Oil field restoration in Orange County shows how persistent community organizing can save precious habitat from development while creating accessible outdoor spaces for underserved neighbourhoods.
Friends of Coyote Hills has spent over two decades proving that determined volunteers can outmaneuver corporate developers. The oil field restoration project they launched in 2001 continues to transform former Chevron land into permanent open space for North Orange County communities.
Connie Spenger founded the organization when Chevron announced plans to build homes across West Coyote Hills. The 510-acre former oil field represented one of the last large, undeveloped parcels in northern Orange County. Spenger recognized this coastal sage scrub habitat as irreplaceable.
The group has grown from one concerned citizen to thousands of supporters. Major environmental organizations now back their mission. The Center for Biodiversity, Audubon Society Sea and Sage Chapter, Sierra Club, California Native Plant Society, Hills for Everyone, and Southern California Botanists all endorse their conservation work.
West Coyote Hills supports over 130 species of native plants and animals. Many species living in this oil field restoration site face a sensitive or threatened status. The coastal sage scrub ecosystem has become increasingly rare as urban development spreads across Southern California.
Friends of Coyote Hills operates from their Fullerton headquarters on Malvern Avenue. They organize nature walks, trail cleanups, and advocacy campaigns. Their volunteer-driven approach demonstrates how community groups can tackle environmental challenges without large budgets or professional staff.
The organization achieved its first significant victory in 2012. They organized a city-wide referendum overturning the Fullerton City Council’s approval of Chevron’s housing development. Voters clearly rejected the proposal to build 760 homes across nearly 200 acres of the hills.
This democratic victory forced Chevron to negotiate. The company agreed in 2015 to divide the property into nine neighbourhoods. This arrangement allows the city and nonprofit organizations to purchase sections while Chevron maintains development rights on the remaining parcels.
State funding has proven crucial for the oil field restoration project. California allocated $15 million in 2018, enabling Fullerton to purchase 24 acres on the east side of Gilbert Street. These acres connect to the existing 72-acre Robert E. Ward Nature Preserve.
Additional state support arrived in 2021 with $28.5 million earmarked for further land acquisition. This funding targets neighbourhoods on the west side of the property. The money also supports trail construction and habitat improvements on already purchased land.
Friends of Coyote Hills successfully challenged corporate development through strategic legal action. The organization filed lawsuits when Chevron proceeded with subdivision plans despite the 2012 voter rejection. Though they lost in court, the legal process delayed development and created time for fundraising.
The oil field restoration benefits extend beyond wildlife protection. North Orange County lacks sufficient open space to support its densely populated communities. Many families in the area have never experienced hiking trails or natural areas. West Coyote Hills provides accessible outdoor recreation close to urban neighbourhoods.
Trail development was part of the next phase of restoration work. Construction of the trail systems connected the new preserve areas to existing trails in the Robert E. Ward Nature Preserve.
The organization continues advocating for the complete preservation of all remaining acreage. Chevron still holds development rights on portions of the property. Friends of Coyote Hills maintains pressure through ongoing fundraising and political lobbying to purchase these sections.
Community organizing remains central to their strategy. The group hosts regular meetings, organizes educational events, and maintains active communication with local officials. They understand that sustained public engagement prevents backsliding on conservation commitments.
Their work demonstrates how oil field restoration can serve environmental justice goals. Dense urban communities often lack access to natural spaces. By preserving West Coyote Hills, Friends of Coyote Hills creates recreational opportunities for residents who might otherwise travel far to experience nature.
The coastal sage scrub habitat they protect represents California’s endangered ecosystems. Urban development has eliminated most of Southern California’s original coastal sage scrub. West Coyote Hills preserves a substantial example of this plant community for future generations.
Friends of Coyote Hills proves that persistent community action can achieve significant conservation victories. Their two-decade campaign shows how volunteer organizations can compete with corporate developers by combining legal strategy, political advocacy, and grassroots mobilization.
The organization continues working toward its ultimate goal of preserving all 510 acres. Each successful land acquisition builds momentum for protecting the remaining sections. Their oil field restoration project offers a model for similar efforts across California and beyond.
