This family-friendly event is drawing more and more people who want to enjoy a relaxing summer evening with new friends to Coyote Point. There are three more Coyote Nights this summer, so don’t miss out!
One family rode their bikes over to Coyote Nights. Another brought a picnic dinner to enjoy in the park. One couple arrived from out of town and joined family members to celebrate their grandson’s birthday. Some people took advantage of the REI clinics while others just wanted to lay in a hammock listening to our DJ spin good tunes. All had a good time.
RSVP for the next Coyote Nights on August 3!
REI Co-op is our event co-sponsor and they have been working with us to create ‘trail-heads’ that introduce guests to new tools, ideas and activities in a low-key setting.
On July 6, we touched on the health benefits of spending time in the parks. Going for a hike or run in the parks is an obvious way to realize the health benefits of living so close to parks and trails. However, there are health benefits to slowing down too.
Forest-bathing, or as it is known in Japan, Shinrin-yoku, refers to soaking up the sights, smells and sounds of a natural setting to promote physiological and psychological health. The objective is to give one an opportunity to appreciate things that can only be seen or heard when one is moving slowly.
Here are some good spots to practice forest-bathing in San Mateo County Parks:
- Loma Mar Redwoods in Memorial County Park
- Heritage Grove, Sam McDonald County Park
- Peninsula AIDS Memorial Grove, Huddart Park
On July 20, we focused on technology and the outdoors. This included providing demos on two cool smartphone apps:
iNaturalist.org is a place where you can record what you see in nature, meet other nature lovers, and learn about the natural world. California Academy of Sciences is now the home for this endeavor.
Adventure Projects is a product designed by REI to help outdoor enthusiasts connect, share information and get out into the places where they love to play. Whether your passion is climbing mountains or running trails, you can find maps, inspiration, and your fellow outdoor lovers through one of their mobile apps.
This week on August 3, parks inspire art. Whether one is inspired to create rock art, poetry or watercolor paintings of landscapes, there is no doubt that nature is a great muse.
Here is a fun activity to do with your kids:
Land Art involves making art and sculptures using materials you find in nature, such as leaves, pine cones, twigs, pebbles and rocks.
Join us for one or more of the remaining Coyote Nights this summer on August 3, August 17 and August 31. We want you to be a part of our San Mateo County Parks family!