail construction, trail improvements and repair

May 11, 2002 - Saturday - Arastradero Preserve (PaloMay 11, 2002 - Saturday - Arastradero Preserve (PaloMay 11, 2002 - Saturday - Arastradero Preserve (PaloMay 11, 2002 - Saturday - Arastradero Preserve (PaloMay 11, 2002 - Saturday - Arastradero Preserve (PaloAlto)Alto)Alto)Alto)Alto)

Complete the Woodland Star (Acorn) Trail re-route. New trail construction, trail improvementsand repair

June 1, 2002 - Saturday - Field Research Station atJune 1, 2002 - Saturday - Field Research Station atJune 1, 2002 - Saturday - Field Research Station atJune 1, 2002 - Saturday - Field Research Station atJune 1, 2002 - Saturday - Field Research Station atGazos CreekGazos CreekGazos CreekGazos CreekGazos Creek

Celebrate National Trails Day 2002 with a returnto Gazos Creek. Trail improvements and repair -Camping available - Possible hike on Sunday

July 13, 2002 - Saturday - Field Research Station atJuly 13, 2002 - Saturday - Field Research Station atJuly 13, 2002 - Saturday - Field Research Station atJuly 13, 2002 - Saturday - Field Research Station atJuly 13, 2002 - Saturday - Field Research Station atGazos CreekGazos CreekGazos CreekGazos CreekGazos Creek

Trail improvements and repair - Camping avail-able - Possible hike on Sunday

August 10, 2002 - Saturday - Field Research StationAugust 10, 2002 - Saturday - Field Research StationAugust 10, 2002 - Saturday - Field Research StationAugust 10, 2002 - Saturday - Field Research StationAugust 10, 2002 - Saturday - Field Research Stationat Gazos Creekat Gazos Creekat Gazos Creekat Gazos Creekat Gazos Creek

Planned Gazos Creek Trail completion. Trailimprovements and repair - Camping available -Possible hike on Sunday

September 14, 2002 - Saturday - Jasper Ridge Biologi-September 14, 2002 - Saturday - Jasper Ridge Biologi-September 14, 2002 - Saturday - Jasper Ridge Biologi-September 14, 2002 - Saturday - Jasper Ridge Biologi-September 14, 2002 - Saturday - Jasper Ridge Biologi-cal Preserve (Stanford University)cal Preserve (Stanford University)cal Preserve (Stanford University)cal Preserve (Stanford University)cal Preserve (Stanford University)

New trail construction project. Brush cutting andtreadwork. Possible bridge construction

October 5, 2002 - Saturday - Jasper Ridge BiologicalOctober 5, 2002 - Saturday - Jasper Ridge BiologicalOctober 5, 2002 - Saturday - Jasper Ridge BiologicalOctober 5, 2002 - Saturday - Jasper Ridge BiologicalOctober 5, 2002 - Saturday - Jasper Ridge BiologicalPreserve (Stanford University)Preserve (Stanford University)Preserve (Stanford University)Preserve (Stanford University)Preserve (Stanford University)

New trail construction on connector trail

October 26, 2002 - Saturday - Arastradero PreserveOctober 26, 2002 - Saturday - Arastradero PreserveOctober 26, 2002 - Saturday - Arastradero PreserveOctober 26, 2002 - Saturday - Arastradero PreserveOctober 26, 2002 - Saturday - Arastradero Preserve(Palo Alto)(Palo Alto)(Palo Alto)(Palo Alto)(Palo Alto)

Join the TC, the Arastradero Preserve Steward-ship Project and REI for REI’s Community ServiceDay 2002. Details TBA

November 17, 2002 - Sunday - Location TBANovember 17, 2002 - Sunday - Location TBANovember 17, 2002 - Sunday - Location TBANovember 17, 2002 - Sunday - Location TBANovember 17, 2002 - Sunday - Location TBA

Volunteer Appreciation, Annual Meeting and ToolParty. Details TBA

November 30, 2002 - Saturday- Jasper Ridge Biologi-November 30, 2002 - Saturday- Jasper Ridge Biologi-November 30, 2002 - Saturday- Jasper Ridge Biologi-November 30, 2002 - Saturday- Jasper Ridge Biologi-November 30, 2002 - Saturday- Jasper Ridge Biologi-cal Preserve (Stanford University) (Rain date: Saturday,cal Preserve (Stanford University) (Rain date: Saturday,cal Preserve (Stanford University) (Rain date: Saturday,cal Preserve (Stanford University) (Rain date: Saturday,cal Preserve (Stanford University) (Rain date: Saturday,December 7)December 7)December 7)December 7)December 7)

Final event for 2002. Trail construction andpossible maintenance

CrCrCrCrCrew Leader Tew Leader Tew Leader Tew Leader Tew Leader Training Prraining Prraining Prraining Prraining ProoooogggggramramramramramWe are planning a Crew Leader Training Seminarfor September 2002. Learn the basics of leadinga volunteer crew and the technical aspects oftrail building and repair. Although we do not havea firm date yet, please email us([email protected]) or check our website if youare interested in participating.

Outdoor Activity GuideOutdoor Activity GuideOutdoor Activity GuideOutdoor Activity GuideOutdoor Activity Guide

for the San Francisco Peninsula and South Bay Areafor the San Francisco Peninsula and South Bay Areafor the San Francisco Peninsula and South Bay Areafor the San Francisco Peninsula and South Bay Areafor the San Francisco Peninsula and South Bay Area

TTTTTrail Center Activitiesrail Center Activitiesrail Center Activitiesrail Center Activitiesrail Center Activities

Please see our website for updated listings and check our Links section for additional resources andorganizations outside the SF Peninsula and South Bay Area.

Office and Program SupportOffice and Program SupportOffice and Program SupportOffice and Program SupportOffice and Program SupportBoard meetings occur on the third Thursday ofJanuary, April, July and October at the PeninsulaConservation Center. Office work parties are heldat the Trail Center office in the PCC on the thirdThursday of off-months. Come help with membermailings and other projects - food and drinkprovided. Email us to volunteer. Volunteers arealways needed to help with newsletter, websitemaintenance, member mailings and occasionalresearch. See our Volunteer! section of ourwebsite for additional information.

MappingMappingMappingMappingMappingThe Map Committee is planning updates to ourTrail Map of the Southern Peninsula and Penin-sula Parklands maps. We expect to have mappingopportunities for teams and individuals in thenear future. See the Mapping section our websitefor additional information and our Maps & Publi-cations section for a sample of our work.


Other TOther TOther TOther TOther Trail Building and Maintenancerail Building and Maintenancerail Building and Maintenancerail Building and Maintenancerail Building and MaintenanceBay ArBay ArBay ArBay ArBay Area Ridgea Ridgea Ridgea Ridgea Ridge Te Te Te Te Trail Councilrail Councilrail Councilrail Councilrail Council

BARTC sponsors occasional trail constructionprojects, typically in partnership with otherorganizations. Check the Volunteer section of thewebsite (www.ridgetrail.org) or call (415) 391-9300.

Friends of Alum Rock ParkFriends of Alum Rock ParkFriends of Alum Rock ParkFriends of Alum Rock ParkFriends of Alum Rock Park

The Friends sponsors monthly projects to im-prove Alum Rock Park (San Jose) trails. ContactKen Ford at [email protected] or call (408) 524-7909 for more information.

FFFFFriends of Stevriends of Stevriends of Stevriends of Stevriends of Stevens Crens Crens Crens Crens Creek Teek Teek Teek Teek Trailrailrailrailrail

The Friends sponsors occasional trail construc-tion projects, with a large event for NationalTrails Day. Check the website(www.stevenscreektrail.org), email [email protected] or call (408) 255-5780or (650) 903-6067.

Midpeninsula Regional Open Space DistrictMidpeninsula Regional Open Space DistrictMidpeninsula Regional Open Space DistrictMidpeninsula Regional Open Space DistrictMidpeninsula Regional Open Space District

MROSD sponsors regularly held projects on thethird Saturday each month. Check the Volunteer!section of the website (www.openspace.org) orcall the Volunteer Coordinator at (650) 691-1200 to register.

San Pedro Valley County ParkSan Pedro Valley County ParkSan Pedro Valley County ParkSan Pedro Valley County ParkSan Pedro Valley County Park

Trail maintenance and construction on the slopesof Montara Mountain at San Pedro Valley CountyPark in Pacifica. 2nd Saturday of each month at8AM. All ages welcome. Meet at Visitor’s Centerrain or shine. Call (650) 355-8289 or (650)355-5454.

San Mateo County ParksSan Mateo County ParksSan Mateo County ParksSan Mateo County ParksSan Mateo County Parks

Santa Mateo County Parks (www.eparks.net)sponsors a variety of projects throughout theyear. Contact Volunteer Coordinator Nick Ramirezat (650) 599-1306.

Santa Clara County ParksSanta Clara County ParksSanta Clara County ParksSanta Clara County ParksSanta Clara County Parks

Santa Clara County Parks sponsors a variety ofprojects throughout the year. Check the Volunteersection of the website (www.parkhere.org) or callthe Park Volunteer Coordinator at (408) 846-5761 email for more information.

Santa Cruz Mountains TSanta Cruz Mountains TSanta Cruz Mountains TSanta Cruz Mountains TSanta Cruz Mountains Trail Associationrail Associationrail Associationrail Associationrail Association

SCMTA (www.stanford.edu/~mhd/trails) volun-teers maintain the Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail. andtrails in Big Basin Redwoods and Castle RockState Parks. Regular workdays include: FirstSaturday of each month at 9 AM. Hiking and trailtrimming in Big Basin State Park. Starts frompark headquarters. Call Bob Kirsch at (408)243-4245 for details. Second Saturday of eachmonth at 9 AM: Trail maintenance in and aroundCastle Rock State Park. Meet at Saratoga Gapparking lot (Hwy. 35 at Hwy. 9). Call Al Lisin at(408) 252-8106 for details. Third Saturday ofmost months at 9 AM: Trail maintenance in andaround Castle Rock State Park. Meet at SaratogaGap parking lot. Call Martin Donald at (650)966-1984 for details.

TTTTTrailwrailwrailwrailwrailworkers.comorkers.comorkers.comorkers.comorkers.com

“Preserving and enhancing trails in Santa CruzCounty.” Currently focusing on Nisene Marks,Wilder Ranch and Soquel Forest. Current sched-


most convenient for you. Marin Headlands (415)331-0732. Fort Funston (415) 239-2366. MuirWoods (415) 388-2596. For general GGNRAvolunteer info, call (415) 561-3034 x3429.

Half Moon Bay State Beaches RestorationHalf Moon Bay State Beaches RestorationHalf Moon Bay State Beaches RestorationHalf Moon Bay State Beaches RestorationHalf Moon Bay State Beaches Restoration

Restore native coastal dune and bluff plantcommunities and protect the nesting sites of thethreatened Snowy Plover. Contact MarianneKjobmand (650) 726-8801 of the ResourceEcology Department, California State Parks, HalfMoon Bay State Beach. Work at 10AM Saturdaysand Sundays.

Planting for the Second HundrPlanting for the Second HundrPlanting for the Second HundrPlanting for the Second HundrPlanting for the Second Hundred Yed Yed Yed Yed Years: Oak Regears: Oak Regears: Oak Regears: Oak Regears: Oak Regenera-enera-enera-enera-enera-tion at Stanford with Magiction at Stanford with Magiction at Stanford with Magiction at Stanford with Magiction at Stanford with Magic

Oak planting and care in the Stanford Foothillsbetween Junipero Serra Boulevard and Hwy 280and elsewhere on the Stanford campus. Regularwork sessions each Saturday between 9 a.m. andnoon. Call Magic at (650) 323-7333 or e-mail.See Planting for the Second Hundred Years onthe Magic website (www.ecomagic.org) for moreinformation.

Wildlands Restoration TWildlands Restoration TWildlands Restoration TWildlands Restoration TWildlands Restoration Teameameameameam

The Wildlands Restoration Team(www.wildwork.org) is a Santa Cruz-based orga-nization which works on exotic plant removal.For all projects bring layered clothing, long pants,hiking boots, at least 2-quarts of water andlunch. Instruction and gloves provided. Call thehotline (831) 423-2801 for more! Saturdays10AM-1PM for 10-year olds and older. Call (831)464-9141 for locations and to get on the mailinglist. Sundays at 9AM meet at the WashingtonMutual Bank in Santa Cruz at the intersection ofOcean and Water Streets to carpool to a work site.18-years or older and expect a full days workout.

Other ResourcesOther ResourcesOther ResourcesOther ResourcesOther Resources

Please visit the Native Habitats website(www.nativehabitats.org) for further opportuni-ties for restoration work throughout the BayArea, around the state and even around theworld.

Kids and FamiliesKids and FamiliesKids and FamiliesKids and FamiliesKids and FamiliesCoyote Point MuseumCoyote Point MuseumCoyote Point MuseumCoyote Point MuseumCoyote Point Museum

The Coyote Point Museum(www.coyoteptmuseum.org) always has interest-

ule and sign-ups on website(www.trailworkers.com) or contact Val Cole [email protected].

Habitat RestorationHabitat RestorationHabitat RestorationHabitat RestorationHabitat RestorationArastradero PreserveArastradero PreserveArastradero PreserveArastradero PreserveArastradero Preserve

Join Acterra’s Arastradero Preserve StewardshipProject for regular habitat restoration, trailmaintenance, and tree plantings. Work days atthe Palo Alto preserve occur on the 2nd and 4thSaturday of each month. Jobs include plantingnative grass plugs and expanding wet meadowrye sites. Meet at the preserve parking lot onArastradero Rd. between Page Mill and Alpine at10am (January 9 through March 27) or 9am inthe spring (April 10 through May 22). See theArastradero Stewardship Project website(www.arastradero.org) for further information orcall Karen at (650) 329-8544.

California Native Plant Society, Santa Clara ValleyCalifornia Native Plant Society, Santa Clara ValleyCalifornia Native Plant Society, Santa Clara ValleyCalifornia Native Plant Society, Santa Clara ValleyCalifornia Native Plant Society, Santa Clara ValleyChapterChapterChapterChapterChapter

Plant restoration along Hwy 280 betweenEdgewood Road and Woodside Road. Meet on thesecond Friday of every month at 9AM at theEdgewood Road Park and Ride lot at Hwy 280.Bring clippers or pruners if you have them. CNPS(www.stanford.edu/~rawlings/blazcon.htm)provides work gloves, orange vests, hard hatsand safety glasses. Call Zoe Chandik (650) 747-9620 or Chuck Baccus (408) 244-2923. See theYerba Buena Chapter website (www.cnps-yerbabuena.org) for further information aboutthis and other Native Plant Society restorationprojects. For additional information on exoticplant control projects, contact president DonMayall, (650) 856-7579, E-mail toseleve@nenewsletter/tcom.com.

Edgewood ParkEdgewood ParkEdgewood ParkEdgewood ParkEdgewood Park

Exotic plant removal with the California NativePlant Society. Call Ken Himes (650) 591-8560 orElly Hess (650) 368-8993 for information.

Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA)Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA)Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA)Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA)Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA)

GGNRA Habitat Restoration Team (www.nps.gov/goga/volprog.htm) conducts regular habitatrestoration/exotic vegetation removal projectsthroughout the GGNRA. Call the Habitat Hotline at(415) 556-4353. Usually each Sunday at 9:30AM You may also wish to call directly the location


ing exhibits for families! Call to see what’s therenow. General museum admission: $4 adults, $2seniors and students (13-17), $1 children (4-12), children under 4 and Museum members free.Hours: Tues.-Sat. 10am-5pm, Sunday 12 noon-5pm. Call for information (650) 342-7755.

Hidden VillaHidden VillaHidden VillaHidden VillaHidden Villa

Weekend Farm Tours offered every Sunday. Foryoungsters, but fun for all ages. Meet the animalsand vegetables that live on the farm. 11AM-1PM.Call (650) 949-8653 for reservations one weekin advance. Fee.Additional information at the Hidden Villa website(www.hiddenvilla.org).


MROSD offers a variety of activities suitable forfamilies. See the MROSD calendar for details(www.openspace.org).

Parent/Infant Hikes in Edgewood ParkParent/Infant Hikes in Edgewood ParkParent/Infant Hikes in Edgewood ParkParent/Infant Hikes in Edgewood ParkParent/Infant Hikes in Edgewood Park

Sierra Club Family Outings meets 1st and 3rdWednesdays at 10:30AM for a 2-3 mile hike atan easy pace accommodating infant needs. Par-ents with 2-9 month old infants in carrier,snugly, sling or pack. Boots recommended. Meet atthe main Edgewood Park entrance on EdgewoodRoad 1 mile east of Hwy 280. Call Laura Harter(650) 364-8216 for information or reservations.Additional park information available throughPortola’s Edgewood County Park website(www.cardiffgiant.com/portola - click on map).

Hikes and WHikes and WHikes and WHikes and WHikes and WalksalksalksalksalksBig Basin WalksBig Basin WalksBig Basin WalksBig Basin WalksBig Basin Walks

Starting Sunday, March 1st, and each Saturdayand Sunday thereafter, 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM.Meet in front of Park Headquarters for an infor-mative and fun walk through an old growthforest. Learn about these magnificent giants andother forest inhabitants. Easy, 7/10 mile (~1km.), level, paced walk. Wheelchair and strolleraccessible. Free (with park entrance fee). Otherwalks may be available, especially during summermonths - check website (www.bigbasin.org) orcall the park headquarters +1 (831) 338-8860for more information.

Butano State ParkButano State ParkButano State ParkButano State ParkButano State Park

Guided nature walks every Saturday and Sundayduring the summer. Pink orchids and scarletmushrooms! Orange newts and yellow bananaslugs! Come see the color of nature. $2 parkingfee. Hwy. 1 south of Half Moon Bay, takePescadero Road or Gazos Creek Road toCloverdale Road. Call (650) 879-0173. Additionalpark information at the park page within theState Parks website (www.calparks.ca.gov).

California Native Plant Society - Santa Clara ValleyCalifornia Native Plant Society - Santa Clara ValleyCalifornia Native Plant Society - Santa Clara ValleyCalifornia Native Plant Society - Santa Clara ValleyCalifornia Native Plant Society - Santa Clara ValleyChapterChapterChapterChapterChapter

CNPS’s local chapter sponsors a variety of fieldtrips and hikes throughout the year. See theChapter’s website (www.stanford.edu/~rawlings/blazcon.htm) or contact the Chapter president,Don Mayall at [email protected] or call (650)856-7579.

Friends of Edgewood Natural PreserveFriends of Edgewood Natural PreserveFriends of Edgewood Natural PreserveFriends of Edgewood Natural PreserveFriends of Edgewood Natural Preserve

The Friends sponsor numerous docent-led hikes,particularly during wildflower season. Check thewebsite (www.friendsofedgewood.org), emailinfo@friendsofedgewood or call (650) 361-1218for current schedule.

Henry Coe State ParkHenry Coe State ParkHenry Coe State ParkHenry Coe State ParkHenry Coe State Park

Henry Coe State Park and the Pine Ridge Asso-ciation sponsor numerous hikes and eveningtalks throughout the year. Check the Coe website(www.coepark.parks.ca.gov) or contact the ParkHeadquarters at (408) 779-2728 for currentprogram.

Henry Cowell State ParkHenry Cowell State ParkHenry Cowell State ParkHenry Cowell State ParkHenry Cowell State Park

Redwood Grove Walks at 2PM every Saturday. 0.8mile walk to visit amazing trees. Wheelchair andstroller accessible. Call (831) 335-7077. Addi-tional park information at the park page withinthe State Parks website (www.calparks.ca.gov).

Jasper Ridge Biological PreserveJasper Ridge Biological PreserveJasper Ridge Biological PreserveJasper Ridge Biological PreserveJasper Ridge Biological Preserve

Jasper Ridge includes all the representativeecosystems of the Santa Cruz Mountains, includ-ing a large area of serpentine grassland thatproduces a spectacular wildflower display in thespring. Docent-led tours focus on many differentaspects of the Preserve. Contact the tour serviceat (650) 327-2277. Check the JRBP website(jasper1.stanford.edu) for additional information.



Bicycling OrganizationsBicycling OrganizationsBicycling OrganizationsBicycling OrganizationsBicycling OrganizationsOn-RoadOn-RoadOn-RoadOn-RoadOn-Road

Almaden Cycle TAlmaden Cycle TAlmaden Cycle TAlmaden Cycle TAlmaden Cycle Touring Clubouring Clubouring Clubouring Clubouring Club

ACTC is a group of about 1000 bicycle enthusi-asts based in the south San Francisco Bay area.Emphasis is on group fun and safety, with avariety of bicycling related events for a widerange of ability levels. The club ride calendar hasan average of over 100 rides per month, so thereis usually a ride that will fit your needs. Guestsare welcome on club rides, and it is easy to makenew friends. Check the website (www.actc.org)for current calendar.

Bay ArBay ArBay ArBay ArBay Area Roaming Tea Roaming Tea Roaming Tea Roaming Tea Roaming Tandemsandemsandemsandemsandems

BART sponsors both regular events and longerrides in the Bay Area and beyond for tandemriders of all abilities. Check the BART website(www.cruzers.com/~glennandpat/), call (415)759-9413 or email [email protected] forcurrent calendar and membership information.

Skyline Cycling ClubSkyline Cycling ClubSkyline Cycling ClubSkyline Cycling ClubSkyline Cycling Club

Skyline Cycling Club is a social recreationalbicycle club in the San Francisco South Bay Area.The Club sponsors a number of regular events,including Wednesday night rides during thesummer months. Call (408) 736-9858, [email protected] or check website (www.sonic.net/~jps/skyline) for current schedule.

Western Wheelers Bicycle Club, Inc.Western Wheelers Bicycle Club, Inc.Western Wheelers Bicycle Club, Inc.Western Wheelers Bicycle Club, Inc.Western Wheelers Bicycle Club, Inc.

Western Wheelers Bicycle Club, Inc. sponsors bothregular events and longer rides for riders of allabilities, as well as clinics and classes. Check theWestern Wheelers website(www.westernwheelers.org) for current calendar.

Off-RoadOff-RoadOff-RoadOff-RoadOff-Road

ROMP (Responsible Organized Mountain Pedalers)ROMP (Responsible Organized Mountain Pedalers)ROMP (Responsible Organized Mountain Pedalers)ROMP (Responsible Organized Mountain Pedalers)ROMP (Responsible Organized Mountain Pedalers)

ROMP is the mountain cycling advocacy andsocial group for San Mateo and Santa Claracounties. In addition to sponsoring numerousrides, ROMP works to maintain and improve apositive relationship with non-mountain bikingtrail users and create a positive image for thegood of all mountain cyclists. ROMP rides are


MROSD offers free docent-led hikes and walksthrough the District’s many preserves. Join hikesand learn about geology, biology, insects, birds,and more. See website (www.openspace.org) forcurrent hike calendar and additional information.

Pescadero Marsh Nature WalkPescadero Marsh Nature WalkPescadero Marsh Nature WalkPescadero Marsh Nature WalkPescadero Marsh Nature Walk

Meet State Park docent at Pescadero State Beachin the first parking lot south of the Highway 1bridge over Pescadero Lagoon. Free walks heldyear-round, weather permitting. Saturdays 10:30-12:30, Sundays 1-3 PM (not offered every week-end; call (650) 879-2170 for dates). Additionalpark information at the park page within theState Parks website (www.calparks.ca.gov).

Santa Clara County ParksSanta Clara County ParksSanta Clara County ParksSanta Clara County ParksSanta Clara County Parks

Santa Clara County Parks offers free ranger-ledhikes and walks in various parks throughout thecounty. Join hikes and learn about geology, biologyand more — each park offers different opportuni-ties. See the Scheduled Park Activities page onthe SCCP site (www.parkhere.org) for currentevent calendar and additional information.

Santa Cruz Mountains TSanta Cruz Mountains TSanta Cruz Mountains TSanta Cruz Mountains TSanta Cruz Mountains Trail Associationrail Associationrail Associationrail Associationrail Association

SCMTA (www.stanford.edu/~mhd/trails) sponsorshikes every Sunday of the year. Most range from8 to 12 miles with a few that may be a littlelonger and more strenuous, travel from Mt.Tamalpais in the north, to Mt. Diablo in the east,to Pinnacles in the south and to the ocean in thewest. The Santa Cruz Mountains are excellent forhiking at any time of year. The more distanthikes to Marin County and the East Bay areusually taken in spring or fall when it is neithertoo hot nor too rainy.

Sierra Club - Loma Prieta ChapterSierra Club - Loma Prieta ChapterSierra Club - Loma Prieta ChapterSierra Club - Loma Prieta ChapterSierra Club - Loma Prieta Chapter

The Loma Prieta Chapter sponsors a multitude ofhikes for a multitude of interests and abilities.Although membership is encouraged, some hikes,including the Day Hiking Section hikes, are opento the general public. Contact the Chapter Officeat (650) 390-8411 or see the website(www.sierraclub.org/chapters/lomaprieta/

Wilder Ranch Nature WalkWilder Ranch Nature WalkWilder Ranch Nature WalkWilder Ranch Nature WalkWilder Ranch Nature Walk

Saturdays at 11 a.m. along the spectacular trailseither on the coastside or backcountry. Call (831)426-0505 for information. Additional park infor-mation at the park page within the State Parkswebsite (www.calparks.ca.gov).


open to both members and nonmembers. See theROMP website (www.romp.org) for a list of up-coming rides.

EquestrianEquestrianEquestrianEquestrianEquestrianBay Area Donkey and Mule SocietyBay Area Donkey and Mule SocietyBay Area Donkey and Mule SocietyBay Area Donkey and Mule SocietyBay Area Donkey and Mule Society

Promoting our long-eared friends, BADMS spon-sors all-equine shows and clinics. Bay AreaDonkey and Mule Society. Check website(www.badms.org) or call Gloria & Lynn Walter(805) 467-9204 or Jeannette Tunstall (707)632-5671 for more information.

Coastside Horse CouncilCoastside Horse CouncilCoastside Horse CouncilCoastside Horse CouncilCoastside Horse Council

Represents all horse breeds, disciplines andactivities and seeks to maintain the horse as apart of the San Mateo Co. coastal landscape andcommunity. Provides a forum for coastside eques-trian issues and sponsors occasional rides.Contact President Roxy Stone, 650-726-7969,email [email protected] or see website(www.coasthorse.org).

Los Altos Hills Horsemen’s AssociationLos Altos Hills Horsemen’s AssociationLos Altos Hills Horsemen’s AssociationLos Altos Hills Horsemen’s AssociationLos Altos Hills Horsemen’s Association

LAHHA promotes all activities concerning horse-manship and trail access in the Town of LosAltos Hills and neighboring communities. LAHHAalso sponsors frequent shows and other eventsbetween March and October. Events are held atthe Town Ring on Purisima near Viscaino in LosAltos Hills. Write to Drawer “I”, Los Altos, CA94023-4009. Fax (650) 968-4686. E-mail [email protected]

Los Gatos Horsemen’s AssociationLos Gatos Horsemen’s AssociationLos Gatos Horsemen’s AssociationLos Gatos Horsemen’s AssociationLos Gatos Horsemen’s Association

LGHA is a primarily a trail-riding club, with ridesevery weekend during fair weather, plus severalcamping trips each year. The club also partici-pates in several parades and invites new mem-bers - residence in Los Gatos or a horse of one’sown not required! Contact Frank Baykoni, Presi-dent by email, [email protected], call(408) 358-3598 or mail to P.O Box 1735, LosGatos, CA 95031.

Los Viajeros Riding ClubLos Viajeros Riding ClubLos Viajeros Riding ClubLos Viajeros Riding ClubLos Viajeros Riding Club

LV is known for its Four-Day Ride, usually held inthe third week in June. The club also offers dayrides and other overnight events from Marchthrough November for its members and theirguests. The rides are structured to ensure safety,

good food and a good time. We’re always lookingfor a new place to ride. Check out the club’s webpage (www.losviejeros.org) or call the President,Cathy Hatcher, days (415) 863-2641 or eves(650) 726-5375 or [email protected]

Mounted Patrol San Mateo CountyMounted Patrol San Mateo CountyMounted Patrol San Mateo CountyMounted Patrol San Mateo CountyMounted Patrol San Mateo County

Meeting twice a month at its Club House locatedon 23 acres of wooded hills in Woodside, which isa Red Cross designated Disaster Relief Center.Members assist in search and recue for theSheriff of San Mateo County. The Patrol sponsorsa Youth Rodeo every July 4th and hold weeklyriding clinics during the summer. For more infor-mation, check website (www.mpsmc.org), emailthe Secretary at [email protected] or writeto: Captain, Mounted Patrol SMC, 521 KingsMountain Road, Woodside, CA 94062.

North American TNorth American TNorth American TNorth American TNorth American Trail Riding Conferrail Riding Conferrail Riding Conferrail Riding Conferrail Riding Conference, Region 1ence, Region 1ence, Region 1ence, Region 1ence, Region 1(NATRC)(NATRC)(NATRC)(NATRC)(NATRC)

NATRC Region 1 covers northern California andpart of Nevada, Oregon, Washington and Alaska.They annually sponsor 8 rides in California andone in Alaska. Rides have three divisions: Novice(for new riders and young horses; CompetitivePleasure (slower pace); and, Open for those whoenjoy longer, faster events). Please see web site(natrc.trailriding.com) at for information onequestrian clinics and events. Jim Ferris can becontacted at [email protected] for additionalinformation. Carol Barnes is Chairman of Region1 and can be reached at [email protected]

Peninsula Carriage Driving ClubPeninsula Carriage Driving ClubPeninsula Carriage Driving ClubPeninsula Carriage Driving ClubPeninsula Carriage Driving Club

The PCDC aims to draw together people inter-ested in equine-powered vehicles, to give carriagedriving enthusiasts a chance to meet others inthe driving community, and to provide a forum forsharing information on driving. The goal of theclub is to emphasize driving safety and thepromotion of pleasure driving as an alternative tocompetitive show driving. See website(www.acornmr.com/pcdc) or [email protected].

Quicksilver Endurance Riders, Inc.Quicksilver Endurance Riders, Inc.Quicksilver Endurance Riders, Inc.Quicksilver Endurance Riders, Inc.Quicksilver Endurance Riders, Inc.

QER meets the second Wednesday of each monthat Santa Clara County Horsemen’s Grounds.Sponsor trail rides, poker rides, moonlight rides,endurance rides plus trail building and mainte-nance projects. Check website(www.homestead.com/qsendurance/files), contact



Maryben Stover (408) 265-0839 or write P.O.Box 71, New Almaden, CA 95042.

San Francisco Horsemen’s AssociationSan Francisco Horsemen’s AssociationSan Francisco Horsemen’s AssociationSan Francisco Horsemen’s AssociationSan Francisco Horsemen’s Association

Promotes interest, maintaining horses and horse-manship in and around the city of San Francisco.See website (sfha.tripod.com/index.html) or callJosh Hatcher at (650) 726-5375 for information.

San Mateo County Horsemen’s Association.San Mateo County Horsemen’s Association.San Mateo County Horsemen’s Association.San Mateo County Horsemen’s Association.San Mateo County Horsemen’s Association.

Educational seminars, clinics, youth programs,camping, general meetings and group rides.Publishes an award-winning newsletter of trailinformation and stories of local rides. Sponsor forthe Clarkia Trail. See website (www.smcha.org),writer P.O. Box 620092, Woodside, CA 94062. orcall (650) 568-1045.

San Mateo County Volunteer Horse PatrolSan Mateo County Volunteer Horse PatrolSan Mateo County Volunteer Horse PatrolSan Mateo County Volunteer Horse PatrolSan Mateo County Volunteer Horse Patrol

Provide a volunteer public service while riding inyour parks and open spaces. Training and certifi-cation provided annually by San Mateo Countyfor official patrol of county park trail system.Annual first aid and CPR classes provided free.Uniforms required. Active support for trail main-tenance. Sponsor for the Skyline Trail. For addi-tional information call Marian Van den Bosch(650) 369-8305.

San Martin Horsemen’s AssociationSan Martin Horsemen’s AssociationSan Martin Horsemen’s AssociationSan Martin Horsemen’s AssociationSan Martin Horsemen’s Association

SMHA is a volunteer organization which sponsorstrail rides, clinics, camping, education, trailbuilding and horse advocacy. Meets monthly at 7pm the second Friday. Families and childrenalways welcome. See their website(www.sanmartin.com/horseman.htm) or contactKathy Wyland at PO Box 275, San Martin, CA95046 [email protected] .

Santa Clara County Horsemen’s AssociationSanta Clara County Horsemen’s AssociationSanta Clara County Horsemen’s AssociationSanta Clara County Horsemen’s AssociationSanta Clara County Horsemen’s Association

The SCCHA provides a volunteer public servicewhile riding in your parks and open spaces.SCCHA is a non-profit organization dedicated topromoting good horsemanship and trail use.Monthly meetings 7 pm the 3rd Friday of everymonth include educational programs. Visitorswelcome. Regular monthly group rides and/orcampouts, either at regional parks or on privateproperty (by special arrangement with theowners) as well as special events such asplaydays, dances and poker rides. Rides are oftenfollowed by barbecues and/or dances. For infor-mation on rides, check the website

(www.horsemans.com) or call the SCCHA infor-mation hotline at (408) 268-6155. Clubhouse islocated at 2035 McKean Rd. San Jose CA and isavailable for rental.

Santa Cruz County Horsemen’s Association.Santa Cruz County Horsemen’s Association.Santa Cruz County Horsemen’s Association.Santa Cruz County Horsemen’s Association.Santa Cruz County Horsemen’s Association.

Meetings on the third Tuesday of each month at7:30PM at the Clubhouse at the Graham HillShowgrounds at Graham Hill and Sims Roads inSanta Cruz. Shows, rides, clinics and trail build-ing. Membership includes use of facility withhorse camping and direct access to miles oftrails. Check website (www2.cruzio.com/%7Ecandg/SCCHA_Webpage.htm), write to P.O.Box 1014, Santa Cruz CA 95061 for informationcall Liz Maitoza (831) 763-7885 or [email protected].

Summit Riders Horsemen’s AssociationSummit Riders Horsemen’s AssociationSummit Riders Horsemen’s AssociationSummit Riders Horsemen’s AssociationSummit Riders Horsemen’s Association

Summit Riders was formed over 30 years ago inthe Santa Cruz Mountains. It is a family-orientedgroup sponsoring trail rides, overnight campouts,horse shows, and play days. They also haveclinics and speakers. General meetings occur thesecond Thursday night monthly at 7:30 pm atMountain Bible Church on Summit Road. ContactKarel Waugh at 22420 Summit Rd., Los Gatos, CA95030 or email [email protected]

West Coast Horse AssociationWest Coast Horse AssociationWest Coast Horse AssociationWest Coast Horse AssociationWest Coast Horse Association

West Coast Horse Association is a San MateoCounty coast side equestrian organization. Activein July 4th Parade in Half Moon Bay, CoastsideRanch Rodeo and schooling shows. For informa-tion, contact Roxy Stone at [email protected] orcall (650) 726-7969. Web site will be comingsoon.


The Gazos Creek Mountain Camp, The Gazos Creek Mountain Camp, The Gazos Creek Mountain Camp, The Gazos Creek Mountain Camp, The Gazos Creek Mountain Camp,a Field Research Stationa Field Research Stationa Field Research Stationa Field Research Stationa Field Research Station

by Rick Powers

How would you like to experi-ence the beauty of redwood trees,ferns, and waterfalls, while doingyour part to restore native habi-tat? Located a few miles south ofPescadero at the end of GazosCreek Road, the Pescadero Con-servation Alliance’s Field Re-search Station at Gazos Creekprovides a beautiful setting forenvironmental teaching andrestoration projects. Tall redwoodsand Douglas fir surround thetwenty small cabins, main lodge,and two classrooms whereteacher’s workshops, children’s orother teaching programs can takeplace. The north and south forksof Gazos Creek flow on either sideof the facility. The south fork hasa lovely waterfall. Both thesounds of nature, and the silenceat night are magnificent.

The PCA Field Research Stationwas formerly known as TheMountain Camp, a wonderfulcamp for children from 1965 to1989 run by Chuck Taylor. Over10,000 children enjoyed thiscamp during those summers. TheSempervirens Fund purchased thecamp in 1997. PCA began a leasewith Sempervirens in June of2000 to rehabilitate the buildings,restore the surrounding landsand develop environmental pro-grams suitable for this stunningnatural environment. The Califor-nia Department of Parks hasrecently acquired the site and hasallowed us to continue the leasearrangements.

Both within the camp propertyand just beyond, hiking opportuni-ties abound, including the GazosCreek Trail now under construc-tion. Big Basin State Park is onlya 30-minute hike away. Butanoand Año Nuevo State Parks liejust down Gazos Road. Come outfor a visit and discover thiswonderful resource for yourself!

For more info, contact David(Tex) Houston, Volunteer Coordi-nator, 650-739-0009 or visit theweb site: www.gazos.org/ResearchStation/index.html

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Editor’s note: Trail Center volunteersspent a number of days in 2001working on improving a trail onGazos Creek and expect to returnthis summer. This project is co-

sponsored by the Pescadero Conser-vation Alliance (PCA), who havegenerously hosted our crews, sup-

plied food and lodging, bridge materi-als, and unbounded enthusiasm.

Waterfall atGazos Creek

photo by TimOren


Open Space District (MROSD), inwhich you would learn somethingabout the tools of the trade andthe typical tasks of a crew leader.

This ad hoc approach workedwell enough for many situations,but it became painfully obviousthat wearing a red shirt didn’talways translate to a full set oftrail construction skills andeffective leadership, so the CrewLeader Training Committee wasborn. Its members worked hard tocreate the manual and formaltraining program that we usetoday. Prospective crew leaders(and current ones wishing tobrush up) attend the two-daytraining seminars, consisting of aclassroom session that coversterminology, basic concepts, safety,and leadership; and a field ses-sion for learning practical applica-tions of both construction andleadership skills. Following theseminar, trainees launch into anapprenticeship program thatstretches over multiple trail days.Trainees work under experiencedcrew leaders to hone their knowl-edge and check off a list of re-quirements that includes leadingcrews on their own under theguidance of a mentor. Once all theitems on the list are checked off,we whoop it up and present thenewly minted crew leader withtheir own red shirt.

Crew leaders and trainees, inaddition to enjoying the camara-derie and the warm fuzzy feelingsthat come from making the TCrun, get to participate in theoccasional special projects thatinvolve advanced technical skillssuch as bridge building, retainingwalls, or challenging tread con-struction. They can also take part

in “Crew Leader and TraineeOnly” days - the first day on somenew projects and may haveopportunities to help survey anew trail project.

Of course, not everyone whogoes through the program be-comes a crew leader, or even atrainee. Some participants in ourseminars come from other organi-zations and want to apply theskills to their own projects. Someare more interested in improvingtheir skills for more advancedwork. Some, for reasons of theirown, elect to become eternaltrainees - willing to help lead in apinch, but no less valuable be-cause of their long experience.

So What Does a CrewSo What Does a CrewSo What Does a CrewSo What Does a CrewSo What Does a CrewLeader Actually Do?Leader Actually Do?Leader Actually Do?Leader Actually Do?Leader Actually Do?

Leading a volunteer trail crew isa tough job. You are in charge of agroup of strangers who don’tknow you or each other, and whomay have no experience with thetools or work. You may not haveseen the work site before, andeven if you have, it was probablyseveral weeks ago. You’ve got aweedy patch of hillside with a fewsurvey flags stuck in the groundand a few pieces of plastic ribbontied to the bushes. The workday

supervisor may be nowhere insight. And you’re supposed to getsome trail built. You have to figureout what needs to be done, andwhat resources you have to do thejob. And you get to do all of thiswith an audience watching you,waiting for you to tell them whatto do. The job can be very intimi-dating the first few times you tryto do it.

Crew leaders need to knowsafety and construction skills, butthe leadership skills are the keyto meeting the basic goal of acrew leader: your job as a crewleader is to make sure that thepeople on your crew work safely,that they enjoy themselves, andthat they build good-quality trail.There is no one right way toaccomplish these goals. There isalso no typical workday, even overthe life of a single project; everyproject presents a different mix ofchallenges, and every group ofvolunteers has a different mix ofabilities and interests. Each crewleader has a different approach tothese challenges...but all work-days do, however, present thesame general challenge to a crewleader to integrate a variety ofskills and manage a variety of

(Crew Leader, from page 1)

(cont'd on next page)

Crew LeaderTraining Class of1997 at Memorial

County Park

photo by RichAllsop

details in order to keep the crewhappy, safe and productive. Allworkdays tend to have the samegeneral structure, which in grandterms, are:

1. Start of the day

2. Arrival at worksite

3. The work period

4. End of the day

Certain things need to happenduring each of these phases forthe workday to go properly. Forexample, at the start of the day,volunteers need to be greeted andregistered, tools need to be set outand assigned to volunteers, andvolunteers need to be sorted intocrews.

The Start of the Day

Crew leaders try to get to themeeting area about half an hourbefore the official start of theworkday so they have an opportu-nity to catch up with fellow crewleaders, finish breakfast, put onsunscreen and boots, and orga-nize gear. Then comes the impor-tant step of chatting with theworkday supervisor (AKA Supedu Jour) and find out as much aspossible about the day’s work: pindown the trail specifications, thepotential hazards, the type ofwork to expect and the assort-ment of tools need, and the ap-proximate work site. Will it bebuilding a switchback? Removing

brush so a new stretch of trailcan go in? Cutting a bench in thehillside? Making a rock retainingwall? Filling ruts and knockingdown berms? Crew leaders alsohelp get the regular volunteersorganized as they arrive, set toolsout, or whatever needs doingbefore the workday supervisordecides to get the day rolling. Heor she will get everybody’s atten-tion and give a brief talk, describ-ing the Trail Center and theproject of the day. A crew leaderusually gives a brief safety talk.Then the crew leaders spread outand the volunteers divide them-selves into crews. As this goeson, crew leaders need to makesure their new crews have allthey need for the day and (usu-ally) check their susceptibility topoison oak. The crew leaderprovides more details on thecrew’s work and once everyone inthe crew is ready, leads them tothe worksite. On the way, crewleaders may learn more aboutcrew members, point out good andbad sections of the previouslybuilt trail, reemphasize safety andpoint out PO to neophytes, andmake sure the whole crew gets tothe worksite.

Arriving at the Worksite

When the crew first arrives atthe worksite, the crew leaderorients them, demonstrating how

to set the tools down properly,how to avoid putting the pack andtools in poison oak, and giving anoverview of the work to be done.The crew leader explains how thestructures the crew will build fitinto the entire trail, what tasksneed to be done to build thestructures, and the tools they’llneed to complete the tasks. If thecrew is inexperienced, the crewleader demonstrates proper tooluse. Finally, she or he assignseach crew member a task, takinginto account the skills, abilitiesand interests of the crew.

Throughout the Day

During the day the crew leaderconstantly monitors what thecrew is doing and how they arefaring in order to correct anydangerous situations as soon asthey come up. Crew leadersencourage crewmembers to takebreaks, drink water, switch tasks,ask questions, make suggestions,and socialize - in other words,break up the day so the experi-ence doesn’t become a grind.Depending on the experience levelin the crew, the crew leader mayalso need to monitor the construc-tion work closely. A hard-work-ing, inexperienced crew can buildtwenty feet of trail in the wrongplace in no time flat. The crewleader needs to work with thecrew to make sure that the align-ment, grade, and other features ofthe trail are correct. Crew mem-bers get praise for the work theydo well, and gentle corrections formistakes they make. Crew leadershave to be ready make changes tothe workflow, depending upon thecrew’s energy level, the availabil-ity of particular tools, the condi-tion of the soil, etc. This isn’talways as easy as it sounds atfirst — trail work is always full of

An excerpt from our crew leader manual showing how to prune offbranches - drawing by Cathy Sewell


leader may encourage their crewto walk the entire section ofnewly constructed trail - this isespecially important when thecrew has been working on a smallsection of technically difficulttrail. They need to see what hasbeen accomplished by all of thecrews during the entire workday.The workday supervisor willusually call an end to the work-day, although crew leaders maytell their crews to pack up a littlesooner if they’ve run out of steamand are just sitting down. Beforethe crew leaves the work site, thecrew leader sweeps the area fortools, packs, and other items, aswell as deliver the very importantreminder about the refreshmentsor barbecue and any thank-yougifts waiting for them at thestaging area. Finally, he or shethanks the volunteers for workwell done and invites them tofuture trail builds.

family. Searches can also belimited by geographic area, lifeform, elevation, native/non-native,rare/non-rare, and plant commu-nity. Many of the entries havemultiple photos, making thedatabase a useful tool for identify-ing mystery plants, particularly inconjunction with guidebooks.

Editor's note: Common names (beingwhat they are) may not appear in

the database. The species names aretaken from Munz’ A California Floraand Supplement (1958 and 1968)

and Skinner and Hick’s CNPS Inven-tory of Rare and Endangered Vascu-

lar Plants of California (1994) -names in the Jepson Manual (1993)

may vary!

surprises. We always find some-thing odd during every work day:a massive rock in the middle ofthe route, or a section of loose,crumbly soil, or a hidden pit inthe hillside buried under threefeet of dead leaves and sticks. Thecrew’s energy level changes,depending upon things like theirown level of interest in the work,the time of day, and the weatherconditions. All our crew leaderslove to get tools in their hands -at least most of the time - that’sprobably the main reason theysigned on, but if they’re workingwith an inexperienced crew,they’ll probably only use the toolsto demonstrate proper technique,or to lean on while they watchtheir crew’s progress!

End of Day

People’s energy level usuallyruns down later in the afternoon.As things slow down, the crew

Calflora (www.calfora.org) is acomprehensive database of plantdistribution information for Cali-fornia. The database is a collabo-rative project of USDA ForestService, the UC Berkeley DigitalLibrary Project, the United StatesGeological Survey, the UC DavisInformation Center for the Envi-ronment, the Santa BarbaraBotanic Garden, and others. Itfeatures three databases: a spe-cies database, an occurrencedatabase, and a nomenclaturedatabase. The species database issearchable by common andscientific names, as well as by

The Calflora database needsyour help to fill out the databaseof California plants. As of Janu-ary 10, 2002, they

� have 23,488 photos of3,543 California plants (46%)

� need photos for 4,117additional plants (54%).

They hope to add at least 202additional species by May 2002.They would also like additionalphotos that show all parts of aplant and the variation withinspecies. They are especiallylooking for photos of diagnostic(key) characters that help toidentify species.

Photographers Needed to Document California PlantsPhotographers Needed to Document California PlantsPhotographers Needed to Document California PlantsPhotographers Needed to Document California PlantsPhotographers Needed to Document California Plants

So YSo YSo YSo YSo You Wou Wou Wou Wou Want to Becomeant to Becomeant to Becomeant to Becomeant to BecomeA CrA CrA CrA CrA Crew Leaderew Leaderew Leaderew Leaderew Leader...............

You, too, could join the ranks!We’re planning to hold a trainingseminar in September, perhaps inconjunction with San Mateo Parks& Recreation’s volunteer program.The seminar will be free to TrailCenter members and volunteers,and includes a copy of our CrewLeader Training Manual for allparticipants (also available for a$20 donation to the Trail Center),and our nifty trainee bandana. Inthe meantime, new trainees havejoined the apprenticeship programand are actively checking offtheir lists. We expect to graduateseveral of our current trainees inthe coming months.

Let us know if you’d like tobecome a part of this great pro-gram by contacting our OutreachCoordinator, Amy Morris:[email protected], or byleaving a message at (650) 968-7065.

When I first began trail runningon area trails twelve years ago Irarely encountered any otherrunners. Hikers gave surprisedglances and made startled excla-mations when I came upon them.Now our open space preservesand county parks are heavilyused, not only by hikers, but alsoby cyclists; nonetheless, I stillseldom see other runners on thetrails. Why do I choose to run(rather than hike or bike) ourlocal trails? I do it because itallows me to travel our varied andbeautiful natural areas at a pacethat lets me see the landscapeand its inhabitants. I do it be-cause I can cover a lot of distancewithout combatting auto trafficand fumes. I do it because thetrails, although more heavily usedthan they were a decade ago, are

still a place of relative solitudewhere I can clear my mind ofday-to-day cares. And as a run-ner, I believe there is no betterplace to train (for endurance,strength, and agility) than on thehilly trails through our parks andpreserves.

If you are tempted to try trailrunning as a way to see newareas or as a way to improveyour fitness, I have outlined twoof my favorite nearby courses thatyou may enjoy. There are manyother possibilities, of course, but Ihave chosen these examplesbecause they are entirely withpreserve boundaries so you neednot run along any roadways tocomplete them.

Purisima Creek Red-Purisima Creek Red-Purisima Creek Red-Purisima Creek Red-Purisima Creek Red-wood OSPwood OSPwood OSPwood OSPwood OSP

Purisima Creek Redwood OSPhas a small parking area onHiggins Purisima Road, whichintersects Hwy 1 about one milesouth of Half Moon Bay. Thesedays I begin my runs from thetrailhead at this parking lot.From here, on the lowest edge ofthe preserve, all the trails gouphill towards Skyline Boulevard.First I cross the bridge overPurisima Creek and follow theWhittemore Gulch Trail, whichwinds steeply up through theredwoods. It is always cool anddamp through this area, so watchfor banana slugs and slipperymuddy patches, especially in thewinter months. After about two

miles thetrail risesout of theredwoodsandswitchbacksup thegrassyhillside.Along thisopenstretch, iftheweather isclear, Ihave gor-geous viewsof the tree-coveredmountainridges andgrassyvalleys that

Fleet FFleet FFleet FFleet FFleet Feet on Redweet on Redweet on Redweet on Redweet on Redwood and Coastside Tood and Coastside Tood and Coastside Tood and Coastside Tood and Coastside TrailsrailsrailsrailsrailsBy Lenore Studt


reach toward the sea. In thisarea, I have often seen flocks ofquail and once or twice a bobcat.Soon the trail ends at its intersec-tion with the North Ridge Trail. Irun along the North Ridge Trail,once again under the cover oftrees and in approximately halfmile I come to the junction withthe Harkins Ridge Trail. I headsouth on this trail, which de-scends briefly before climbingback to about 1500 feet. At thisbeautiful vista point, I like topause and enjoy the spectacularviews of the valley and coastlinebelow. This stop also gives me anopportunity to decide how tocomplete my run.

a. For a shorter route, I con-tinue down this steep trail, whichis more of a fire road, descendingquickly back towards PurisimaCreek. Much of this part of theloop is so steep that I find I mustwalk or scrabble down, so becareful! The trail follows thecreek for about the last one-halfmile and then I am back at thebridge and heading for the park-ing lot. (Approx. total distance:6.5 miles. Approx. elevationchange: 1200 feet.)

b. For a significantlymore challenging andlonger run, I followHarkins Ridge Trailonly to its junctionwith the Soda GulchTrail (about 0.3miles). On Soda GulchTrail (part of the BayArea Ridge Trail) Idescend much moregradually, firstthrough open scrub,tanoak and madrone,then into Soda Gulchand its lush growth ofredwoods. The trailrolls gently, but it is

narrow and partially washed outin some areas. Watch your foot-ing! In about 2.5 miles the trailintersects the Purisima CreekTrail, probably the most populartrails in the preserve. Here Ibegin the final leg of my loop,which often feels much longerthan it actually is (about 2.3miles). The trail simply followsthe creek down its gulch withbeautiful redwoods and fern-covered banks. I return to thetrailhead and am back to theparking lot in no time. (Approx.total distance: 8 miles. Approx.elevation change: 1500 ft.)

Note: Both courses leave fromthe western boundary of thepreserve, but both could easily beadapted if you prefer to beginfrom the Hwy 35 parking area(4.5 miles south of Hwy. 92).Maps are usually available at bothtrailheads.

McNee Ranch StateMcNee Ranch StateMcNee Ranch StateMcNee Ranch StateMcNee Ranch StateParkParkParkParkPark

Lately, I have begun exploringMcNee Ranch State Park north of

Half Moon Bay. The main trailshere are actually old roads thatswitchback slowly up and overMontara Mountain. Except forthe occasional grove of cypressthe mountain landscape is coastalscrub and consequently it is veryexposed. This exposure makes forsome exquisite vistas of thePacific Ocean and beaches below,but it also can lead to changeableweather conditions. Come pre-pared for very cool, wet fog, andbreezes, or alternatively lots ofdirect sun. Because none of theroads or trails are marked Irecommend that you save thisarea for a day when you havetime to investigate the side trailsand turn back at the dead ends.To access this area, park at thesmall, unmarked gate (just pastMontara State Beach) on the eastside of Hwy. 1, or park in thestate beach parking lot and crossthe highway carefully. Throughthe gate, follow the road to theranger’s residence. From there Ilike to run up the graduallyclimbing Old San Pedro Road tothe mountain’s top and simplyreturn the same way. I think thatif you try trail running you willfind the perfect mix: an opportu-nity to experience the naturalworld up close and a terrificworkout. If the hikes above sounddaunting, try your favorite hikingroute, but run some of it instead.If you do go, always be sure tocarry adequate water. Have agreat run!

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The view along Harkins Ridge Trailphoto by Geoffrey Skinner

The Sierra Club and Friends of Castle Rock StatePark are currently suing the California Departmentof Parks and Recreation over the Department’sapproval last year of the Castle Rock State ParkGeneral Plan. The Club is concerned that the CastleRock General Plan does little to provide for respon-sible recreation and overlooks many legal provisionsto protect biological resources.

Castle Rock has one of the last remaining blackoak forests on public lands in the Santa Cruz Moun-tains, but the approved plan focuses the park’scamping, parking, and visitor center in and aroundthis precious resource. Firewood brought into thecamping area and traffic to the campground couldeasily spread sudden oak death, weeds, and otherdangers to the black oak forest.

The Sierra Club and FOCRSP urge you to write aletter today urging State Parks to settle this lawsuitout of court and practice responsible stewardship.The outcome of this action will be of great signifi-cance to the planning process now underway formany other state parks.

Address your letter to Acting State Parks DirectorRuth Coleman with a copy to Assembly Speaker proTem Fred Keeley:

Ruth Coleman, Acting Director, Department ofParks & Recreation, P.O. Box 942896, Sacramento,CA 94296-0001, phone: (916) 653-8380, fax:(916) 657-3903, email: [email protected].

Fred Keeley, California State Assembly Speaker proTem, State Capitol Sacramento, CA 95814, (916)319-2027 (tel), (916) 319-2127 (fax), [email protected]

The Nature Conservancy, 201 Mission Street, 4thfloor, San Francisco, CA 94105, Attn: Kathy Barnes.

RHAA, 225 Miller Ave., Mill Valley, CA 94941,email: [email protected].

Key points to make in your letters

� Urge the state to negotiate in good faith andsettle the suit out of court.

� Modern science mandates that General Planslook beyond park boundaries to consider the ecologi-cal context of the park. State Parks needs a regionalplan that informs the conservation and stewardshippriorities for each park.

� Because State Parks is strapped for financesfor adequate staffing and expertise, they need aTechnical Advisory Committee for science planningto advise on biological resource issues.

� Resource protection should be paramount instate park management.

� Ask for increased ranger staffing to preventpoaching of trees, construction of unauthorizedtrails or other activities that are damaging to natu-ral resources.

� Relocate high impact activities such ascampgrounds and food vendors from biologicallysensitive areas of the parks to less sensitive areas.In particular, the black oak forest at Castle Rockand the old growth redwoods in Big Basin arecompromised by intense uses.

� Ask to be put on the mailing list to be notifiedof upcoming meetings about the general plans.

To learn more, contact:

Grey Hayes, Sierra Club California State ParksCommittee, (831) 426-3880, email:[email protected].

Sandy Henn for information on the Nisene MarksGeneral Plan, (831) 662-2843, email:[email protected].

Citizens for the Preservation of Nisene MarksState Park, (831) 662-2843, email:[email protected].

The Campaign for Castle Rock State ParkThe Campaign for Castle Rock State ParkThe Campaign for Castle Rock State ParkThe Campaign for Castle Rock State ParkThe Campaign for Castle Rock State Park


"The Land" Lives On: Exploring the Heritage ofthe Monte Bello Open Space Preserve, The Horse:High vs. Low Impact User, and a review of Bay Areahiking guides

Summer 2002Summer 2002Summer 2002Summer 2002Summer 2002Wild Food & Trail Food: Nuts, berries and gorp --

what we like to eat along the trail, including hikingfoods, recipes, recommendations and packing"green."

…as well as news of Trail Center events, parknews, and new literary works.

We’re always looking for contributions to thenewsletter — trail and park issues, hike/bike/ridedescriptions, book reviews, volunteer opportunities,and literary works (poetry or prose) on wilderness,the outdoors and human-powered outdoor recreation(and you needn’t be restricted by the issue theme).

Become a Member and Support Trails in the San Francisco Bay Area

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email:_______________________________

Here is my Annual Membership Fee:

__ $25 Individual __ $100 Sustaining

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I Would Like to Volunteer:

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Please return to :

Trail Center

3921 East Bayshore Road

Palo Alto, CA 94303

Articles may be up to 250 words in length (featurearticles may be longer). We may also be interestedin reprinting or adapting articles published else-where in print or linking to articles publishedelectronically. See our website or inquire for fullguidelines.

Deadlines for upcoming issues:

Spring 2002: Friday, April 5

Summer 2002: Friday, June 7

Submit literary works or questions to GeoffreySkinner, Literary Editor, c/o of the Trail Center orby email, [email protected]; all others, to ScottHeeschen, Trail Companion Editor, c/o the TrailCenter or by email, [email protected].

Coming up…Coming up…Coming up…Coming up…Coming up…

Spring 2002Spring 2002Spring 2002Spring 2002Spring 2002

Upcoming EventsUpcoming EventsUpcoming EventsUpcoming EventsUpcoming EventsAt Arastradero Preserve in Palo AltoAt Arastradero Preserve in Palo AltoAt Arastradero Preserve in Palo AltoAt Arastradero Preserve in Palo AltoAt Arastradero Preserve in Palo Alto

April 21, 2002April 21, 2002April 21, 2002April 21, 2002April 21, 2002 - Sunday - Earth Day- Sunday - Earth Day- Sunday - Earth Day- Sunday - Earth Day- Sunday - Earth DayMay 11, 2002May 11, 2002May 11, 2002May 11, 2002May 11, 2002 - Saturday- Saturday- Saturday- Saturday- Saturday

At the Field Research Station at Gazos CreekAt the Field Research Station at Gazos CreekAt the Field Research Station at Gazos CreekAt the Field Research Station at Gazos CreekAt the Field Research Station at Gazos Creek

June 1, 2002June 1, 2002June 1, 2002June 1, 2002June 1, 2002 - Saturday - National T- Saturday - National T- Saturday - National T- Saturday - National T- Saturday - National Trails Dayrails Dayrails Dayrails Dayrails DayJuly 13, 2002July 13, 2002July 13, 2002July 13, 2002July 13, 2002 - Saturday- Saturday- Saturday- Saturday- SaturdayAug 10, 2002Aug 10, 2002Aug 10, 2002Aug 10, 2002Aug 10, 2002 - Saturday- Saturday- Saturday- Saturday- Saturday

Call (650) 968-7065 for dirCall (650) 968-7065 for dirCall (650) 968-7065 for dirCall (650) 968-7065 for dirCall (650) 968-7065 for directions and check our wections and check our wections and check our wections and check our wections and check our website for further inforebsite for further inforebsite for further inforebsite for further inforebsite for further infor-----mation: wwwmation: wwwmation: wwwmation: wwwmation: www.trailcenter.trailcenter.trailcenter.trailcenter.trailcenter.or.or.or.or.orggggg

Not rNot rNot rNot rNot receiving our email newslettereceiving our email newslettereceiving our email newslettereceiving our email newslettereceiving our email newsletter, , , , , TTTTTrail Center News & Upcoming Evrail Center News & Upcoming Evrail Center News & Upcoming Evrail Center News & Upcoming Evrail Center News & Upcoming Eventsentsentsentsents, yet? Y, yet? Y, yet? Y, yet? Y, yet? You’rou’rou’rou’rou’re missing out on the moste missing out on the moste missing out on the moste missing out on the moste missing out on the mostcurrent announcements, news and alerts. Email current announcements, news and alerts. Email current announcements, news and alerts. Email current announcements, news and alerts. Email current announcements, news and alerts. Email [email protected]@[email protected]@[email protected] to sign up today! to sign up today! to sign up today! to sign up today! to sign up today!

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