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Edgewood Park & Natural Preserve
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The serpentine grasslands of Edgewood Park and Natural Preserve are famous for their magnificent displays of wildflowers each spring. The park's location, within easy access to Interstate 280 and Edgewood Road, makes this beautiful display readily accessible to the population centers of the San Francisco Peninsula. The Park's 467 acres of woodlands and grasslands afford wonderful hiking and sightseeing opportunities.
NEWS
20th Anniversary Edgewood Events
Special, limited-access events are coming to Edgewood Park to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Friends of Edgewood and of the designation of the park as a Natural Preserve. Events include photography and nature walks, workshops, and aid to endangered butterflies. See a full listing at the Friends of Edgewood site or check the Parks event calendar. Awards for the Bill and Jean Lane Education Center
The Bill and Jean Lane Education Center has been awarded a Sustainable San Mateo County Green Building Honors Award. Learn more. Also, see a video detailing the center's green features. Reintroducing a Rare Butterfly to Edgewood Park
Efforts continue at Edgewood Park & Natural Preserve to reintroduce the Bay Checkspot butterfly to its historic habitat. See a press release on the project and an FAQ. |
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History
The geologic history of Edgewood is traced back 35-165 million years ago when the rock that underlies much of this region was formed by two converging tectonic plates, the Farallon and North American. The Farallon plate was forced under the American plate and large amounts of rock were left behind. One, serpentinite, is a very rare rock type that is found at Edgewood. This underlying rock is a very unique feature of the Park that can be observed in the serpentine grasslands and rock outcroppings.
The vegetative history of Edgewood reflects numerous geologic and climatic changes. Relics of Neotropical forest (California Bay Laurel, California Buckeye), Actotertiary forest (Coastal Redwood, Douglas Fir) and Madroteriary forest (Madrone, Manzanita, and Poison Oak) are found there.
The human history of the region shows that hunters were in the region 6,000 years ago. About 500 AD. Ohlone speaking peoples came to the bay area. Two Ohlone archeological sites have been found nearby, one at Filoli Estates and one at Phleger Estates. In 1769, the Spanish exploring party of Gaspar de Portola marched through the region and made the first Ohlone-Spanish encounter.
Trails
Edgewood Park and Natural Preserve contains ten miles of trails that explore its varied habitats. Most are open for equestrian use. The Sylvan Loop and Trail, the only path in the park that isn't open for equestrian use, is a popular jogging and hiking trail.
Learn more these and other Edgewood Park Trails.
Observe all trail signs and posted speed limits. Bicycles and motorized vehicles are not allowed off designated paved areas. Please respect your fellow trail users and follow the trail etiquette guidelines for safe and courteous trail use.
Facilities
Edgewood Park and Natural Preserve has one main area where facilities are located. Located within this area are restrooms, a meadow area, an amphitheater, and three drop-in family picnic areas.
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Bill and Jean Lane Education Center The center provides a year-round setting for educational and research activities and promote community involvement to preserve and restore Edgewood and its exceptional natural resources. The center's phone number is (650) 367-7576 Fall/Winter Hours, October 15, 2012 through February 28, 2013
Open times are dependent on having adequate volunteers to staff the building. If you would like to help you may volunteer as a host. Read more at the San Mateo County Parks Foundation. |
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Activities
The Friends of Edgewood offers free docent-led wildflower walks in Edgewood Park and Natural Preserve every Saturday and Sunday mid-March through mid-June. These walks explore the magnificent spring flower displays of Edgewood, including many rare species. And throughout the rest of the year, nature walks are offered on the third Saturday of each month. All walks start at 10 am from the Bill & Jean Lean Education Center off of Edgewood Rd between I-280 and Alameda de las Pulgas. Learn about all Edgewood walks at the Friends of Edgewood site, or call 1-866-GO-EDGEWOOD (1-866-463-3439) for more information.Days and Hours of Operation
Edgewood Park and Natural Preserve opens at 8:00 A.M every day throughout the year (holidays included). The closing time varies by time of year. The closing times are:
- December - February 5:00 P.M.
- March 6:00 P.M. (before Daylight Savings Time starts)
- March 7:00 P.M. (after Daylight Savings Time starts)
- April - August 8:00 P.M.
- September 8:00 P.M. (through Labor Day)
- September 7:00 P.M. (beginning the day after Labor Day)
- October 7:00 P.M. (first week[s] of October)
- October 6:00 P.M. (last three weeks of October)
- November 6:00 P.M. (before Daylight Saving Time ends)
- November 5:00 P.M. (after Daylight Saving Time ends)
Natural Features
Wetland, Grassland, Oak Woodland, and Chaparral plant communities offer varied habitats for living creatures found in the park. Deer, Coyote, Bobcat, Raccoon, and other small animals are frequently sighted. The cool, wooded gullies of the eastern slope of the park are rich in ferns and mosses, and a thick layer of woody and herbaceous plants. The central portion of the park is dominated by a prominent ridge about 800 feet in elevation, affording outstanding views of Skyline Ridge, Huddart Park, the San Andreas Gulf Zone, the Crystal Springs Lakes and the San Francisco Bay. This ridge typically supports Chaparral on its warm western slope, and Oak Woodland on its less exposed cool eastern slopes.
The grasslands and warm summer climate make Edgewood home for several species of snakes and reptiles including rattlesnakes. Skunks, yellow jackets and bees are also found there. Please respect their presence and avoid contact.
Ten rare or endangered plant species have been identified in the park, including the San Mateo Thornmint. It once graced the hills of the San Francisco Bay Area before development destroyed most of its habitat. Many majestic trees and colorful plants adorn the Park. The California Native Plant Society's Flora of Edgewood Park lists the remarkable diversity plant species found here.
The Bay Checkerspot Butterfly, once an inhabitant of the entire Bay Area, and now listed as an endangered species, is found only in this park, in Kirby Canyon in southern Santa Clara County, Coyote Ridge in San Jose, and San Bruno Mountain State and County Park in northern San Mateo County.
All of these rare plant and animal species are protected in the Park and Preserve, and their habitats maybe off limits to park users. Please observe signs carefully, and stay on designated trails.
Prepare for a safe and enjoyable visit to Edgewood Park and other San Mateo County Parks by being aware of your natural environment.
Directions to the Park
When coming to Edgewood from the north (San Francisco), use Highway 280. Turn off at the Edgewood Road exit. Turn eastbound on Edgewood Road (towards San Carlos and Redwood City). Proceed approximately 1.5 miles. The main park entrance will be on the south side of the road.
When coming to Edgewood from the south (San Jose), use Highway 280. Turn off at the Edgewood Road exit. Turn eastbound on Edgewood Road (towards San Carlos and Redwood City). Proceed approximately 1.5 miles. The main park entrance will be on the south side of the road.
SamTrans buses provide service to key destinations throughout San Mateo County and San Francisco, such as work, schools, malls, civic centers and parks. Please visit SamTrans website to find out how you can take one of their buses to this park.
Volunteers Program
A large and varied number of volunteer activities take place all year long at Edgewood as part of the Parks Department's Volunteer Program. Individuals, groups, families and organizations can take part in trail construction, exotic plant removal, habitat restoration, trail patrol and other beneficial and rewarding projects.
Edgewood Park and Natural Preserve also has an active and ongoing volunteer group, The Friends of Edgewood Natural Preserve. This group, organized in the early 1990s, is active in protecting and restoring the natural resources of Edgewood as well as providing visitor education and docent led tours.
If you are an individual or an organization interested in getting involved, please contact Edgewood Park or the San Mateo County Parks Volunteer Program.
Regulations
To preserve the natural environment of Edgewood Park, all plants, animals and natural features are protected.
- Leaving designated trails is prohibited.
- Picking or removing wildflowers or other natural material is prohibited.
- Fires are permitted in park barbecue pits only - no ground fires.
- Cutting and gathering of wood is prohibited.
- Dogs and other pets are not allowed.
- Motor vehicles and bicycles are permitted only on paved roadways and in established parking areas.
- Firearms and other weapons are prohibited.
- Loud radios and the playing of amplified musical instruments are not permitted.
- Park opens at 8:00 A.M. and closes at the preset time prior to sunset.
- Beer and wine only are allowed in certain areas, no hard liquor.
- Smoking is prohibited.
- Feeding of wildlife is prohibited.
- Fishing and hunting are not permitted per California State Fish and Game Regulations.