FRIENDS OF EDGEWOOD NATURAL PRESERVE

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In the last Explorer, I introduced our mapping project. Since then, we’ve made lots of exciting progress.

First, we’ve anointed our project EGIS, for Edgewood GIS. Recall that GIS is the industry acronym for a Geographic Information System.

Toni Corelli (center) trains mapping volunteers

Objective

Our objective is to produce a resource mapping system to enhance the ability of Edgewood’s managers and stakeholders to manage Edgewood’s resources effectively.

Our project got a big boost in April when ESRI (the largest vendor of GIS software) granted us software, books, and training valued at around $10,000.

Thanks to the San Mateo County Weed Management Area and the Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society, both of whom lent us Trimble GeoExplorer 3 GPS units, we trained 24 volunteers in mapping procedures at Edgewood in April. We’ve begun mapping by focusing on trails and man-made artifacts like culverts and kiosks. Shortly we’ll begin mapping plant communities, both native and non-native.

Applying the data collected in the field from these GPS units to our GIS software, I’ve been able to produce some preliminary maps that demonstrate our potential. See page 5.

Preliminary maps produced by EGIS volunteers

Another Grant Received!!!

In May the San Mateo County Parks Foundation granted us $5,000 to purchase our own GPS (Global Positioning System) unit. This is great news and to show its gratitude, the Friends of Edgewood has committed to raise $1,500 to donate back to the Foundation to offset the grant.

Our project is off to a terrific start, and we expect to stay on plan to produce a prototype operational system by the end of this year. The data that we produce will be made available to all stakeholders.

We are asking FoE members to show their support for this project by helping us raise the $1,500 to partially repay the Parks Foundation for their generous grant. Please send your tax-deductible donation directly to the San Mateo County Parks and Recreation Foundation, 215 Bay Road, Menlo Park, CA 94025, or contact Julia Bott, the Executive Director, at (650) 321-5812 or julia@supportparks.org. Make sure to mark EGIS on your donation.

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.