Martial Cottle Park

The Authority contributed funds towards the City of Santa Clara's installation of a decomposed granite trail and restoration of upland habitat near Saratoga Creek. This project will give people of all ages and abilities access to nature in their neighborhood and to the new all-inclusive playground in Bowers Park. In addition, the trail will create a walking loop by connecting to existing park trails. The trail will enhance and integrate play spaces with nature, while supporting sustainability and age-friendly outdoor activities.

Growing Sustainably, a signature CommUniverCity SJSU program, is developing and delivering new curriculum connecting wildlife appreciation, Green STEM careers, and climate resilience to expand its programming. It is teaching 905 Central San Jose k-8th grade students living in underserved communities about local flora and fauna through urban habitat gardening. Additionally, the program is organizing grade level-appropriate environmental science career fairs using hands-on activities and field trips. Central San Jose program participants have multiple opportunities to garden, observe wildlife, learn about green STEM careers, visit the SJSU campus, enjoy natural areas, and address environmental issues relevant to them.

This project supports the Design and Environmental Review for an Emergent Wetland to improve water quality and reduce overland fertilizer and waste inflows into Lake Cunningham. This project is restoring the historic landscape from the late 1800’s when the area was called Laguna Socayre (alternatively Laguna Seca). The project addresses three goals, 1) improve water quality through natural filtering processes, 2) offer visual amenity for existing walking trails along lake, and 3) advance the Department’s Strategic Goal of “Nature” through restoration of habitat.