The San Lorenzo Valley

We can preserve
Together
Riparian Corridor
Heal the
With a native habitat in your backyard
Create a Sanctuary

Protecting Our Watershed

The San Lorenzo Valley watershed originates in the Santa Cruz Mountains in Castle Rock State Park and is a major source of water for the city of Santa Cruz as well as important coho salmon and steelhead trout habitat. Our efforts directly support this native fishery and the health of the watershed throughout the SLV.

Restoring Native Habitat

English ivy, vinca, and Himalayan blackberry are invasive, non-native plants. The San Lorenzo Valley Restoration Project removes invasive growth, expands native habitat corridors on public lands, and teaches skills for homeowners so that native plants and wildlife thrive.

Involving the Community

Everyone is invited to become involved in restoring riparian habitat, from private backyards to public parks. The San Lorenzo Valley Restoration Project provides online tools that identify and define the steps needed to take an active role in improving the health of our watershed.

27,944

Hours Worked with AmeriCorps Teams

20,000+

Blackberry Crowns Removed

25

Acres Public Lands Restoration Work

Remove Invasives, Reveal Natives
and Restore the Natural Habitat

Join the Community Effort!

Donate

The Daily Dirt

Lend a Hand at Highlands Park, Improving the Habitat along the San Lorenzo River

March 15, 2023

International Women’s Day, California Native Plant-Style

Years of Environmental Work Slated for Destruction

Building Community, Plant by Plant

Volunteer Opportunities

April 2 • 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Highlands County Park
8500 Hwy 9, Ben Lomond, CA

LEARN MORE & VOLUNTEER

Our Native Habitat in Action

Set in the redwood forest of the Santa Cruz Mountains, this video is about the life cycle of the California Hazel throughout the year. It includes shots of its own special flowers and catkins as well as various other forest wild flowers. Steller’s Jays and Grey Squirrels are also seen eating the nutritious nuts. Video: Fred & Roberta McPherson.

Plant California Poppies!

Did you get California Poppy seeds at one of our events? Learn all about these natives and how to plant them.

Planting Instructions

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Come and join the Watershed Stewards Program, the San Lorenzo Valley Native Habitat Restoration Program, and the Valley Womens Club of San Lorenzo Valley to plant native plants and remove invasive plants to improve habitat along the upper San Lorenzo River. Sign-up link: https://forms.gle/vUTdVBShUSEYUHRi6 Address: 8500 CA-9, Ben Lomond, CA 95005 Directions to the event: The route to Highlands County Park is along Highway 9. Volunteers must approach from the NORTH due to a major landslide just south of the park. Bring: Closed-toed shoes, long sleeves, pants, water bottle, and snacks/food Provided: Water and tools WSP will adhere to all CDPH guidelines during any in-person restoration events This project proposes to improve habitat adjacent to the stream banks by removing English Ivy and possibly planting natives with stronger root systems just uphill of the river, in order to improve water quality for salmonids.
Estuary Project Update from Jane Mio: I was advised by the Parks and Recreation Director and Superintend to discontinue scheduling any events for the Estuary Project until the City completes the FEMA Accreditation process. Additional vegetation adjustments might be necessary to satisfy the accreditation. Once the result of the FEMA process is complete, it will be possible to explore the future of the Estuary Project. 🌿Please know that the river critters and I treasure each one of you for the time you gave to care for and about the vegetation that strengthens the survival of our river beauties. 🌿I remember each and every volunteers efforts and I treasure your contributions. 🌿Your volunteer work with the Estuary Project is an exquisite testimony that kind and wonderful people show up to help our river critters. I loved meeting you, sharing laughter, and talking while getting our hands and shoes dirty. It is my hope we will work together again when the Estuary Project is allowed to rise like a Phoenix. In the meantime, I wish you many, rich, jubilant environment interactions and observations to nourish your love for nature. With ardent gratitude ~ jane

What’s the Buzz?

I can’t thank you all enough for all the hard work you put in that day. It looks so much better now that we are preparing to fix the fence now. All those strong and able bodies going to work on that area really made a difference. Thanks again!

jen-hennig

Jennifer Hennig

Santa Cruz Mountain Arts Center

Thank you for making our world a better place. The San Lorenzo Valley has benefited greatly from the AmeriCorps NCCC Team Blue 6. We are so very proud of all of you and more than delighted to see every area of habitat improvement and restoration that Linda Skeff and your team completed.

Roz-Alley

Rosalind Alley

Past Valley Women’s Club President