Project: Sugarloaf Mountain Open Space - City of San Mateo
Photo Album: 1801-06 Sugarloaf Mtn
The Trail Center started 2018 with a bang at Sugarloaf park (Laurelwood Park) in San Mateo.. We had about 40 volunteers show up on a beautiful winter day to continue constructing the new “Segment 3” trail at Sugarloaf. This new trail will connect the Amphitheater Trail that we built a couple years ago with a major trail junction on the south-central side of the park. This was our third workday here, following a poison oak removal day and regular workday both in September. We split into 4 crews to handle the large number of volunteers. We had a few crewleader trainees on hand to continue their apprenticeship towards becoming full-fledged crew leaders. Big thanks goes to the crew leading pairings of Lisa and George, Aaron and Karl, Hank and Eva, and Judd and Lianna. The trainees all did a wonderful job guiding their crews to create magnificent new trail.
Lianna and Judd tackled the most involved section that included about 100 feet of trail construction from scratch over fairly difficult conditions. The enthusiastic crew was able to nearly finish their section with the help of a few folks from other crews at the end of the day. This crew worked the uppermost section of the new trail that is within 100 feet of the existing Amphitheater Trail. Steep banks and clay were among just a few issues they had to deal with.
The crew just below was expertly led by Eva and Hank. Their crew not only finished the section of trail between the two switchbacks and built the lower switchback (including retaining structures), but they were also able to build—unexpectedly—the upper switchback and approaches. With just a few finishing touches, this whole section will be complete.
Karl and Aaron led the crews just below. This crew worked quickly to finish the trail all the way from the lower switchback to the crossing of the illegal bike trail. Impressively, they also built 3 drain dips along the way. A combination of Eva’s and Karl’s crews also started the process of closing off the illegal bike trail. They hauled large logs and a lot of cut brush to block the route, as well as building a few drainage structures on the old trail to help keep it from eroding even more severely than it already is.
Last but not least, the lowest crew led by George and Lisa expertly completed the trail from the illegal bike trail into the gully and all the way out to the proposed retaining wall. Not only that, but they also had time to start widening another 75 foot section of trail beyond the retaining wall.
As usual, the day concluded with fine refreshments delivered by Larry and a lively social hour. Thanks also goes to Judd who towed the tool trailer to the event. We were also able to award Trail Center shirts to 3 more volunteers: Tim, Lucy, and Melissa. The long-sleeved wicking shirts are only awarded to volunteers that attend at least 8 trail events, so these folks should be commended on their continued commitment to local trails and the Trail Center. The next time you see them, make sure you congratulate them on their accomplishment.
With a decent turn out of volunteers in April, we should have no problem cutting a ribbon to signify opening the new trail officially to hikers. I encourage you all to come out on April 21 to join the celebration and fun.
Dave Croker
January 22, 2018