Grassroots Ecology programs are designed to benefit the diverse natural habitats and human communities that make up Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties of the San Francisco Bay Area. Our stewardship work impacts 2,400+ acres, 7 creeks, and 25 outdoor spaces located in 10 cities, from Redwood City to Los Gatos.

Our benefits to natural habitats include cleaner public lands and waterways, more biologically diverse ecosystems, higher-functioning wildlife habitat, and more resilient landscapes that buffer our communities from flood, fire, drought, and rising temperatures.

We support local communities by engaging thousands of people annually—across a broad spectrum of ages and backgrounds—to connect to their local outdoor spaces and take action to improve the natural world around them.

While our scale is decisively local, we believe our greatest long-term impact extends beyond the here and now: inspiring people to become lifelong stewards of nature wherever—and whoever—they are.

We foster Stewards: people who learn about, care for, protect, or advocate for nature.


“I feel that Grassroots Ecology has their finger on the pulse of the community for environmental issues.”

-Brian Mendenhall, Valley Water


ANNUAL REPORTS

Made possible by our supportive and generous community, each year brings new accomplishments, and new opportunities to care for local lands.

 
 
 

2021-22

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

“Grassroots Ecology is one of Palo Alto Open Space's longest partners. We remain engaged because Grassroots Ecology is a well-run organization whose goals and mission align closely with those of Palo Alto Open Space. They provide a valuable service to the Palo Alto Community.”

-Daren Anderson, City of Palo Alto

“Every trip we take to the preserve with Grassroots Ecology is an eye-opener for the students and for me as I get to see them in a different light and a different setting outside of the classroom. They are always so excited and in awe of what is in their backyard and are eager to be involved.”

-Robin Boynton, Bullis Charter School Teacher


“We've had the opportunity to do concrete work to improve our local environment, associated with a high quality project that will have a lasting and positive effect on the local watershed.”

-Michael Milliken, Donor/Volunteer