Project: Sam McDonald Park
Photo Album: Sam McDonald Photos
Crew members were Dave K, Larry, Paul, Mark and Rich.
On Saturday, October 9, we returned to continue the work begun on September 11 on San Mateo County Sam McDonald Park’s historic and extremely popular Heritage Grove Trail. This park was deeded to the county by the turn of 19th Century landholder, a former groundskeeper for Stanford University, and is perhaps one of only two non-urban parks named after an African American Californian.
The weather was perfect for trail work. 65 degrees, clear skies, and no wind. The entire trail was well shaded, and the soil was easily workable, consisting of a good mix of organic duff and mineral underlay.
We staged the 17 volunteers (including Trail Center crew leaders) at the Sam McDonald parking lot. They were then shuttled to the Alpine Road trailhead where the Trail Center trailer awaited. SMCP supplied the lumber, milled and drilled, and foundation stakes.
Hank’s crew started the day with a brisk climb up to the Hiker’s Hut. They took in the panoramic view of the Pescadero Creek watershed before doing general trail maintenance from the Hut down to Milepost 30 and down Heritage Grove Trail. Specifically, they cleaned out and refurbished existing drains, removed in-trail roots balls and filled in the holes, removed overhanging branches and debris around the small (“Hiker’s Only”) access gate, and repaired a switchback. Few Trail Center crews have ever covered so much distance (over a mile!) with such a remarkable result.
Trail Center resumed the demolition and replacement of rotting half-century old staircases, an effort begun on the September 11 workday. The new staircases consist of 8x8 redwood timber steps, expected to last another half-century.
Judd’s crew installed 4 more steps on a particularly steep, narrow, and technically challenging portion immediately above Milepost 24. While this satisfied the original scope of work at this location, Judd judged that an additional 5 steps would greatly enhance the hiker’s experience. After he conferred with the other Trail Center crew leaders, all agreed that this is a good candidate for future work.
Dave C’s crew mobilized farther up the trail where they demolished yet another decaying staircase and replaced it with 10 new steps, completing all work at this spot.
Additional work included the installation of a new retaining wall by Dave’s crew and a repair of the narrow footbridge by Judd’s crew.
Remaining work, yet to be scheduled, includes the 5 additional steps recommended by Judd, permanent fastening of the retaining wall timber to the foundation stakes, and improvements to the narrow footbridge.
Thanks to Dave V for providing materials, Dave C for driving the trailer, crew leaders, Kathy and Larry for coordinating our glorious volunteers and, of course, our glorious volunteers for committing a beautiful Saturday to the benefit of the trail and its hikers..
