Devil's Slide hike: A look at what's been saved

In celebration of the beautiful coast of San Mateo County and the successful campaign to build a tunnel instead of a freeway bypass at Devil's Slide, over 40 people turned out to join Committee for Green Foothills on our hike through Rancho Corral de Tierra on Sunday July 14.

Docents George Durgerian and Susie Bennett of the National Park Service led the hike and gave lively and informative talks about the native plants, the colorful history of the area, and the Park Service's efforts to help restore protected species such as the California red-legged frog. CGF's own Lennie Roberts spoke about the Devil's Slide battle and how a dedicated group of environmentalists and coastside community groups fought Caltran's initial plan for the bypass, and in 1996 put Measure T, the Tunnel Initiative, on the ballot. It passed with a stunning 74% of the vote.

Today, with the Tom Lantos Tunnels completed earlier this year, the peace and seclusion of Rancho Corral de Tierra, and the unbroken views from these hills, remain undisturbed.

CGF thanks everyone who worked so hard to save this precious open space over so many years.