Our contractor has just completed tree work in the heart of the Shelley Inner Core.
In the central grove of large cypress trees—a well-shaded favorite of school groups and dog walkers—potentially hazardous branches were removed, and a eucalyptus stand was thinned to support the health of the remaining trees. This area is now prepared for our planned re-routing of the trail known as “Main,” the major east-west route between the Jerry Garcia Amphitheater and Upper Reservoir.
“Main” has suffered from extreme erosion in recent years but will soon be transformed with the forthcoming trail work. Design solutions to mitigate the erosion include trail realignment to reduce steep slopes, coupled with grading and the addition of bioretention swales, to slow and sink stormwater runoff from Philosopher’s Hill.
West of the amphitheater is a remnant wet meadow habitat. This unique area is notable for clay soils and endemic wet meadow native plants. In recent years, it has been trampled by hikers and dogs, causing severe compaction of the fine clay soil. One of the restoration goals of the McLaren Trails project is to protect this special, natural place. To that end, we have placed logs from adjacent removals around the perimeter of this space to help shelter it from damaging foot traffic. Additional perimeter protection will follow, along with interpretive signage to promote education and stewardship of this precious resource.
The contractor has shifted fencing and is now mobilized for tree work on Philosopher’s Hill. They began some pruning this week and will begin felling hazardous trees on October 7. Please see the public access map below.
For your own safety, please avoid the area, and follow all signage and crew direction.
Feel free to reach out with any questions.
Lauren Dietrich Chavez, Project Manager, Lauren.Chavez@sfgov.org, 628-652-6643
For more information, visit the project webpage >>