Nature’s Inspiration on 9/24 was uplifting, joyful, and a huge success! The energy and support from the Green Foothills community was phenomenal. We are so grateful to all sponsors and guests, including the 100 people who made over $50,000 in pledges during the Community Building fund-a-need drive led by surprise guest, Santa Clara County Supervisor Joe Simitian.

The goal of Green Foothills’ Community Building Initiative is to create a conservation movement where everyone can feel they belong. You can learn more and make a donation if you would like, on our Community Building page.

An Amazing Day!
We want to extend a special thank you to all of our esteemed guests who took part in the day’s program including:

• Julie Dominguez of the Muwekma Ohlone Tribe of the San Francisco Bay Area gave a very special land acknowledgment.
• Corina Herrera-Loera and Gerardo Ixteyo Loera of Calpulli Tonalehqueh led a powerful ceremonial blessing.
• Sara Barth, Executive Director of Sempervirens Fund, spoke about the importance of partnerships in saving local nature citing Green Foothills’ efforts in the preservation of Camp Jones Gulch.
• Andrea Mackenzie, General Manager of the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority, provided a moving tribute to our outgoing Executive Director Megan Fluke.
• Santa Clara County Supervisor Joe Simitian appeared as a surprise guest to lead a special fundraising drive for Green Foothills’ Community Building Initiative.
• Kathak Kala Vihar dance troupe performed dances choreographed especially for Nature’s Inspiration, capturing what happens inside of us when we see the rain fall on parched lands. Rain brings renewal and is essential for life on earth, and when water falls, the earth rejoices.

We want to thank O’Brien Family Charitable Fund again for sponsoring Nature’s Inspiration 2023 at the Valley Visionary level; Coastal Champion level sponsors Ranae DeSantis, Morgan Elizabeth, Google, KPMG/Lisa & Edward Munro, Ann & Mark Monroe, Myrtle L. Atkinson Foundation, and Laura Wells; and Hillside Hero level sponsors Anonymous, Ben Hammett, Gary & Patricia Hedden, Insperity, Peter & Sue LaTourrette, Law Offices Of Cotchett, Pitre & McCarthy, Peter & Beverly Lipman, Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, Peninsula Open Space Trust, PG&E, Lennie & Mike Roberts, Sempervirens Fund, and Nancy & Greg Serrurier. Thank you also to Bay Maples for donating the beautiful driftwood-and-succulent centerpieces.

A Passing of the Torch

This year’s Nature’s Inspiration provided the Green Foothills community a moment to celebrate Megan Fluke’s 10-year tenure as Green Foothills Executive Director. We look forward to her continuing as a strong supporter of and volunteer at the organization. I’ll be Green Foothills’ new Executive Director as of October 1, and am looking forward to leading our organization into the future. Thanks to all of your support, that future looks bright!