Supporting biodiversity in the heart of Silicon Valley

The City of Mountain View's location serves as an important ecological connection between the distinct ecosystems of the Santa Cruz Mountains and San Francisco Bay. Encompassing Stevens and Permanente creeks, the City is historically home to expansive oak woodlands and savannah, wet and alkali meadows, freshwater and tidal marsh, and tidal channels and flats. Presently located in the heart of Silicon Valley with large swaths of urbanized land, the vision of a biodiverse Mountain View may seem far-fetched. Yet, cities can be places where people and nature thrive together. Through the development of the Mountain View Biodiversity and Urban Forest Plan, SFEI will tackle questions such as: How can Mountain View provide ecological support to enhance biodiversity and the urban forest? What interventions are prioritized by community members? How can the Plan’s visions and goals be feasibly and equitably implemented by City management? 

What is the plan?

SFEI is developing the City of Mountain View Biodiversity and Urban Forest Plan (Plan) in partnership with multiple City departments, stakeholders, and members of the community. The work builds on SFEI’s long history of historical ecology and urban ecological synthesis, vision-based design, and planning in the Santa Clara Valley. One of the first of its kind in the Bay Area, this Plan will aim to provide a clear set of priorities, goals, and objectives for increasing and supporting biodiversity, improving and stewarding the urban forest, and encouraging community access to, enjoyment of, and benefits from nature. 

See the City’s project website for regular updates!