The San Francisco Bay Area contains many public open spaces managed by a number of organizations including State Parks, County parks, the Mid Peninsula Open Space District, Golden Gate National Recreation Area (National Park Service), and parks run by city governments. These parks cover over 50,000 acres of open space and also contain an additional 65,000 restricted or closed protected acres in San Mateo County [1].

These spaces are important both for personal renewal and for preserving natural ecosystems. Many of these parks protect watersheds, feeding into streams and reservoirs that we use for raising crops and drinking water. They provide cover and habitat for a large variety of plants and animals which keep the ecosystem healthy by recycling water and nutrients and keeping animal populations in check.

Many open space parks contain trails for hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians. There are also regional trails that span the open spaces, or run along the edges of private property, such as the Bay Area Ridge Trail, the San Francisco Bay Trail, and the California Coastal Trail, which pass through San Mateo County. A hike, bike, or ride through our open space is good exercise in fresh air. Being outdoors in a natural setting is renewing for many people - watching trees and clouds, chipmunks and deer, all working out their daily lives independently of us.

Trails need building and maintenance, and many parks and open spaces rely on volunteers to help. Trail work can be hard, but very rewarding. Volunteers are usually needed one day at a time, though occasionally there are multi-day projects. It’s easy to volunteer, and tools, water, food are all provided. You just have to show up and be willing to pitch in.

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