MCCLELLAN RANCH PRESERVE
McClellan Ranch Preserve and Blackberry Farm are part of a 60-acre open space and recreational area owned by the City of Cupertino. Our main focus since 2014 has been along a one-mile stretch of Stevens Creek, where we are planting native vegetation and controlling invasive plants that previously dominated the floodplain of the creek. This riparian habitat—where the creek is hydrologically connected to its floodplain—is uncommon in our valley and particularly important because of its high habitat value and contribution to reducing flood flows. Since adding more native plants to the preserve, we have seen the return of several animals that had not been observed for years, including western bluebirds and monarch butterflies!
OUR VOLUNTEER PROGRAMS AT MCCLELLAN RANCH PRESERVE
MCCLELLAN RANCH YOUTH STEWARDS
Supported by the Brooke Schryver Memorial Fund
Brooke Schryver, a naturalist with a deep love of all living things, enjoyed exploring the outdoors and was dedicated to protecting the environment. She delighted in caring for and sharing California’s natural beauty. Grassroots Ecology nurtured her passion as a young steward at McClellan and later as an intern. Brooke returned to McClellan Ranch Preserve as a Ranger for the City of Cupertino. She planned to educate the young and inspire citizens to become protectors of our planet. We honor Brooke’s memory by supporting those who embody her spirit and share her commitment.
OUR RESTORATION WORK AT MCCLELLAN RANCH PRESERVE
Meadow Restoration
We approach restoration of the floodplain meadow using the “island” technique of planting distinct, manageable plots of land. With ongoing maintenance, we promote the eventual connection of the islands through natural vegetative spread and recruitment. Additionally, each year we expand the outer edges of the islands with sheet mulching and new plantings. We assess the success of each plant species to determine the most suitable candidates for future planting efforts. Our team actively monitors the meadow to remove invasive weeds including milk thistle, mustard, and poison hemlock.
Stevens Creek
Our work in Stevens Creek consists primarily of invasive plant management along the banks. With the help of hundreds of volunteers, youth stewards, and interns, we have significantly reduced the density of weeds such as Cape ivy, periwinkle, and smilo grass. Removing these detrimental plants and promoting native riparian plants improves water quality, floral and faunal biodiversity, and soil stability.
Before: smilo grass on the banks of Stevens Creek
After: smilo grass removed
EXPLORE MCCLELLAN RANCH PRESERVE
VISIT MCCLELLAN RANCH PRESERVE
22221 McClellan Road, Cupertino, CA 95014
McClellan Ranch Preserve is open from sunrise to sunset. The roads to the preserve are somewhat winding through the surrounding neighborhood. There is a parking lot with about 20 spaces as well as an overflow parking lot with another 30+ spaces, and 1 accessible space. Be sure to lock your car and take all valuables with you. The preserve is accessible by bike via Stevens Creek Trail and bike paths along McClellan road and Foothill Blvd. The closest public transportation stop is VTA route 51 at Stevens Creek & Foothill, which is about a mile from the preserve.
Minimal shade is available in the meadow work area, but the creek area is shaded. Shaded areas with several tables are also available around the site for breaks. Minimal walking is required on flat paved and dirt trails, and possibly through some moderate to densely vegetated areas to get to work sites where rocks and squirrel/gopher holes are common.
The preserve also features Blackberry Farm historical buildings, 4-H livestock, community gardens, and the Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society headquarters.
Water fountains and flush toilet restrooms are available near the main parking area as well as near Blackberry Farm. Cell service is generally available throughout the preserve. Come prepared to explore with water and a hat, and be aware of ground squirrel holes, ticks, rattlesnakes, and poison oak.
OUR TEAM AT MCCLELLAN RANCH PRESERVE
Project Lead Stephanie Saffouri manages our work at McClellan Ranch Preserve. Any questions about our work at McClellan can be directed to Stephanie Saffouri.
