Almaden Quicksilver Field Trip: Andy Melnick
Protecting Wildlife and the Places They Need.
Our Environmental Action Committee (EAC), led by long-time advocate Shani Kleinhaus, continues to deliver powerful results for nature. From confronting destructive development plans to championing policies that safeguard our skies, waters, and open spaces, our advocacy makes a lasting difference. These victories matter not only here in the Bay Area but across California, as our region provides essential habitat for 418 bird species.
This year brought major wins for SCVBA and our partners. In October, the California Fish and Game Commission unanimously voted to designate the Western Burrowing Owl as a candidate species under the California Endangered Species Act—a statewide milestone years in the making. We also stopped a dangerous expansion of the Palo Alto Airport that threatened the Baylands Nature Preserve. Our advocacy in Los Altos motivated the adoption of a strong Dark Sky ordinance.
Our work in Coyote Valley was another turning point. After years of pressure, the City of San Jose abandoned the Monterey Corridor Study, which could have opened the door to harmful development along Coyote Creek, in a critical wildlife corridor. While developers may still push for zoning changes, this decision spares Coyote Valley from this immediate threat.
Progress continues on long-term battles as well. Nearly half of Juristac (Sargent Ranch) is now permanently protected, and the Heidelberg Quarry has ceased operations, with restoration of Permanente Creek underway. These outcomes remind us that persistence pays off.
Still, challenges loom. From hillside projects to new infrastructure and weakening state and federal protections, our work is far from done. That’s why your contributions are so critical. This year, we aim to bring on a part-time staff member to help us meet the growing demands of this work.
Every dollar you give fuels the research, legal review, and advocacy that result in real-world protections for our birds, wildlife, and the habitats they need to thrive. Please pledge your support today and help us continue this vital work.
