FRIENDS OF EDGEWOOD NATURAL PRESERVE

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In the wake of September 11, 2001, we’ve heard ourselves and others say, “the World has changed,” and we often add what that means to our families, communities and institutions. I’ve been wondering what it means to Edgewood. What would the spirit of the place have to say about terrorism’s new place in our lives? What worries and fears would Edgewood experience?

Here’s my speculation: On one level, Edgewood would look back on its multi-million year life and simply shrug. The spirit would remember virtually all of the recorded history of the human race; the incredible pain, suffering, calamity and heroism that each era entailed, and conclude that to be human is to live in continuous tension between evil and good.

On another level, Edgewood will be fearful of what the humans might do this time to degrade the environment in the name of security or national interests. And on a different level, Edgewood may feel an increased hope that the current humans who visit her will be better nurtured by her and she, in turn, more appreciated by them. She may hope that they will find new affirmation in the meaning in their stewardship work, and that the community around her will be inspired anew to preserve and protect Edgewood.

In December 2000 I was invited to make a presentation to the San Mateo County Parks and Recreation Commission, for the purpose of sharing who the Friends are and what it is we do. It was a good opportunity to do a thorough report on our challenges, activities and accomplishments. The presentation was structured into two elements of stewardship: Preserve (via education and management) and Protect (acting against threats) Edgewood. The Commission seemed genuinely impressed with the range of activities going on in Edgewood and with the many volunteer opportunities available. They commended the Friends for their efforts and results and especially for the collaborative relationships between the Parks and Recreation staff and the Friends. We were urged to continue our fine work and to ask them for help as future challenges emerge. A subsequent staff report indicated that Edgewood benefited from 6,900 volunteer hours in 2000 – 30% of all volunteer work across the entire County park system!

Indeed, we have continued our work and 2001 has been another full year in Edgewood. As we acknowledge the 8 years since the Friends of Edgewood came into existence, there are many critical projects under way and several meaningful milestones realized. Highlights:

• Roger Myers decided to move to Montana, but not before we bestowed him with the 2001 “Best Friend” award. We will miss him and his commitment to Edgewood.
• The Edgewood Weed Management Program is now in its third year of operation, and it has been quite successful in the war against Yellow-star thistle again this year. We’re on pace to match the 2000+ hours of weeding that we accomplished in 2000.
• One of the important things we do as an organization is build on – and celebrate – past efforts and successes. So, in 2001, Elly Hess was honored by the Friends for her pioneering work in weed control, and a small section in the northwestern corner of Edgewood will be known informally to all future weeders as “Elly’s Meadow”.
• The Friends were an active player in the formation of the San Mateo County Weed Management Area. Edgewood was the first recipient of state grant funds - $6,000 was received and used to expand the annual control mowing from 5 acres to 12 acres.
• Susan Sommers and The Friends were one of five recipients of the “Sustainable San Mateo County” award (see page 1 of this issue).
• The Docent Program had a successful year, utilizing 60 active docents to lead 52 walks with over 500 participants.
• The Schools Outreach Program has engaged a few schools in some rewarding experiments involving in-class learning and Preserve walks. We think that 2002 will be a pivotal year, as we work to establish an Edgewood-specific curriculum and new partnerships in the educational community.
• The proposed Edgewood Interpretive Center is now a funded County project, thanks in part to the generous donations last winter from our membership. Of the $15,000 raised to begin the planning phase of the project, $6,800 came from the Friends. A consulting firm will begin their work early in 2002.
• Beginning in July, the County’s budget now includes funds for a third full-time ranger at Edgewood. Susy Boyd joined Ricardo Trejo and Ric Munds in August. Her presence in Edgewood is the culmination of several years of advocacy by the Friends and other parks support groups to increase staffing in the County’s sensitive facilities.

As we look to 2002, the answer to your question, “What can I do?” is: Continue your generous financial support to this California Benefit Corporation; keep your awareness of Edgewood activities up (via the Explorer and our web site); and – get involved! We need a few of your hours to help sustain this fine organization, so that the spirit of Edgewood remains hopeful.

Send mail to wm at this domain with questions or comments about this web site. Copyright © 1999 - 2008 Friends of Edgewood Natural Preserve. Last modified: January 20, 2008.