Q&A with SMC Parks’ Bilingual Community Engagement Intern, Raquel Henriquez
Raquel Henriquez has been San Mateo County Parks’ Bilingual Community Engagement Intern for the last year. In this role, Raquel works with the communities around Flood and Friendship County Parks to improve the interpretive elements of the parks and provide programming and outreach opportunities. Raquel has been the primary point of contact for Friendship Park’s community gardeners, facilitating regular on-site educational opportunities. Raquel recently sat down with the Parks Foundation for a Q&A as she gets ready to move on to her next big thing after this internship opportunity wraps up.
Tree Plaques Unveiled at San Pedro Valley Park
On a recent fall afternoon, an inspiring community-based project was unveiled at San Pedro Valley Park – ten artistically designed tree identification plaques, each telling the story of a different native or notable tree species. This unique collaboration between the San Pedro Valley Park nature journaling group and San Mateo County Parks staff has taken signage beyond simple species identification, revealing details about the trees’ habitats and distinctive features. You’ll discover the majestic Coast Redwood, the hardy Coast Live Oak, and eight other species that call this park home.
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SAN MATEO COUNTY PARKS FOUNDATION
General Information
The San Mateo County Parks Foundation was established in 1998 to provide additional financial support for the recreational, environmental and educational programs and projects of the San Mateo County Department of Parks. The Foundation is governed by a volunteer board of directors and has a small staff.
The Foundation seeks grants and contributions from individuals, foundations and businesses. Recognition of gifts is done in accordance with the county's approved donor recognition guidelines. The Foundation does not manage the projects directly. The San Mateo County Department of Parks is responsible for the design, permitting, contracting and maintenance of the projects.
Mission Statement
The San Mateo County Parks Foundation inspires people to care for, learn about and enjoy our parks.
Land Acknowledgement
The San Mateo County Parks Foundation’s office is located on the ancestral homeland of the Ramaytush and Muwekma Ohlone peoples, the original inhabitants and land stewards of the San Francisco Peninsula. As guests, we recognize that we benefit from living, working and recreating here on their traditional homeland. We wish to pay our respects by acknowledging the ancestors, elders and future generations of caretakers of the Ohlone people.
Fundraising Priorities and Current Goals
In partnership with the San Mateo County Department of Parks, the Foundation raises funds to support projects, programs and volunteers for benefit parks and visitors.
We are committed to conserving and improving the quality of our county parks for current and future generations to enjoy.