Entry fee waived Saturday at county parks, volunteers needed

Visitors to San Mateo County parks this Saturday can experience the beauty of redwoods, ocean views and wildlife for free in celebration of National Public Lands Day, which promotes volunteerism and caring for the environment.

The County is waiving the normal $5 entry fee all day Saturday, September 27, to help encourage residents to experience the beauty of the parks. The County is also hosting two special events where individuals, families and service groups can pitch in to enhance the parks and work side-by-side with rangers. Parks that are free to visit on Saturday are: Coyote Point Recreation Area, Flood, Huddart, Junipero Serra, Memorial, Sam McDonald, San Bruno Mountain, San Pedro Valley and Wunderlich.

At Junipero Serra Park in San Bruno, volunteers are needed to work with rangers to paint restrooms and picnic shelters, remove eucalyptus debris and install relocated picnic sites, among other projects.

At Huddart Park near Woodside, volunteers will work with rangers and community partners to repair a half-mile section of Skyline Trail.

"We hope people are willing to give a little of their time to help the parks that have provided so many people so much enjoyment over the years," said Parks Director David Holland. "By making the parks free on National Public Lands Day, a growing number of people can become aware of these wonderful resources and also of volunteer opportunities."

Participation in National Public Lands Day has grown to 110,000 volunteers at 1,300 sites across the United States from its beginning in 1994 with three federal agencies and 700 volunteers.

To volunteer at Junipero Serra Park, contact Ranger Al Zuker at (650) 589-5708 or at [email protected] or Cecily Harris at (650) 363-4027 or [email protected]. Volunteers will gather at the park entrance at 8:30 a.m. and work until 12:30 p.m. Registration is required.

To volunteer at Huddart Park, contact Steve Bacosa, outreach specialist at REI in San Carlos, at [email protected]. You may also contact Cecily Harris of the Parks Department at (650) 363-4027 or email [email protected]. Volunteers will meet at Sequoia Day Camp, located through the gatehouse on Kings Mountain Road, between 8 and 8:30 a.m. Lunch will be provided and trail work will end at about 1 p.m.