Project: Pomponio Trail
Photo Album: Pomponio Trail Photos
On Saturday, May 11, we returned to San Mateo County’s Memorial Park’s recently reopened Pomponio Trail to continue the work begun on October 13, 2018. The Trail Center was thrilled to participate in this important work, and its crews brought this enthusiasm to Saturday’s workday. The SMCP rangers were delighted for the trail to receive much needed TLC just before Mother’s Day, the traditional beginning of the park’s peak season.
The weather was clear, with unexpectedly warm temperatures in the low 80’s by workday’s end. The trail tread is a mix of organic, sandy, sandstone soil, nicely workable after last season’s rains. That same rain brought significant overgrowth onto the trail, poison oak flowering everywhere, and even a rattlesnake! While occasionally shaded by Douglas fir trees, the work area was mostly exposed to full sun. Our 34 volunteers, including 9 staff and crew, were a largely seasoned crew plus a few VERY energetic first time volunteers.
As before, we staged the trailer and volunteers in the pull-out area immediately before the park entrance kiosk. Dave C got a head start on the group Friday afternoon, hitching a ride from Ranger Brian to the western end of Pomponio Trail, and Tom Morse joined Dave early Saturday morning. Both wielded the Shindaiwa weed-whackers like skilled samurai warriors to clear a path through the underbrush. In their wake, the volunteers hiked in two miles (and several hundred feet elevation gain) via the Mt Ellen trail network.
Lisa and Karl’s crew began at the most remote western end. They quickly repaired winter damage on the previously worked section before advancing on hundreds of yards of brushing, benching, tread width restoration.
Hank’s crew had the best opportunity to work on their suntans. Entirely in full sun, they brushed, benched, stumped, and proved no match for the abundant holly and coyote brush.
Judd lead the Palo Alto High seniors on the next section. An experienced and tireless crew, they expertly rerouted and flattened a previous impossibly steep section. Their work was nothing short of artistry. Most dramatic was when they flushed out an adolescent rattlesnake (far more dangerous than the shyer, more sensibly discrete adults). Happily, the viper and the volunteers all lived to tell the tale. Who could asp for more?
One would be stumped to find a crew to rival Woody’s for removing madrone and ceanothus roots. They also performed unscheduled (but needed and welcomed) log-out of winter blow-down on the Mt Ellen trail approach.
The Trail Center looks forward to returning to Pomponio Trail, possibly later this Fall, to complete the portion between Flag 15 and the Mt Ellen trail network. The Trail Center Projects Committee will coordinate with the Memorial Park rangers to plan this next phase.
Thanks to Judd for driving the tool trailer, to Kathy for coordinating and signing in our glorious volunteers, and to Larry for catering the snacks and beverages at the end of the day. Special thanks to Ranger Dave Vasquez for his assistance in coordinating the work and for graciously offering and preparing the beautiful Huckleberry Flat area for the Trail Center Friday night campers.
Bill Farrell
5/14/2019