Advocacy
Green Foothills champions our region’s most vital landscapes – from rare and endangered species habitat and at-risk farmland, to coastal areas threatened by sea level rise, to urban green space that gives our communities a chance to experience nature close to home.
We work to achieve policies that benefit nature and people, protect wildlife, promote climate resilience, and preserve open space. When harmful projects threaten the local environment, we speak up. We provide expert guidance to local leaders and alert residents when they can take action to protect the places they love. Through our extensive knowledge of local land use issues and strong relationships with decision-makers, we deliver real environmental victories. And by working alongside community members, we amplify the voices of those most affected by land use decisions.
Our Work
Here are our most recent articles and action alerts describing some of the campaigns we’re working on. Stay up to date on our latest advocacy efforts by subscribing to our e-newsletter.
Protecting Landscapes for Good
As a result of our policy and advocacy victories, land management agencies and organizations are better able to secure the permanent protection of natural areas at risk of development. These protected lands – more than 200,000 acres of open space in San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties to date – serve as a regional greenbelt where wildlife finds safe habitat, people recreate and connect with nature, and communities gain enhanced resilience to drought, wildfire, and flooding.
Impact Numbers
200,000+
acres permanently protected as a final outcome of our advocacy
1,000+
land use issues
advocated on
62
ballot measures successfully supported or opposed
Impact Stories
The articles listed here show a few of the many examples of Green Foothills’ advocacy impact across our region. Together, they show how community-driven action can protect open space, farmland, and wildlife for future generations.
- Six Decades of Protecting the Stanford Foothills
- Historic Victory at Juristac
- A Long-Awaited Victory: The Historic Vote to Protect Coyote Valley
- Devil’s Slide Tunnel: A Sweet Ending to a Long Saga
- What You Don’t See: Or Why I-280 is Such a Scenic Freeway
- What You Don’t See on the Coast
- Enforcing the Clean Water Act: Cargill Salt Ponds
Help Us Advocate
Speak up for local nature! Sign up for action alerts about opportunities to protect the environment in San Mateo, Santa Clara, and San Benito counties.