Providing space for wildlife to move throughout their ranges and for plants to adapt in response to climate change is critical for building resilience in natural communities. It’s crucial that the over 1 million acres of core habitat in the Santa Cruz Mountains and in the Diablo Range stay connected through Coyote Valley, so wildlife can adapt to changing temperatures, water patterns, and fire. Restoration of lands in Coyote Valley, like at Laguna Seca, the County’s largest freshwater wetland, will increase ecological resilience along the Pacific Flyway, one of the most threatened bird migration corridors in the Bay Area. 

Protecting the economically and culturally important agricultural lands in Santa Clara County prevents their conversion to urban uses and the production of greenhouse gases. By serving as an agricultural greenbelt, these lands curb sprawl, thereby reducing automobile emissions, not to mention traffic. Agricultural lands sequester carbon in the soil’s organic matter when climate-smart management practices such as composting and low-till are applied. Preservation of farms and ranchlands also protects their contribution to the local economy, provides us with access to healthy food and guards us from food insecurity threatened by extreme weather such as drought, flooding and heat.

Studies confirm that time spent in and around nature is good for all of us. It reduces stress, allows us to reconnect with family and friends, provides opportunities for physical activity and recreation and inspires awe. The Santa Clara Valley is fortunate to have a climate that allows for year-round enjoyment of the outdoors, such as by walking, hiking, riding bicycles, riding horseback and birdwatching. When we protect outdoor open spaces for public access – and help create green spaces in our urban areas – all of us can enjoy these health benefits more equitably.  

Drought and flood have hit California hard. Water supplies and groundwater aquifers have been depleted. In 2017, communities along Coyote Creek in San José experienced record flooding that caused $100 million in property damage. Climate projections indicate that we can expect more intense droughts and floods, extreme events to which our current built infrastructure cannot adequately respond. Floodplain restoration in Coyote Valley will help buffer San José from future extreme events by allowing water to spread over large, undeveloped areas upstream of urban development. Nature as infrastructure is often more efficient, more resilient and less expensive than single-purpose built infrastructure.