Our Impact

We have protected thousands of acres of natural land, wildlife habitat, and farmland in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties. Today, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Committee for Green Foothills is a leader in the continuing effort to protect local open space and the natural environment. As the only advocacy organization that concentrates on land use decisions affecting natural areas, we have changed the face and the future of the region. Take a look at our accomplishments and challenges since 1962.

A Glimpse at our impact

Helped create the Baylands Preserve in Palo Alto – The 1,940-acre preserve is the largest tract of undisturbed marshland in the San Francisco Bay. Its multi-use trails provide access to a unique mixture of tidal and freshwater habitats.

Led movement to create the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District – Committee for Green Foothills and others championed this voter ballot initiative in 1972. The District has since preserved over 62,000 acres of land for public enjoyment in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties.

San Mateo County voters overwhelmingly approved Coastal Protection Initiative – The Coastal Protection Initiative, passed by voters in 1986, has since prohibited the Board of Supervisors from weakening key policies protecting farmlands, scenic views, and sensitive habitats on the San Mateo County coast, unless voters approve.

Championed the passage of the Devil’s Slide Tunnel Initiative – Ending three decades of legal challenges by Committee for Green Foothills and other environmental and community groups, this initiative put a stop to Caltrans’ environmentally destructive freeway bypass plan.

Developers withdraw from Coyote Valley, saving 3000-acres of farmland – Thanks to years of work by Committee for Green Foothills and others, the proposal to destroy 3,000 acres of working farmland and vital wildlife corridors in Coyote Valley in south San Jose was withdrawn in 2008.

Community outcry halts proposed mini-city on Redwood City baylands Consisting of 1,400 acres of former wetlands, this site is home to numerous migratory bird species. After strong opposition by Committee for Green Foothills and others, Cargill and DMB withdrew their development proposal in 2012.