Project: Russian Ridge
Photo Album: Russian Ridge Photos
Bay Area Ridge Trail Day at Russian Ridge
Work Day Report
November 2, 2019
The Russian Ridge Trail project, one of 14 sites participating in the Bay Area Ridge Trail service day, was held on November 2nd, 2019. About 38 volunteers, 4 Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District staff, and representatives from the Bay Area Ridge Trail Council and REI attended the event. The weather was sunny and warm and the air, of concern due to wildfires in the area, was clean enough that we did not have to cancel the event.
The project, as specified by Maintenance Supervisor Brendan Dolan (MROSD), was to repair or implement drains along a 1/2 mile stretch of trail ending near the Vista parking area and to fix the tread where erosion had produced gullies, multiple tracks, inside ditches and other tread defects.
The challenge that faced the volunteers was cement-hard soil conditions (no rain prior to the workday) and the repetitive nature of the tasks of building and cleaning drains and repairing tread throughout the entire day. Despite these obstacles, the volunteers came through and completed all the work items on the project sheet. The objectives that Ranger Brendan outlined were completely fulfilled. And, thanks to some water-tank mules supplied and run by MROSD, many of the drains and repair spots were moistened sufficiently that the dirt should hold until the arrival of the next showers.
We couldn't have completed this project without the help and hard work of our 38 volunteers. Special thanks to our Trail Center crew leaders George Willis, Dave Croker, Karl Mosgofian, Judd Volino and William Farrell. Additionally, Kathy Diamond worked as volunteer coordinator, Larry Stites organized refreshments, and Judd Volino and Dave Croker managed the tool trailer.
Finally, the Trail Center wishes to thank MROSD for their help in organizing this event and for assistance with logistics and site preparation, Chipotle for lunch-time burritos and coupons, and REI for their sponsorship.
Respectfully submitted,
Hank Magnuski
Trail Boss
11/4/19