We are thrilled to announce a major victory: the proposed Sargent Ranch open-pit sand and gravel mine is no longer a threat to the Juristac landscape! Today, the Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST) announced the purchase of this property for permanent conservation, putting an end to the Sargent Ranch Quarry proposal. This outcome would not have been possible without the thousands of people who emailed elected officials, signed the petition, attended rallies, and spoke out for Juristac. Thank you for helping make this historic win a reality! Why Juristac Is Important Juristac, located just south of Gilroy, is an extraordinary...
Good News for Coyote Valley Wildlife
At Green Foothills, protecting Coyote Valley has long been a top priority — not just for its open space and farmland, but for the wildlife that depend on this landscape to survive. That’s why we’re encouraged by the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority’s (VTA) recent action to launch the Coyote Valley Wildlife Crossing Project, a major step toward reducing wildlife deaths and reconnecting critical habitat in south Santa Clara County. On January 8, 2026, the VTA Board approved a contract for HDR Engineering to begin the design and planning of wildlife crossing structures across U.S. Highway 101, Monterey Road, and...
Good News for Burrowing Owls
The Santa Clara Valley Habitat Agency recently shared exciting results from its Burrowing Owl Conservation and Recovery Program—and they’re worth celebrating. In 2025, 142 adult Western Burrowing Owls formed 52 successful breeding pairs and produced 233 young, marking the largest regional population since the program began in 2014. This milestone shows what’s possible when conservation partners work together with long-term vision and care. And it’s an example of why Green Foothills’ work to preserve wildlife habitat in the South Bay is so important. Western Burrowing Owls used to be a common sight in local grasslands, standing at the entrances to...
Making our Shorelines SAFER
Sea level rise and flooding continue to pose a substantial threat to our bayfront communities, putting homes, infrastructure, and livelihoods at risk. In response, the cities of East Palo Alto, Menlo Park, and Redwood City are working together to design a shoreline project that balances public access, shoreline protection, and healthy ecosystems. Known as the SAFER Bay Project, this cross-jurisdictional effort combines these priorities to ensure long-term resilience of bayfront habitats and communities in the face of rising seas. Green Foothills is advocating in support of this project and participating in each phase of the public process to ensure the...
Ask Planning Commission to Deny Harmful Sprawl Project
On Thursday, January 29, the Santa Clara County Planning Commission will once again consider a development proposal that threatens open space and wildlife outside San Jose. Like several projects we’ve alerted you about in recent months, this residential sprawl project would block critical wildlife movement and put residents in harm’s way. The developer failed to meet the county’s application deadline and has appealed to the Planning Commission. We’re asking you to urge the Planning Commission to deny the developer’s appeal. What’s Happening Developers have submitted more than 40 applications to Santa Clara County under California’s “builder’s remedy” law. Nearly all...
Tell the Trump Administration to Stop New Offshore Drilling
The Trump administration is pursuing a dangerous new offshore drilling plan that will open vast stretches of U.S. coastline, including California’s coast, for new offshore oil and gas drilling. The federal government is accepting public comments on this plan until Friday, January 23, 2026. Please tell the government not to allow new offshore drilling. Offshore drilling is a dirty and dangerous practice that harms the environment, communities, and businesses, while worsening climate change. Past oil spills on the California coast have devastated ocean and coastal wildlife, as well as the tourism, commercial fishing, and other economic activity that depends on...
Rural Zoning Changes Must Protect Farmland and Open Space
Local farmland is a critical natural resource that is continually under threat of development. As Santa Clara County updates its zoning rules for development in rural unincorporated areas, Green Foothills is urging the County to ensure that these zoning amendments preserve important farmland, support local agriculture, and prevent oversized development from creeping into rural communities. Changes to Rural Zoning Can Prevent Further Loss of Farmland The rural zoning amendments were prompted by the County’s recognition that ongoing development threats to farmland are not being adequately addressed by the current regulations. Once known as the “Valley of Heart’s Delight” due to...
Defending San Bruno Mountain
San Bruno Mountain, just south of San Francisco, is an example of the type of landscape that most needs environmental advocacy: a fragile ecosystem at risk from a proposed manufacturing facility. Green Foothills, a conservation nonprofit that has been a champion for nature on the Peninsula since 1962, is working alongside local environmental partners to halt this harmful development proposal and safeguard the mountain’s irreplaceable habitat. San Bruno Mountain’s Landscape: A Haven for Biodiversity Rising above the cities of northern San Mateo County, San Bruno Mountain is a wild backyard for nearby communities and a living reminder of what the...
Destruction of Trees and Habitat at Pleasant Hills Site
The City of San Jose is about to start studying the environmental impacts of a massive proposed development on open space at the former Pleasant Hills Golf Course. But while that review hasn’t even started, the landowner has already begun cutting down and removing trees—destroying wildlife habitat before the city can evaluate or address the impacts. We’re urging the City to require full mitigation for the loss of trees and wildlife habitat caused by this premature clearing. If you’re a resident of San Jose, please use our form to send an email to the City. Habitat Lost Before Environmental Review...
Take Action for Trees and Habitat at Pleasant Hills
The City of San Jose is about to start studying the environmental impacts of a massive proposed development on open space at the former Pleasant Hills Golf Course. But while that review hasn’t even started, the landowner has already begun cutting down and removing trees—destroying wildlife habitat before the city can evaluate or address the impacts. We need your help to hold the landowner accountable. Please use the form below email the City and urge officials to require full mitigation for the loss of trees and wildlife habitat caused by this premature clearing. What’s Happening The Pleasant Hills Golf Course,...