PRC 9-4-2025 Written CommunicationsPRC 9-4-2025
Item No.4
Non-Native
Plants
Written
Communications
From:Shani Kleinhaus
To:City of Cupertino Parks and Recreation Commission
Subject:Item 4 on September 4 Agenda: Discussion on Non-Native Plants on Park Property Maintained by the City
Date:Wednesday, September 3, 2025 3:56:16 PM
Attachments:SCVBA letter_ Non-Native Plants on Park Propert.pdf
Attachment_ CUP Memorial Park Ponds removal email.pdf
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Dear Chair Swamy and commissioners,
Please find our letter and attachment regarding Item 4 on your September 4 Agenda,
Discussion on Non-Native Plants on Park Property Maintained by the City.
Respectfully,
Shani Kleinhaus, Ph.D.
Environmental Advocate
Santa Clara Valley Bird Alliance
22221 McClellan Rd.
Cupertino, CA 95014
650-868-2114
shani@scvbirdalliance.org
September 3, 2025
To: Cupertino Parks & Recreation Commission
Re: Item 4 on 9/4 Agenda: Discussion on Non-Native Plants on Park Property Maintained by the City
Dear Chair Swamy and Commissioner,
The Santa Clara Valley Bird Alliance (SCVBA) was founded in 1926 and is one of the largest National
Audubon Society chapters in California. Our mission is to promote the enjoyment,
understanding, and protection of birds and other wildlife by engaging people of all ages in
birding, education, and conservation. Located at McClellan Ranch, we are proud to call
Cupertino home. We recently won recognition from Mayor Chao, in part for our role as a stakeholder in
the development of the Citywide Parks & Recreation System Master Plan.
The Parks Master Plan Vision states,
“We aspire to create an inspiring, lively,
healthy, diverse and sustainable
community by connecting our residents
to outstanding parks, nature and one
another (emphasis added).
Indeed “Nature” receives the most and
strongest support of the priority goals
for the Parks and Recreation System.
Furthermore, residents expressed an
interest in integrating nature into the
park system. Cupertino has been
carrying this priority forward in
planning natural areas within parks and near creeks. But some park renovation efforts missed the
opportunity to use our region’s diverse native plant palate and instead, used commercial plants of little
ecological value (Memorial Park, for example, see attached letter).
Other planning efforts in Cupertino also support planting native plants. Action CS 2.1 of the city’s Climate
Action Plan 2.0 states, “Study opportunities to create new natural areas in existing open spaces,
parklands, and fields with native species, biodiverse ecology, higher carbon sequestration potential and
ecologically responsible recreation opportunities for the community.“
In your discussion of Non-Native Plants on Park Property, we hope you consider:
1.Replacing Non-Native trees and shrubs with locally-native plants.
Native species support far more insects, birds, and pollinators than commercial ornamentals.
Using them in parks restores ecological function and creates healthier, more resilient landscapes
that require less water and chemical input over time.
2.Planting Narrow-leaf milkweed for Monarch Butterflies.
This species is adapted to our local climate and is essential for monarch breeding. Planting
narrow-leaf milkweed supports healthy populations and contributes to regional conservation
efforts.
3.Reducing mechanical maintenance
Frequent trimming and hedging can destroy habitat structure and disturb nesting wildlife.
Reducing these activities can accommodate seasonal flowering and seed production to benefit
birds, butterflies, and other pollinators while reducing fuel use and emissions.
4.Reducing or eliminating chemical applications of all biocides
Pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides harm beneficial insects, contaminate waterways, and
degrade soil health. Reducing their use protects biodiversity and reduces risks to children and
pets who use Cupertino’s parks.
5.Allowing leaf litter to accumulate where possible.
Leaf litter improves soil fertility and water retention, provides shelter for beneficial insects and
amphibians, and supports the natural decomposition cycle that urban parks often lack. Its a
natural mulch!
We urge the Commission to take this opportunity to reaffirm Cupertino’s leadership in ecolpogical park
management. Replacing non-native plants with ecologically valuable natives, and adopting thoughtful
maintenance practices, will allow Cupertino’s parks to thrive as vibrant, living landscapes that support
biodiversity, respond to climate challenges, and enrich the daily lives of residents.
Thank you for your consideration and your commitment to nature in Cupertino’s parks.
Shani Kleinhaus, Ph.D.
Environmental Advocate
Santa Clara Valley Bird Alliance
22221 McClellan Rd.
Cupertino, CA 95014
650-868-2114
shani@scvbirdalliance.org
Attachment: CUP Memorial Park Ponds removal email
To ayanoh@cupertino.org
Cc shani@scvas.org, mattm@cupertino.org, rachelles@cupertino.org
Bcc
Subject Plant list for Memorial Park Ponds Repurposing Project
Hi, Ayano,
It was nice to meet you virtually at Monday’s Memorial Park Specific Plan Group Interview (A)
meeting. I wanted to follow-up on the plan for the pond removals and the plant list that is in the
blueprints. The screenshot below is from L2.1.
None of the plants are native to California, let alone our region. As I mentioned at the meeting,
Heavenly Bamboo produces berries that are toxic to birds and dogs if eaten. I understand that this
project is underway, but would it be possible to redesign the landscaping such that native plantings
are used? This will align it with the future Memorial Park Specific Plan as well as the current Parks
and Recreation System Master Plan, which encourages native plantings specifically at Memorial Park:
“Consider natural vegetation enhancements as part of the Memorial Park Master Plan. Provide
actionable items that include pollinator, habitat and/or native plantings in the upcoming Strategic Plan
and/or Capital Improvement Program” (p. 108).1
In terms of alternatives to the current non-native plant list, Mountain View’s North Bayshore Precise
Plan has a good plant palette that may be helpful (link here). A good substitute for the Heavenly
Bamboo plant is Toyon, a native plant similar in size and production of (non-toxic) red berries.
Please let me know your thoughts. I would be happy to discuss further.
Regards,
1 https://parksmp.cupertino.org/Library/pdf/Jul20/final.pdf
Annie Yang
Annie Yang
Environmental Action Committee Chair
Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society
22221 McClellan Rd
Cupertino, CA 95014
eac@scvas.org