Project: Purisima Creek Redwoods
Photo Album: Purisima Redwoods Photos
Purisima Creek Redwoods – Redwood Trail
Trail Center Work Day Report
January 11, 2020
On Saturday, January 11, we returned to Midpeninsula Regional OSD’s Purisima Creek Redwood Open Space Preserve, this time to work on Redwood Trail. This 0.3 mile long path is one of MidPen’s five easy-access hiking trails, suitable for visitors of all physical abilities, and the only one in a redwood forest. By brushing, raking, repairing drains, and restoring the wheelchair accessible picnic areas, the Trail Center made this path once again fully accessible. The Trail Center was thrilled to participate in this important work, and its crews brought this enthusiasm to Saturday’s workday.
The weather was foggy to partly cloudy, with typical winter temperatures in the high 40’ to mid 50’s. The trail tread is a mix of organic and clay soil, largely saturated after recent rains. The work area was completely under redwood and Douglas tree shade except at the partially sunny picnic areas. Our 25 volunteers included both experienced hands and three first time volunteers.
We staged the trailer and volunteers in the Skyline Blvd pullout area immediately before the trailhead. Ranger Brendan Dolan provided expert supervision as well as several types of rakes specifically suited for the project. Work began immediately at the parking area and continued north for the entire length of the trail.
Each of the four crews restored one picnic area and cleared duff and organic debris off the trail tread. Karl’s crew also concentrated on clearing the handicap accessible parking area and on digging out and removing an extensive network of tree roots impeding the path. Volunteers under Hank’s guidance did yeoman’s work restoring the tread width along their section, finishing early enough to assist other crews. Helen’s crew had a busy day uprooting and bagging invasive non-native ivy and clearing drains and culverts at and near the midpoint restrooms. Judd and the Paly bunch removed a fallen log that had previously obscured the M. Betty Williams Memorial Grove before hiking to San Mateo County’s Huddart Park where they added two badly needed drains at the junction of Skyline and Richards Road Trails.
The original project scope included laying down base rock at various locations where needed. The Trail Center looks forward to returning to Redwood Trail later this spring, after the trail tread is sufficiently dry, to complete this work. The Trail Center Projects Committee will coordinate with the MidPen rangers to plan this final phase.
Thanks to Judd for driving the trailer, to Kathy for coordinating and signing in the volunteers at the beginning of the day, and to Larry for catering the snacks and beverages at the end of the day.
Bill Farrell