The San Lorenzo Valley
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 an 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 Program removes invasive growth, expands native habitat corridors on public lands, and teaches homeowners skills to help native plants and wildlife thrive.
Involving the Community
Everyone is invited to help restore riparian habitat, from private backyards to public parks. The San Lorenzo Valley Restoration Program provides online tools that identify and define the steps needed to take an active role in improving the health of our watershed.
WAYS TO GET INVOLVED
Join us in making a difference in the San Lorenzo Valley.
Shop 50+ locally appropriate native plants.
Ben Lomond Village Market
First Saturdays
10 AM –2 PM
Mill St., Ben Lomond
Visit our booth for native plants, advice, and restoration ideas.
Volunteer Restoration Days
Join us for hands-on habitat restoration.
Volunteer for the Native Plant Sale
Help make our biggest fundraiser a success.
Native Habitat in Action
Follow the California Hazel through the seasons in the Santa Cruz Mountains, from its distinctive flowers and catkins to the wildlife that feeds on its nutritious nuts.
Video: Fred & Roberta McPherson
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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!
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.
Rosalind Alley
Past Valley Women’s Club President
In the News
SLV POST • AUGUST 17, 2025
RETURN OF THE NORTHWESTERN POND TURTLE
SLV POST • MAY 5, 2024
SLV POST • APRIL 16, 2024