Two properties located just south of the Almaden Reservoir in the Santa Cruz mountains are crucial to linking more than 31,000 acres of protected lands in the area. Recently, Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST) and Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District (Midpen) along with the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority announced the purchase of those two properties, expanding a vast network of protected open space in the South Bay Area.
This property provides drinking water for San Jose, contains almost all of the Barrett Creek watershed with more than a mile of largely intact stream, and includes 60 acres of beautiful coast live oak forest. The property will require significant clean-up and restoration prior to being open to the public. Additionally, the property is ideally situated in the Santa Cruz Mountains to provide future trail connections, wildlife connectivity and opportunities for riparian restoration.
The foundation recognizes the multi-faceted environmental benefits that can be achieved with preservation of this property, and is happy to support our partners in this acquisition, and stewardship of the land. Conserving this property will help protect an important water supply, provide opportunities to improve water quality, and support the potential return of wildlife.
This important acquisition is an excellent example of public and private collaboration to achieve the greater common goal of preserving the special character of the Bay Area and its beautiful open spaces. We look forward to seeing the impact of this conservation effort – the interconnected network of open space lands that can now be enjoyed by Bay Area residents for outdoor recreation, as well as protection of critical wildlife corridors and natural resources.
Message sent
Thank you for sharing.