We are pleased to report that over 700 community members submitted emails urging the City of San José to take a closer look at the environmental impacts of the proposed Heritage Oaks Memorial Park project. This is an extraordinarily strong level of community opposition to a development project. Thank you to all who spoke up to help protect Coyote Valley. Here is the comment letter I submitted to the city on behalf of Green Foothills. It points out all the flaws and inaccuracies in the city’s environmental review, and asks that the city go back and do a better job...
Celebrating and Building our Community Ambassador Program
Last year we launched the Green Foothills Community Ambassador Program (CAP) to increase awareness of our work in the communities we serve. In just one year, it’s already making a difference. A growing network of dedicated volunteers is helping share our work, build new connections, and broaden our reach across the region. Here’s a look at how the program is taking shape—and where it’s headed next. Grab Lunch and Yap With CAP CAP volunteers’ main job is to help staff Green Foothills’ information tables at community events. If you’re interested in learning more about this, and possibly becoming a Community...
Species Spotlight: Western Snowy Plover
When you’re strolling along the beach or hiking bayside trails, you might catch a glimpse of a tiny bird on spindly legs running across the sand. With their quick movements and soft coloring, Western Snowy Plovers easily capture the hearts of those who are lucky enough to spot one. But these small shorebirds face outsized challenges. Listed as federally threatened in 1993, the Western Snowy Plover continues to struggle against habitat loss, disturbance from human activity, and off-leash dogs, all of which jeopardize these shorebirds’ ability to thrive on our shorelines. Several local organizations, including Green Foothills, are closely monitoring...
Heritage Oaks Cemetery Threatens Coyote Valley
The City of San Jose is considering approval of a massive cemetery complex in the hills above Coyote Valley, in an area critical for wildlife connectivity and treasured for its sweeping natural views. The proposed Heritage Oaks Memorial Park would level the ridgeline, fragment habitat with buildings and roads, add a crematory, and permanently alter the landscape visible from nearby nature preserves. We have been working to ensure that city leaders and community members understand the significant environmental harm this project would cause. Already, nearly 500 San Jose residents have contacted the City to voice their opposition to this destructive...
Tell San Jose: Don’t Let Cemetery Harm Coyote Valley
The city of San Jose is currently accepting comments on the environmental analysis of the proposed Heritage Oaks cemetery in the hills above Coyote Valley. This sprawling project would cut off the top of the ridgeline, block wildlife movement, and impact scenic views from Coyote Valley’s nature preserves. Please use the form below to email the city of San Jose by March 4 and tell them not to allow this cemetery to harm Coyote Valley’s wildlife and scenic views! What’s Happening The Heritage Oaks Memorial Park is a proposal for a massive cemetery that would sprawl over 100+ acres of...
Great News: Victory at Juristac!
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...