As Green Foothills concludes our Healing in Nature program, we reflect with deep gratitude and pride on what we’ve learned, built, and shared. Supported by generous funding from the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority and San Mateo County District 3, this program was more than just a series of outings, it was a bold...
Category: News
Shaping Policy and Community: Nicole Fernandez
When Nicole Fernandez signed up for the Green Foothills Leadership Program class of 2016-17, she was looking for new and interesting ways to contribute to her community. Dedicated to making the world a better place, she was working at the time in the elder abuse prevention unit of San Mateo County Aging and Adult Services....
New Housing for Half Moon Bay Farmworkers Taking Shape
The January 2023 mass shooting that left seven coastside farmworkers dead shone a spotlight on the deplorable conditions where many of the victims had been living. Now, a new community of homes in Half Moon Bay will help to relieve their plight. Green Foothills supported this farmworker housing project, which provides much-needed affordable housing in...
Hollister Vote Protects Thousands of Acres of Farmland
In December 2024, the Hollister City Council voted to adopt a new General Plan for the city that could have led to the loss of up to 3,000 acres of surrounding farmland and open space. But Hollister residents came together to protect nature and local farms, launching a referendum effort to reverse that decision, with...
Warehouse Threatens Endangered Butterflies on San Bruno Mountain
A giant Amazon-style warehouse and distribution center has been proposed on the site of Guadalupe Quarry on San Bruno Mountain, which is home to numerous threatened and endangered species, including endangered butterflies whose habitat would be paved over by the development. Green Foothills is partnering with local residents and environmental groups to oppose this destructive...
Species Spotlight: Mission Blue Butterfly, San Bruno Elfin, and Callippe Silverspot
San Bruno Mountain, nestled in the northernmost part of San Mateo County, is an island of picturesque mountains that boasts green grassland, coastal scrubs, an intricate watershed, and dunes. If you’re lucky, when you visit you might catch the iconic flutter of three of the mountain’s vibrant butterflies: the Mission Blue, San Bruno Elfin, and...
Leadership Program Participants Learn How to Make Dreams a Reality
Have you ever wished you could solve a problem in your community but didn’t know what to do or even where to start? This month, Green Foothills Leadership Program participants learned the secrets of how to plan and carry out a successful campaign to create change. They also began brainstorming ideas for creating their own...
Green Foothills Remembers: Herb Grench, 1932-2024
The Green Foothills community was saddened to learn of the passing of Herb Grench in December. Herb was an early leader of Green Foothills and served on the board of directors from 1970-1973. He was soft spoken, had a ready smile and twinkle in his eye, and worked hard to find ways to achieve common...
County Supervisors Rejected Artificial Turf Ordinance
Thanks to everyone who emailed the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors regarding the artificial turf ordinance. Unfortunately, the Supervisors voted 3-2 to reject the ordinance. Please use the form below this blog to email the two Supervisors who voted in favor (Otto Lee and Margaret Abe-Koga) to thank them! Artificial Turf Ordinance Rejected by...
Meet the Leadership Program’s 2025 Cohort
On January 11, we welcomed the 12th annual cohort of training participants into the Green Foothills Leadership Program. From January through August, this year’s 26 participants will learn the secrets of effective advocacy, with a focus on conservation and environmental justice. They’ll learn how to plan and lead an environmental campaign, set goals, engage the...