POST Protects Meadow Site Overlooking San Jose Peninsula Open Space Trust Completes Purchase of 286-Acre Site. Meadow, Wildflowers, Views Make Ideal Family Destination
November 4, 1999
The Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST) today announced its second major purchase of prime South Bay open space within the past five weeks, a spectacular 286-acre property formerly owned by the Guadalupe Land Company in the Los Gatos foothills. The land is located between Almaden Quicksilver County Park and Rancho de Guadalupe Open Space Preserve, 11 miles from downtown San Jose. With its grassy meadow and abundant wildflowers, the land is an ideal spot for family picnics and easy hiking.
POST received a gift of shares in the company which held the property in 1986 and had been working to purchase the balance. Recently, negotiations for the property turned urgent as the land protection group found itself in a bidding war for the land to prevent the building of luxury homes on the meadow site. POST'succeeded with the purchase and is now focused on raising $2 million to help cover the cost of acquiring the calendar-perfect property. POST hopes that a donor, or group of donors, will come forward with a major contribution and create an opportunity to name the property.
"This is exceptionally beautiful land that presents a perfect opportunity for someone who values open space protection to make a real difference," says Audrey Rust, President of POST. "What would be a greater legacy than to have this magical spot named in your honor?"
The as-yet unnamed property showcases a lovely meadow edged with oaks, and a dramatic rocky pinnacle cresting from the sloping hillside. The meadow's serpentine soil hosts a variety of wildflowers and plants specially adapted to the area, including cream-colored Douglas Iris, Blue-eyed Grass, California Poppy and Royal Larkspur. The resulting spring wildflower display is spectacular. Sweeping views of San Jose and 4000-acre Quicksilver Mines County Park are to be had from the bowl-shaped meadow, with Mt. Umhunum rising majestically to the south.
The purchase adds to POST's growing list of accomplishments, which includes more than 38,000 acres set aside for permanent protection on the San Francisco Peninsula'since 1977. Just five weeks ago, POST announced the final details of its purchase of Loma Prieta Ranch, a 493-acre property in the Santa Cruz Mountains between Loma Prieta Avenue and Highland Way.