As stewards of the land, creeks, trees, plants and wildlife across Santa Clara County, we know that each season creates a special magic. Winter months offer cold, clear night skies for stargazing. The migration of birds adorns the skies of the Pacific flyway. A greening occurs as rain nurtures the landscape and all living things.
The wild beauty of this winter is poignant as we contemplate the closure of over 70 California State Parks, due to budget cuts, putting at risk the natural, historic and cultural legacy that belongs to us all. With such drastic reductions in funding at the state and local levels, voluntarism and philanthropic leadership play an increasingly critical role in the ongoing conservation and stewardship of all of our parks, open spaces, working lands and wildlife habitat. Please join the Open Space Authority or one of the many dedicated land conservation agencies or land trusts this season in giving something back to the land. You can connect to over sixty land conservation organizations at work in the San Francisco Bay Area at www.openspacecouncil.org
This winter season provides us with the opportunity to rekindle our commitment to closely held values and principles. As we explore the richness and vastness of our “back yard” wilderness areas, and contemplate the coming year, may our vision of the future include recognition for the inherent value of our natural world. As Aldo Leopold said, “There are some who can live without wild things and some who cannot.” I contend that very few of us can live without.
