‘Hidden gems in the Bay’

KT: I am originally from Colorado and have lived in the Bay Area since 2007. I’ve worked for the Friends for 11 years and consider it a dream job. I have two college age kids and I love hiking, camping, cooking, reading and volunteering. 

DJ: How would you describe Huddart and Wunderlich parks to someone who is not familiar with them?

KT: These are two hidden gems in the Bay area for recreating, enjoying nature and getting away from the hustle and bustle. Huddart Park is full of serene redwoods, acres of hiking and equestrian trails, and many recreational picnic/barbecue areas. Wunderlich also has acres of redwood and oak woodland hiking and equestrian trails. It is also a unique park because it has been listed on the National Registry of Historic Places and showcases the Folger Estate Stable, the Carriage Room Museum and the 1872 Dairy House that is currently being restored. The museum is open for arranged tours and on weekends. It is also an equestrian facility with opportunities for boarding and riding. 

DJ: What is “Friends of Huddart and Wunderlich Parks?” 

KT: We are a nonprofit and volunteer-led group of park enthusiasts and stewards who provide a wide range of programs and events in two historic redwood parks in the heart of the Bay Area. We lead hikes, provide environmental education, showcase local history and celebrate the unique horse heritage of San Mateo County. We work in partnership with the San Mateo County Parks Department to showcase these parks, provide public programming and support improvement projects in the parks. 

DJ: How did you come to be its executive director?

KT: I began working with the Friends 11 years ago as a volunteer manager. Over time, the organization has grown and taken on many new programs and I have evolved with the organization.

DJ: What are some of the park activities that the public should be aware of?

KT: We offer naturalist guided hikes, historic and architectural tours of the Folger Estate Stable Historic District, field trips for kids focusing on science and local history, outings for seniors and adults, and the Meet a Mini horse program. Because of our amazing volunteers and donors, all of our programs are free to the public.

DJ: What is the Meet a Mini horse program? 

KT: The Bay Area has a long equestrian legacy and we want to continue fostering the relationship between people and horses in our technology driven world. The Meet a Mini program is a less intimidating way for children to learn about horses from a miniambassador. Participants learn about horse behavior and how to interact with horses safely, how to groom and walk a horse. Visits may also include a visit to the Carriage Room Museum and a scavenger hunt. This is a safe and approachable way to learn about horses for families or small groups. Miniature horses are smaller than ponies and have to be shorter than 40 inches. You can’t help but oooh and ahhh at a minihorse because they are so cute. Our Meet a Mini program began during COVID when we adopted a minihorse named Lightning to give him a good home and retirement when his owner was considering selling him. Lightning was beloved at the park for his calm and unflappable demeanor. Lightning was elderly and sadly passed away a couple of years ago. There is a bench dedicated to him where people sit and remember his special place at our stable. We now are working with Stormy, a 10-year-old mini with a more spicy personality than Lightning. We’ve had volunteers working with him weekly, helping him become Wunderlich’s new ambassador. When training a mini you work on leading them on the trails and encountering new things like runners, strollers, backpacks and water bottles so they aren’t easily spooked. Visitors are alway struck by how handsome Stormy is with his black and white coat. Stormy seems to prefer children to adults and is especially calm around them.

DJ: What are opportunities for the public to volunteer at the parks?

KT: We train volunteers to give guided hikes, lead historic tours, greet visitors to our local history museum, and work with school aged children in nature and history programs. We work with San Mateo County Parks to offer stewardship and community work days.

DJ: What is Family Nature Day on Saturday, Oct. 25?

KT: This is a free family friendly event co-hosted with POST, SMC Parks, County Health and the Libraries with nature walks, crafts and activities for families with young children to enjoy at Huddart Park. 

HUDDART PARK PARTICULARS: On Saturday, Oct. 25, from  9 a.m.–12:30 p.m., join Friends of Huddart and Wunderlich parks for a family-friendly morning filled with hikes for all ages, hands-on learning experiences and arts activities. Register to reserve a free ticket for you and your friends and family. The forested slopes and steep, cool canyons of Huddart Park are located within easy reach of the population centers of the San Francisco Peninsula. The park is 3.5 miles west of Highway 84. With barbecue pits, a playground, grassy meadows and hiking and riding trails, Huddart Park makes a great place to have a picnic or explore a redwood forest. For more information visit smcgov.org/parks/huddart-park.