Father’s Day and San Mateo County Parks
by Jorge Laguna
When I was a kid growing up in the San Mateo Highlands, some of my most vivid memories were of my parents taking me to local parks and open spaces in the area. My family spent many afternoons walking Sawyer Camp Trail, investigating sea creatures at low tide at Fitzgerald Marine Reserve and camping overnight at Memorial Park. We’d picnic, hike, or just enjoy nature- parks were a fantastic refuge from the day to day of our normal lives. As a young child, these were amazing opportunities to learn new things and have freedom that I didn’t have in the classroom or at home. Looking back on it some of my best times growing up were exploring nature, and I feel fortunate to have had the chance to experience this at an early age.
New rules coming to the aid of Tunitas Creek Beach
Tunitas Creek is a 6.6-mile-long stream that flows to the ocean through Tunitas Beach. Tunitas Creek Beach is a beautiful stretch of the California coast located just north of San Gregorio and Highway 84. Four sensitive habitat areas come together at this site, including the riparian corridor, sand dunes, marine habitat and habitats supporting rare, endangered and unique species, such as the coastal marsh milkvetch.
The beach, however, is under stress from unregulated human activity, prompting the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors to take steps to ensure the safety of visitors while reducing impacts to the natural environment and neighboring community. At their June 6 meeting, the Board introduced an ordinance that aims to curb harmful behavior that puts people, wildlife and sensitive habitat at risk.
SUBSCRIBE TO STAY INFORMED
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.