Our Mission
POST protects open space on the Peninsula and in the South Bay for the benefit of all.
Our Vision
POST is creating a network of protected lands where people and nature connect and thrive. These lands are preserved forever so present and future generations benefit from the careful balance of rural and urban landscapes that makes our region extraordinary.
Our Story
Take a look at what we have accomplished so far, and what we hope to accomplish in the future.
Our Conservation Impact
Since our founding in 1977, POST has protected more than 87,000 acres of permanent open space, farms and parkland in San Mateo, Santa Clara and Santa Cruz counties. Discover more about our process and the areas POST has worked to preserve.
Our Strategic Plan
In 2022, POST finalized a new strategic plan to help shape our path forward. After input from our staff, board and partners, as well as a close look at the state of conservation in our region, we landed on three priorities that will shape our work: building climate resilience, preserving biodiversity and creating equitable access.
Read about our strategic plan priorities.
Build Climate Resilience
POST will implement land protection and management strategies that build adaptive capacity and resilience to climate change impacts — including drought, fire and increased temperatures.
Preserve Biodiversity
POST will protect, restore, steward and functionally connect a mosaic of habitats and land uses across our region that preserve our unique biodiversity.
Create Equitable Access
POST will create and nurture sustainable long-term connections between people and nature, addressing current inequities by centering underserved and historically excluded communities in our work.
Our Values
At POST, our core values define how we actually do what we do to protect open space on the Peninsula and in the South Bay for the benefit of all. We’re proud of these values and hope they resonate with you too. They include: Nature Connects Us All, Act Today for the Long-Term, Commit to Learning and Growth, Care About How We Work, and Honor Our Collective Strengths.
Read about our core values.
Nature Connects Us All
We believe that we are part of an interconnected web of life and that diversity of all types creates strength and resilience. In our work, we strive to protect and heal the ecosystems that support our collective well-being.
Act Today for the Long-Term
We take action today in ways that support our bold, long-term vision. We accept and balance the tension between the present and the future while staying true to our purpose.
Commit to Learning and Growth
We are creative, curious and courageous in our approaches and willing to change course when necessary. We learn from our successes and mistakes.
Care About How We Work
We believe all living things should be treated with dignity. We acknowledge the many injustices against people and nature. We are dedicated to strive for equity in our actions.
Honor Our Collective Strengths
We have the most positive impact when we work together towards a shared vision. We catalyze, collaborate and complement to support the best outcomes for all.
Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
We recognize that we must make more room for cross-cultural ways of connecting with nature, and our Equity Commitment outlines the initial steps we are taking to improve — both within our organization and in relationship to the communities we serve. We acknowledge the past and present circumstances of Indigenous communities in our area and are strengthening partnerships with contemporary tribes from whom we have so much to learn.
Our Central Role
POST brings together many organizations and individuals to ensure that open spaces are permanently protected, benefiting our community, our environment and our economy. From the complex transaction process and funding to coordination with multiple public agencies, POST takes a central, catalytic role in conservation projects, adjusting our approach based on each unique situation.
More About Us
Headquartered in Palo Alto, we are a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit public benefit corporation that is funded entirely through donations from private individuals, foundations and grants. Our taxpayer identification number is 94-2392007.
We are fortunate to work in an area where so many people value our spectacular surroundings. Our history of preservation began in 1977, and since then, we have experienced an outpouring of support by generous donors. We hope you will join us and give today.