Neighbors save popular Windy Hill trail in Portola Valley Neighbors save popular Windy Hill trail in Portola Valley (July 28, 2004)

By Marion Softky
Almanac Staff Writer

Sometimes public lobbying really does work.

A popular trail will remain open thanks to a well-organized effort by residents of Portola Valley and The Sequoias, who enjoy walking the historic road connecting Alpine and Portola roads across the bottom of the Windy Hill Open Space Preserve.

Almost a dozen trail lovers turned out July 14 and convinced the board of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District to reverse a decision to close the trail. The vote was unanimous.

The board had previously voted to realign Lower Spring Ridge Trail to avoid a sag pond and allow its restoration. The sag pond is a small depression along the San Andreas Fault where water collects; it may harbor rare species such as California red-legged frogs.

The proposed realignment would have been longer and required somewhat steeper grades.

At the hearing, residents of The Sequoias retirement community argued that the existing trail is relatively level and valuable for people who may not be strong hikers. Members of Portola Valley committees noted the existing trail has historic value; it may date back to the 1860s and could have been an Indian trail before that.

After a long discussion, the district board voted 7-0 to keep the trail as a narrow hiking trail, and protect the sag pond.

"This was a marvelous public event," board chair Mary Davey told the Almanac. "Citizens came with compelling arguments, and an elected body listened and changed its mind.

"This is an opportunity to protect the sag pond and keep a beloved path."

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