Above the Valley: The Treasures of Coyote Ridge
by Kathy Switky

Rising above Coyote Valley is the spectacular Coyote Ridge, a portion of the Diablo Range to the east of highway 101 in southern Santa Clara County. Though the ridgeline is in the news less than the valley with which it shares a name, Coyote Ridge is a local hotspot of diversity, and an important remnant of the south Bay's natural heritage. Each spring, Coyote Ridge becomes a spectacular mass of wildflowers, including ten plant species listed as rare or endangered. The area also provides important wildlife habitat: Coyote Ridge is home to the last major population of the threatened Bay checkerspot butterfly, and hosts at least nine other animal species protected by state or federal law.

Development in the South Bay threatens the ridge's prime habitat, which is all in private ownership. Factories, new homes, golf courses, and roads are encroaching upon these last remaining native grasslands.

The Santa Clara Valley Chapter of the California Native Plant Society (CNPS) has formed a group dedicated to preserving this spectacular area before it's too late. Endorsed by Committee for Green Foothills and other groups, CNPS is working to save Coyote Ridge, a key link in the belt of open space around the Santa Clara Valley. To find out more about or get involved in the work of CNPS to protect Coyote Ridge, visit www.stanford.edu/~rawlings/coyote, or contact Don Mayall at (650) 856-7579 or seleve@ix.netcom.com.