Stewardship Program Begins at Mt. Sutro

By Chris Schmidt

In November 1886, San Francisco Mayor Adolph Sutro celebrated the city's first Arbor Day with the planting of thousands of Bluegum Eucalyptus trees on the slopes of what was then called Mt. Parnassus.

Until his death two decades later, Sutro worked tirelessly atop his 904-foot-tall hill to build a world-class pleasure ground for the denizens of San Francisco. Hiking and picnicking citizens were encouraged to enjoy the open space, but they were also expected to maintain it.

Today, the hill is called Mt. Sutro, and the saplings planted 120 years ago have thrived alongside native low-lying brush and chaparral to become the Sutro Forest, now part of the Mt. Sutro Open Space Reserve.

The tradition of community stewardship started Sept. 2, when neighborhood volunteers climbed the steep inclines behind UCSF and helped restore a recently discovered trail that cuts across the bucolic expanse.

The program is the brainchild of businessman Craig Dawson, a San Francisco native who grew up on Mt. Sutro's south side exploring the paths that wind through this remote part of the City.

"There's nothing like the reserve anywhere else in San Francisco," Dawson said. "Neighbors who want to help restore the natural beauty of this hidden treasure can join us on the first Saturday of each month. Whether it's clearing brush or constructing retaining walls, there will always be something to do."

Located entirely on land owned by the University of California, the reserve is one of the most unique green spaces in the City. Unlike municipal green spaces, like Golden Gate Park, the area is free from the bureaucratic oversight the SF Recreation and Park Department, giving the terrain a wild feeling.

The environment's ruggedness, however, has caused concern among neighbors and hikers during the past few years. Ill-maintained trails, fire hazards and large shedding eucalyptus branches are among the dangers that face habitues of the preserve. To address these issues and others, Dawson co-founded a Community Advisory Board to act as middleman between the university and the residents of surrounding neighborhoods.

Orlando Elizondo, UCSF's director of community relations, meets with the board on a regular basis.

"Over the past few years, the advisory board has encouraged us to take a look at some of the safety issues local residents are encountering in the preserve," Elizondo said. "Due to our collaboration, private funding and the creation of the stewardship program, we've been able to address these concerns in a very positive way."

During the first phase of the stewardship project, participants can expect to clear and help restore a recently rediscovered trail thought to be an initiative of the Works Projects Administration (WPA). Formed during the New Deal, the WPA gave jobs to the unemployed during the Great Depression of the '30s in an attempt to revive the nation's economy.

Alicia Snow, who has lived near the park's entrance at the end of Belgrave Avenue for nearly three decades, participated in the Sept. 2 work party. She says she has next month's stewardship day already marked on her calendar.

"I walk my dogs here every day," Snow said. "It's a place that soothes my particular spirit and I feel I have a responsibility to do my part to maintain its tranquility."

Individuals who would like more information or are interested in participating in the stewardship program are encouraged to contact Dawson via e-mail at mediacraig@mindspring.com.