Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Supervisor Jackie Speier, District 1
Supervisor Ray Mueller, District 3
Subject: Support for Filoli Lands Management and Nature Programs
RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a resolution:
A) Authorizing a commitment of up to $1,000,000 in General Funds, $100,000 annually over the course of 10 years, to support Filoli’s Natural Lands Management Program, trail development and maintenance, and the expansion of youth nature programs; and
B) Authorizing and directing the County Executive, or designee(s), in consultation with the County Attorney, to negotiate and execute a grant agreement, or agreements, with Filoli, or designated implementing partner(s), for a total amount not to exceed $1,000,000, and any and all documents, amendments, and certificates necessary to effectuate the purposes of this resolution within the authorized funding limit.
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BACKGROUND:
Filoli has been one of San Mateo County’s most treasured cultural and natural assets for more than a century. Filoli is a nonprofit historic estate and site of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Since opening to the public in 1976, Filoli has served as a world-class public garden, accredited museum, and environmental and cultural education resource for residents and visitors alike.
Filoli welcomes more than 750,000 visitors annually and serves over 26,000 member households through year-round arts, culture, and nature programming, including school field trips, wellness activities, exhibitions, and community events. Over 30,000 visitors are free guests from San Mateo County through the Museums for All, Blue Star, and Discover and Go program and nearly 1,000 people participate in the free service-learning volunteer program annually.
The estate encompasses six distinct California ecosystems and over 400 acres of protected forest land, playing an important role in environmental stewardship and watershed protection.
As demand for access to Filoli continues to grow, with projections of up to one million annual visitors, Filoli will be implementing a Comprehensive Site Plan, a 25-year vision developed in 2022 to expand public access to the 654-acre site and guide its transformation into a modern, sustainable public destination.
DISCUSSION:
The proposed funding will provide $100,000 per year for 10 years to support three key expansion and ongoing management projects:
1. Trail Development and Maintenance-Filoli will allocate $500,000 to add 11 miles of trails to the property over the next decade, including a primary ADA access route to the natural lands. Additional trails will allow public access to lands that have not been experienced in 50 years.
2. Natural Lands Management-$250,000 will be allocated to implementation of Filoli’s long-tern Natural Lands Management Plan. This plan will mitigate wildfire risk through fuel reduction, manage water flow by restoring waterways, and preserve Filoli’s six unique ecosystems to improve biodiversity. The Natural Lands Management Plan was developed in partnership with regional conservation leaders and supported by a team of Filoli professionals.
3. Nature Programs and Interpretation-Filoli will allocate $250,000 towards expanding youth programs into nature as well as service reach. This expansion will include free pre-school and high school programs and paid high school and college internships. An expanded Meadow area will offer an improved gathering space for community engagement events such as Summer Nights, weekend festivals, and summer concerts. The Redwoods area will transform into a Nature PlaySpace, a stage for seasonal explorations and installments. Additionally, Filoli will provide self-guided experiences that include storytelling on the site’s history and will staff a “Ranger Station” for onsite support for visitors.
The County Executive, or designee(s), working in consultation with the County Attorney, will negotiate and enter into a grant agreement(s) with Filoli, or designated implementing partners, in an amount not to exceed $1,000,000 over a 10-year period.
COMMUNITY IMPACT:
County support of Filoli will help ensure that Filoli can safely and sustainably welcome a growing and diverse audience, including families, school groups, seniors, and visitors with disabilities, while protecting sensitive natural lands. This investment continues the County’s partnership with Filoli and advances shared goals related to accessibility, sustainability, cultural preservation, and community enrichment.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Adoption of the proposed resolution would be funded through a General Fund appropriation in Non-Departmental Services or other available fund in an amount not to exceed $1,000,000 which funds are included in the FY 2025-26 Adopted Budget.