Protecting lands essential to the survival of threatened and endangered species.
uNDERSTANDING cONSERVATION eASEMENTS
A conservation easement is a voluntary, legally recorded restriction placed on a property to protect natural habitats and wildlife. Its primary goal is to safeguard critical ecosystems and ensure these areas remain intact for future generations. This easement prohibits activities that could harm wildlife or degrade important ecosystems and remains effective even if the property changes ownership. Designed to support biodiversity, it preserves essential habitats for various species while helping to maintain scenic beauty and ecological health by preventing development. The Land Trust of Santa Clara Valley (LTSCV) is committed to facilitating these easements, collaborating with landowners to uphold the terms and protect vital ecosystems. By securing these important lands, we contribute to the conservation of wildlife and the preservation of natural habitats for future generations.
ltscv cONSERVATION eASEMENTS
Lake Silveira
Valley Water is constructing flood protection improvements to approximately 13.9 miles of Llagas Creek and its tributaries, West Little Llagas Creek and East Little Llagas Creek. To mitigate aquatic resource impacts, Valley Water will restore 2,000 linear feet of Llagas Creek and create wetlands adjacent to the creek in an abandoned quarry known locally as Lake Silveira. Click here for more information on Valley Water's Upper Llagas Creek Flood Control Program.
Restoration activities commenced September 3, 2019 and are scheduled for completion in winter of 2020. Construction includes removal of invasive Himalayan blackberry; re-establishment of the historic Llagas Creek channel; creation of a wetland complex; structures to control water surface elevations; and native tree and shrub plantings. Valley Water will manage this site for 10 years following completion of construction, after which LTSCV will become the permanent land manager.
Restoration activities commenced September 3, 2019 and are scheduled for completion in winter of 2020. Construction includes removal of invasive Himalayan blackberry; re-establishment of the historic Llagas Creek channel; creation of a wetland complex; structures to control water surface elevations; and native tree and shrub plantings. Valley Water will manage this site for 10 years following completion of construction, after which LTSCV will become the permanent land manager.
Coyote Ridge
Coyote Ridge is located between San Jose and Morgan Hill east of Highway 101. LTSCV owns and manages 95 acres on Coyote Ridge to protect habitat for Bay checkerspot butterfly, Santa Clara Valley dudleya, and other threatened or endangered species. Coyote Ridge was dedicated to LTSCV as mitigation for the nearby Metcalf Energy Center and Los Esteros Critical Energy Facility built by Silicon Valley Power and Calpine. Tule Elk are frequently seen on Coyote Ridge.
Basking Ridge
|
Basking Ridge is a 206-acre conservation easement located east of Highway 101 in San Jose, established as mitigation for a nearby housing development. This property plays a vital role in maintaining local biodiversity by protecting critical habitats for several endangered and threatened species. Among them are the California red-legged frog, which has faced significant declines due to habitat loss; the California tiger salamander, which relies on seasonal ponds for breeding and adjacent grasslands for foraging; and the western burrowing owl, a small ground-dwelling bird that depends on open spaces with low vegetation for hunting and nesting. By safeguarding these habitats, Basking Ridge enhances the overall health of the ecosystem and supports the survival of these important species.
|
|
Tulare Hill
The Tulare Hill Ecological Preserve includes 116 acres dedicated to the protection of the Bay checkerspot butterfly, the California red-legged frog, and other threatened and endangered species. This site is located in south San Jose between Monterey Road and Santa Teresa Boulevard. It was donated to LTSCV by the Metcalf Energy Center as mitigation for their power plant on Monterey Road. The Bay checkerspot butterfly is making a last stand on Tulare Hill (only one was counted in 2007) and through proper monitoring and management, LTSCV aims to help the butterfly make a comeback. Click here to watch a virtual nature walk on Tulare Hill hosted by Saved By Nature.
Davidson Ranch
Davidson Ranch is a 93.17-acre conservation easement protected on December 28, 2023, preserving vital open space and creating contiguous areas between several properties. This site features serpentine soil, known for its unique composition that supports a diverse range of plant species, including the federally endangered Coyote ceanothus. This evergreen shrub, which has historical significance for Native American tribes, thrives in serpentine habitats and is crucial for local biodiversity. The protection of Davidson Ranch enhances habitat connectivity, fosters the growth of Coyote ceanothus, and contributes to the conservation of the region’s unique ecosystems.
Baird Ranch
Baird Ranch is a 47-acre conservation easement protected on October 3, 2022, and enrolled in the Santa Clara Valley Habitat Plan. This property features oak woodland habitat and preserves significant serpentine bunchgrass, critical for the endangered Bay checkerspot butterfly. It is also home to the federally endangered Coyote ceanothus, an evergreen shrub with cultural significance to Native American tribes. Once numbering fewer than 6,000, its population has rebounded to over 100,000 due to conservation efforts. Baird Ranch's unique ecosystems face threats from development, invasive species, and altered fire regimes, making its protection vital for local biodiversity.
