Ridgway’s Rail and chick: Peter Shen
This is how their story begins. You decide where it goes from here.
The Ridgway's Rail seeks healthy tidal marsh where it will spend its entire life, hidden among the reeds and safe from predators. The Red-breasted Sapsucker expects mixed woodlands where it can feed on sap and insects through the winter. The Grasshopper Sparrow relies on expansive grasslands where it will build its nest and raise its young. Residents and migrants alike, these birds seek, expect, and rely on the habitats found here in Santa Clara County.
Their story is about need. And every species has its own unique version of that need.
For more than a century, Santa Clara Valley Bird Alliance has shared your passion for protecting the remarkable biodiversity of our county. Since 1925, we've been speaking up for birds and the habitats they cannot protect themselves. Because of supporters like you, our advocacy has been integral to protecting 36,456 acres of open space, including Ulistac Natural Area, Panoche Valley Preserve, Sargent Ranch, North Coyote Valley, and Burrowing Owl habitat in Alviso.
The work continues every day. On average, we submit 60 comment letters each year responding to development proposals that threaten wildlife habitat, advocating for dark sky and bird-friendly design, enhancing habitat, urban forests, and convincing cities to adopt biodiversity plans. Over the decades, we've spoken at countless City Council meetings, ensuring birds have a voice whenever decisions about our shared landscape are made. Our advocacy for Dark Sky Ordinances and Bird-safe Design Standards has also led to meaningful progress, with Cupertino, Los Altos, Mountain View, and Palo Alto adopting one or both of these important protections.
This summer, we hope to expand that voice by adding a full-time staff member devoted to increasing our advocacy and growing our impact on the environmental issues facing our region.
The future hasn't been written yet. It will be shaped by the choices we make today.
Your gift will ensure that Santa Clara Valley Bird Alliance can continue protecting the places birds need—not only for this season, but for generations to come.
Please make your donation today. Together, we can ensure that this story remains one of hope.
Sincerely,
Matthew Dodder
Executive Director