Thousands of drivers zooming along Highway 101 and Sister Cities Blvd are noticing a curious addition to their daily view—a butterfly-shaped structure overlooking the southeast slopes of San Bruno Mountain. Tucked inside this unique kiosk, soon to be outfitted with seating and joined by nearby picnic tables, is a ten-panel exhibit ready to tell the mountain’s stories.

The kiosk stands at the base of the Genesis Towers in South San Francisco, developed by Phase 3 Real Estate Partners, Inc. (Two Tower Place, South San Francisco, CA 94080)

The landscaping around the kiosk was planted with over 3000 San Bruno Mountain native plants, grown at San Bruno Mountain Watch’s Mission Blue Nursery by community volunteers and staff. The landscape design and kiosk structure was developed by Cliff Lowe Associates. The plant installation and kiosk construction was performed by Artista Design Build.

The plant selection includes bearberry manzanita, California wild rose, seaside daisy, California buckeye, coast live oak, Pacific wax myrtle, beach strawberry, coffeeberry, California fescue, prostrate coyote brush, California goldenbush, and California sage.

Of the ten panels, nine were researched and designed by Ariel Cherbowsky Corkidi, director of San Bruno Mountain Watch. One panel, “The Ramaytush Ohlone,” was created by Dr. Jonathan Cordero, founder and chairman, and Gregg Castro, principal cultural consultant, of the Association of Ramaytush Ohlone.

Patrick Orozco, of the Pajaro Valley Ohlone Indian Council, and San Bruno Mountain Watch board members, shared valuable memories and guidance regarding the stories discussed in the “Protecting Heritage & Habitat” panel.

Click on a Panel Below to Enlarge It