Editor's Note: the following information was obtained from cityofsanmateo.org.
The climb to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain, one of San Mateo’s last undeveloped natural resources, will soon become a lot more enjoyable.
In November 2011, three avid hikers and community volunteers including: Tom Morse, Jay Michlin and Marilyn Stockdale Green, approached the City about building a hiking trail to the top of Sugarloaf in one of the areas identified in the Sugarloaf Mountain Master Plan with volunteer labor provided by the Trail Center, a non-profit organization that provides care, maintenance and restoration of trails throughout San Mateo County.
The three worked closely with Parks & Recreation Director Sheila Canzian and Landscape Architect Dennis Frank to determine the best route and the project was approved by the Parks and Recreation Department in January 2013. Volunteer efforts to construct the trail immediately followed.
In February, 34 volunteers attended the first work day and began clearing and building the first stretch of the trail. On March 16 a second workday was held and another enthusiastic group of volunteers continued the work. The next work day is scheduled for June 29. The trail is scheduled to open this fall and will give hikers much better access to one of the best vista points on the mid-Peninsula.
Once complete, the trail will eliminate many steep, narrow use trails and result in a path to the top that is more friendly and inviting to hikers. The new route is approximately 0.4 of a mile long to gain 320 feet in elevation. Forty-six new steps, constructed by Morse, mark the entry way to the trail. It will be built to state and national park trail standards with a wide comfortable grade. The Trail Center and their volunteers pay special attention to proper banking and erosion control.
Community volunteers have generously given their time and energy to complete this project. Approximately 54 volunteers have participated in the two work days and have contributed 415 hours in volunteer labor.
“It’s a rewarding experience to see the trail come to fruition”, says Marilyn Stockdale Green, Project Lead and Trail Center Board Member, “Our volunteers are really enjoying this start-to-finish trail building experience and giving back to the community. And we have received a lot of support and gratifying comments from the community while working on the new trail.”
Join in on June 29!
To participate in the next work day on June 29 please visit www.trailcenter.org. Trail Center representatives and crew leaders will train volunteers and provide the necessary equipment.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
