PUNCHMAGAZINE.COM 93 the first ones here. Before them, intrepid Spanish explorers traversed this region—Gaspar de Portolá camped here with his 1769 expedition, as did Juan Bautista de Anza several years later. Long before they arrived, the indigenous Ohlone hunted and gathered on this bountiful land. Flourishing Flora and Fauna As we rest on a bench in the shade, a western fence lizard starts doing pushups, striving to impress us. “There are large ABOVE: (clockwise from left) A view of the stone quarry that provided construction material for Crystal Springs Dam, taken in 1887; a cedar waxwing gobbles up Toyon berries; wild turkeys. of the trail we’re currently treading. At Sawyer’s Camp (the trail’s namesake), Leander provided food and lodging for travelers, while also raising cattle and training circus horses. Katherine heads the interpretive division of the San Mateo County Parks department in charge of education and community engagement. “Trying to connect people to parks as well as parks to people,” she summarizes with a smile. She adds that American settlers weren’t sections that aren't shaded, so it heats up really nicely, which the reptiles like,” says Katherine, noting it’s wise to keep an eye out for the occasional rattler or king snake. A considerable number of critters call Crystal Springs Reservoir home, with nearly 50 species of mammals sighted here. Mule deer and brush rabbits nibble on its shrubs—also attracting the coyotes, gray foxes, bobcats and occasional mountain lion that consider them a tasty delicacy. Over 180 species of birds have also been identified around the PHOTOGRAPHY OF COURTESY OF: SAN FRANCISCO HISTORY CENTER, SAN FRANCISCO PUBLIC LIBRARY / BECKY MATSUBARA / CHARLIE DAY
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTcxMjMwNg==