Conservation Corner: June
Palo Alto Baylands and Byxbee Park
SCVAS advocacy program is looking for Palo Alto residents to join us in protecting birds and habitat at the Baylands and Byxbee Park. Please contact shani@scvas.org if you are available to help.
June Ballot: Vote NO on Measure A in Santa Clara County
Valley Water (AKA Water District) has placed on the June Ballot a misleading measure. Asking “Shall the measure amending the Santa Clara Valley Water District Ordinance 11-01 to limit Board members to four successive four-year terms be adopted?” Board members are currently limited to three successive four-year terms, so a yes vote would extend rather than limit the term limits. SCVAS recommends a NO vote on Valley Water ballot measure A.
AB 2382: Light Pollution Control California
State Assembly Member Alex Lee has introduced a bill (AB 2382) to reduce light pollution and promote better health and safety for birds, humans, and nature. If passed, the bill will reduce future outdoor light pollution on buildings and structures on State properties. SCVAS is a sponsor of AB 2382 and we are working with Lee’s legislative team to help make this bill a law! You can read the text here.
Cupertino: Help Restore the Blackberry Farm Golf Course to Nature!
Cupertino is asking community members to share their opinions on their preferred future use of the Blackberry Farm Golf Course site. This property is near the Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society (SCVAS). Cupertino is considering two alternatives:
A. Minor Repairs to the Existing Golf Course
B. Restore the site to natural habitat with trail facilities. Previously, there was a strong response from residents in favor of restoration to nature
Change is hard, so the city needs to hear from all of us!
Please respond to this short survey and ask Cupertino to Restore the land to its natural habitat.
There will be a Virtual Community Meeting Monday, June 6 at 6:30 pm. Register Here.
Reasons for restoring nature:
Option B: Conversion to Natural Habitat
1. The restored natural area will use less water than the golf course, especially after the first 3-8 years of irrigation to establish the trees and plants.
2. This will be a place to plant native trees, shrubs and grasses which provide habitat for birds and other species, and support biodiversity as recommended in Cupertino's Climate Action Plan.
3. There are grants available that will reduce the amount of City funding required for maintaining natural habitat.
4. Children need to learn about nature first hand. Many popular outings and courses at Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society at McClellan Ranch grew during the pandemic, and will continue to grow.
5. Our region is becoming more urban. We must restore a piece of wildness for wildlife, our children and the future of our environment.
Option A: Golf Course Minor Repairs and Improvements
1. Golf Courses use much more water in a time of growing drought than the natural habitat.
2. It currently costs $500,000 a year to maintain a large area for a relatively few residents. Repairs will reduce this subsidy, but not eliminate it.
3. The overall grass used for playing golf is a “food desert” for wildlife.
Speak out for restoring nature! Learn more here.
Monday, June 6 at 6:30 pm Register Here.
Please participate and ask Cupertino to Restore the land to its natural habitat. (This alternative includes discontinuing the use of the site as a golf course. This would consist of transitioning much of the existing golf course turf to native, climate-friendly landscaping, removing much of the existing perimeter netting and fencing, construction of a trail network, and design for potential environmental education programming.)