Exploring Sam McDonald County Park

Join Greenbelt Alliance for a history and nature hike "beneath the lords of the forest."

About this Event

Sam McDonald was born in Louisiana, son of a minister and grandson of enslaved people. From these humble beginnings, he went on to become superintendent of athletic grounds and buildings at Stanford University (Read more about his story and legacy at our blog "A Giant Among the Redwoods.") During his life and career, Sam earned the affection and respect of generations of students and faculty. He even received a personal visit from President Herbert Hoover!

Sam acquired a grove of coast redwood trees in the Santa Cruz mountains for use as a sanctuary and retreat. He built a cabin there and shared it with students and a children's charity. Sam McDonald left an enduring legacy by bequeathing his land for the enjoyment of future generations.

Our hike takes us to Sam's cabin (Chee-Chee-Wa-Wa) and under the redwood trees he called "lords of the forest."

Learn how Greenbelt Alliance is deepening the connection between humans and the natural world so that communities can leverage nature’s many benefits to steward the green spaces and lands that are critical to thrive: Nature for People.

TOTAL DISTANCE

This is a moderate 4-mile round-trip hike with a few hundred feet in elevation change.

LEADER

Ken Lavin

WEATHER POLICY

Rain cancels.

COST

$6 per vehicle park entrance fee. Exact cash required.

WHERE TO MEET

We'll assemble at the parking area by the ranger station in Sam McDonald County Park. There is a restroom near our meeting place.

NOTES

Bring water and lunch. Dress in layers and wear good hiking shoes. Bring poles if you normally use them. If you have any questions about this outing, email Ken Lavin at a2xhdmluIHwgZ3JlZW5iZWx0ICEgb3Jn.

Photo: btwashburn via Flickr

ABOUT THE OUTING LEADER

Ken Lavin is the Outing Coordinator for Greenbelt Alliance and has been leading our free educational outings for over a decade. Ken worked as a national park ranger in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and as an instructor for Diablo Nature Adventures, teaching environmental science to school groups in Mount Diablo State Park.

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