Sandhills aerial

This picture shows you the land we are protecting in the first phase of our Save the Sandhills Campaign – and the threats to this rare habitat.

The 189 acre property we are acquiring includes an abandoned quarry in the bottom right corner.  To the left of the property there is another, much larger, abandoned quarry.  To the south at the bottom of the picture you can see part of still another quarry.  There are six quarries in the Sandhills, but only one is currently operating. 

Because the Sandhills are ancient seabeds, the sand deposits are very deep and easily quarried.  In addition, the coarseness and well rounded nature of the sand there, in comparison with typical beach sand, makes it valuable for a variety of uses, including construction and golf courses.

You can also see on this picture the other great threat to the Sandhills habitat – housing development.  In the right bottom corner you can see the edge of Scotts Valley.  On the left side of the picture you can see the less dense developments of the San Lorenzo Valley.

 

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