The mission of Acterra’s Stewardship Program is to restore natural lands to ecological health by involving the community in land stewardship. In so doing, we strive to improve the quality of life of plants, wildlife, and people. Through engaging volunteers in hands-on habitat restoration activities, and facilitating information-sharing about best restoration practices, we involve, educate, and inspire people to take care of the land for current and future generations.

Description:
Acterra: Action for a Sustainable Earth has three main programs; Stewardship, Education and Leadership. Acterra's mission is to create local solutions to foster a healthy environment.

History:
In 1996-1997 Bay Area Action (BAA) proposed to the City of Palo Alto to use the Arastradero Preserve as a hub for community-based restoration was modified into a two phase project. Initially, BAA was awarded a deconstruction contract to salvage as much useful material as possible from two homes and a barn on the Preserve. In 1997 the second phase of the project was also awarded to BAA to provide a variety of services to benefit the natural environment of the Arastradero Preserve. The preserve had been severely degraded by ranching, logging, and wildfire. Initial work focused on restoration of three former building sites, evaluation and management of the Preserve’s trail system, and development of environmental education programs using the Preserve as an outdoor classroom. A key element of the project was involving the community in stewardship activities both to reconnect people with nature and to accomplish specific stewardship goals.

In 2000 Bay Area Action merged with another environmental organization, the Peninsula Conservation Center Foundation (PCCF). In June of 2001 we announced our new name: Acterra: Action for a Sustainable Earth. Prior to and following the merger, The Arastradero Preserve Stewardship Project continued to orchestrate community-based work at the Preserve. The Arastradero Preserve Stewardship Project is a subproject of the Acterra Stewardship Program.

Contact people:

Sheri Lubin, Stewardship Program Director, (phone), (email) Miriam Sachs Martin, Chief Preserve Steward, (phone), (email) Michael Closson, Executive Director, (phone), (email)

Main office number: (650) 962-9876
Office fax number: (650) 962-8234

Address:

3921 East Bayshore Road Palo Alto, CA 94303 (See a map)

Web Site: http://acterra.org/arastradero/index.html

Directions:

These are directions to the Preserve where we do most of activities. Volunteers need to RSVP. From Palo Alto: Take Page Mill past Highway 280. After crossing under the highway, go about 0.5 mile up Page Mill and turn. . . (more)

Miscellaneous Information

Besides English, which languages are spoken at your agency?
	Spanish
What is the minimum age for volunteers at your agency?
	12
Is your agency wheelchair accessible?
	No
Does your agency have the capacity to host groups of more than 10?
	Yes
Does your agency have the capacity to host groups of more than 20?
	Yes