Established in 1989, the goal of Muir Heritage Land Trust is to preserve open space and wildlife habitats for future generations. This group acquires, restores, protects and oversees diminishing lands and cultivates environmental awareness so that individuals realize the need to preserve our natural heritage.
The group has preserved over 2,500 acres of open space, including Mt. Wanda, Franklin Canyon, Sky Ranch, Fernandez Ranch and Sky Ranch. The Muir Heritage Land Trust owns properties in the Martinez hills that are wonderful for hikes and great examples of local habitat. The best way to contact them is to call or send an email at [email protected].
Wildcare is an urban wildlife rehabilitation center that treats more than 3000 wild animals each year. It takes in everything from tortoises to squirrels to raptors and nurses these animals back to health so the animals can be returned to the original habitat. Wildcare also maintains a special "Living with Wildlife" hotline that can help callers deal with any wild animals that might be encountered. Admission to the facility is completely free, and the birds are fed at 12:30pm and 4:30pm each day.
Located on top of Mission Hill, the Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park features the last remaining structure of 12th California Mission, built in 1791. Guided tours are provided of the mission and the park features patios, gardens and a view of the city.
Friends of Stevens Creek Trail provides community awareness and support for the completion of the Stevens Creek Trail. The community group is made up of volunteers and helps to arrange outreach programs, organize tree plantings and trail work events, raise funds for the trail and host an annual Trailblazer Race.
The Center for Ecoliteracy is devoted to teaching sustainability to the next generation. They are perhaps most famous for their work promoting gardens in schools, nutrition in school lunches and ecological principles into curricula. They also provide books, seminars and teaching resources to schools.
This is the main office for the San Francisco Bay Area chapter of the Sierra Club. It is a grassroots organization dedicated to protecting the environment and promoting clean and sustainable energy.
The group takes part in campaigns to pass environmental ballot measures, and educates the public about the importance of preserving the earth. The chapter also regularly goes on hikes throughout the region as well as outdoor activities like camping and backcountry skiing.
