Learn how Forests adapt to Wildfire at Butano State Park in Pescadero

Official Sierra Club Hike:

Join Sierra Club Loma Prieta Forest Protection Committee, Outings, and the San Mateo County Resource Conservation District for a hike through Butano State Park to learn about recently completed work that included thinning (removal of some trees), removal of dense understory, and prescribed fire to help the forest recover from historic clearcut logging, fire suppression, and the August 2020 CZU Lighting complex wildfires.

This is a unique opportunity for Sierra Club members to see active forest management firsthand and discuss ecological resilience, sensitive habitats, and wildfire risk. We'll also discuss how long-term forest stewardship improves resilience to climate change impacts such as drought, pests, and wildfires. We hope you will join us for this walk in the woods.

Co-led by our docents Timothy Federal, Forest Health and Fire Program Manager, and Kellyx Nelson, Director of the San Mateo Resource Conservation District.

Meet at Butano State Park Day use parking lot (the second lot).The hike is about 5 miles, with about 700 feet of gain. We will take short stops to view and discuss forest management conservation projects in Butano State Park.

Bring lunch, plenty of water, and appropriate clothing for the weather conditions. Heavy rain cancels the hike.

CARPOOL: If you wish to carpool, please meet me at the Park & Ride off of Hwy 280 at Page Mill at 8:00 AM. I will leave at 8:15 AM.

Location at Butano State Park: Day Use Parking Area (second lot)

37°14'03.4"N 122°21'45.5"W

Participants must complete a medical form:
https://www.sierraclub.org//sites/default/files/sce/loma-prieta-chapter/Local%20Outings%20Medical%20Form-6.pdf

Just fill it out and show it to the leader. Then put in your pack for future hikes.

You are encouraged to register and sign the liability waiver on the Loma Prieta Calendar: https://www.sierraclub.org/loma-prieta/outings

Timothy Federal manages the RCD’s Forest Health and Fire program, improving the ecological function of forests and reducing the risk of catastrophic wildfire. He received his Master’s in Biogeography from Appalachian State University and his B.A. in Geography from the University of North Carolina Wilmington. Before coming to the RCD, Timothy worked for 13 years managing stewardship and restoration programs at Golden Gate National Recreation Area and Point Reyes National Seashore, and implementing restoration projects in 53 National Park units and conservation areas from the North Slope of Alaska to the borderlands of Arizona. Beyond the RCD, Timothy manages environmental compliance for the Burning Man Project, where he coordinates permitting with federal, state, and local agencies for the largest Leave No Trace event in the world. In his free time, Timothy can be found roller skating in Golden Gate Park, practicing guitar, or marveling at manzanitas on Montara Mountain.

Kellyx Nelson is passionate about public service and building strong alliances to tackle thorny challenges. She has spent nearly 30 years in non-profits, government, and the private sector developing, implementing, and assessing programs and partnerships for environmental benefit and other public good. She has served as the Executive Director of the Resource Conservation District since 2006. . Under her direction the RCD has achieved distinction, receiving the 2017 Silicon Valley Water Conservation Award, 2016 Sustainability Award from Sustainable San Mateo County, 2012 District of the Year from the California Association of RCDs and more. In 2015, Kellyx was inducted into the San Mateo County Women’s Hall of Fame in recognition of her contributions to the overall well-being of the County.