Bog Trail Restoration Project

Pond restoration site (J. Cannon)The wetlands in the area of the Bog Trail of San Bruno Mountain are known regionally for their high diversity of rushes, sedges and other wetland plants. This freshwater wetland plant community lies between two of the headwater creeks of Colma Creek and is the last known plant community of its kind left on the San Francisco peninsula. 

The Bog Trail loop was built for the public to enjoy this rare wetland community and includes three bridges. A portion of the trail is also ADA wheel chair accessible. The Bog Trail is a favorite destination for local bird watchers due to the large number of birds, both resident and migratory, that enjoy the wetlands and their riparian vegetation, especially as an important feeding stop during spring and fall migrations.  

The ecological goal of the Bog Trail wetland work is to restore the habitat for the threatened California Red-legged Frog (Rana draytonii) and the endangered San Francisco Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis tetrataenia). Both of these species were found on the site as recently as the seventies. Additionally, the rare San Francisco Forktail Damselfly (Ischnura gemina) is still present in other areas on San Bruno Mountain and would benefit from restoration of a standing, freshwater habitat. 

Currently, with the support of the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation we are controlling the invasive plant population across the Bog Trail restoration area in the wetlands as well as in adjacent uplands as Phase One. This is to assure that any new restoration activities that create open soil/disturbance do not become infested with these invasive plants.  As part of the current project, we have been getting our native plant nursery up to speed. It can now produce the native plants, from onsite seed sources, needed for our restoration projects. 

Bog Trail restoration site. (J. Cannon)As we have done over the last seven years, this restoration project will be accomplished with the support of local community volunteers along with high school and college students. In this way, the project accomplishes the restoration goals and also provides a hands-on environmental education opportunity. Through the ongoing outreach to the community we hope to continue to educate local residents and school children about this important natural resource in their back yard.