City Council
Review Draft
:
June
2026
Appendix
M
:
Open Space and Conservation Element
Page
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2026
1. INT
RO
DUCTION
1.1 P
urpose
and Background
The
City of
Fullerton community values open space as a vital resource that shapes the city’s character and enhances quality of life. In Fullerton, open space includes parks, trails, and recreational areas, as well as lands preserved in their natural state for conserv
ation. Thoughtful stewardship of these spaces ensures the long -
term
health of the environment and protection of natural resources.
The Open Space and Conservation Element combines two related components into one unified framework dedicated to safeguarding, maintaining, and enhancing these resources. Integrating open space and conservation creates a comprehensive approach to land manag
ement and sustainability. Both
components
share the goal of
protecting natural resources, improving ecological health, and providing community benefits, ensuring that open spaces support both public access and conservation objectives.
Together,
open space
and conservation
advance
a holistic vision for
the City of Fullerton.
This commitment places conservation at the heart of the City’s vision ,
preserving the integrity of its landscapes while promoting sustainability for current and future generations. •
Open Space
Open space refers to land that remains largely undeveloped and is often preserved for its scenic, ecological, or buffering functions. It support
s park and
recreational uses such as trails and viewpoints, and
contribute
s
to habitat value, stormwater management, and climate resilience. While not always actively used, open spaces help define the character and environmental function of the Ci
ty
of Fullerton
.
The
purpose of open space in Fullerton is to enhance the overall quality of life and guide the conservat ion
and utilization of natural resources. This includes the management and protection of open space lands throughout the city.
•
Conservation
Conservation involves the active management and protection of natural resources including vegetation,
habitat, wildlife
,
water, air,
and
soil
throughout the entire city and across all land types. It is not limited to specific areas; rather, it is a citywide approach applied to parks, open spaces, developed areas, waterways, and infrastructure.
Conservation efforts include habitat restoration, biodiversity enhancement, ecosystem health improvement, and the sustainable use of environmental resources to benefi t future
generations.
•
Additional Consideration within the Element
-
Parks and Recreation
Parks and recreation typically include landscaped areas and amenities such as playgrounds, sports courts, athletic fields, picnic facilities, and community centers. These spaces provide opportunities for physical activity, social interaction, and access to
nature within the urban environment. While
p
arks and
r
ecreation
is referenced in the Open Space and Conservation Element, it is addressed in greater detail in ‘
The
Fullerton Community
’
section of the City’s General Plan
(
‘
The Fullerton Plan’
)
.
Because public open
spaces often serve both recreational and community purposes, it is important to clarify this connection.
The purpose of the Parks and Recreation section within
‘
The Fullerton Community
’
is to guide the
acquisition, maintenance, and development of parks, trails, recreational facilities, and programs throughout
Fullerton
.
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Conservation
Space
at Robert E. Ward Nature Preserve in Fullerton
Open Space at Mountain View Park in Fullerton
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1.2 Statutory Requirements
The Open Space and Conservation Element of the General Plan is shaped by state mandates, regional frameworks, and local priorities that work together to protect natural resources, enhance ecological health, and ensure the sustainable management of environm
ental systems. This
E
lement aligns with key statutes and policies, including the following:
California Government Code
Section
65302(e):
This code r
equires all general plans to include an Open Space
Element that addresses the long
-
term preservation of open space lands. This includes open space for natural resource protection, outdoor recreation, hazard mitigation (such as flood and fire zones), and th e production of
resources like agriculture. Additional considerations include open space that supports military readiness or protects tribal resources.
Quimby Act Government Code
Section
66477:
K
nown as the Quimby Act,
this code
allows cities and counties
to require residential subdivisions to dedicate land or pay in -
lieu fees for park and recreational purposes. These
dedications or fees are then used to fund new park and open space development in consideration of population growt
h necessitating additional public open spaces.
The Public Park Preservation Act (
Section
s
5400
–
Section
5409)
:
The Public Park Preservation Act r
estricts the
sale, lease, or disposal of public parkland unless a replacement of equivalent size and function is provided. This protects publicly accessible parks from being converted to non -
recreational uses without due process and
community benefit.
California Government Code
Section
65302(d)
–
Conservation Element Requirement:
The primary legal
foundation for the Conservation Element is Government Code Section
65302(d), which requires all general plans
to include policies addressing the conservation, development, and use of natural resources. These include watersheds, forests, soils, rivers and other waters, harbors, fisheries, wildlife, minerals, and other natu ral systems.
The statute emphasizes that policies must reflect local conditions, support long -
term resource management, and
be coordinated with efforts to protect air and water quality.
Senate Bill
1425 (
SB 1425
):
SB 1425, signed into law in September 2022, amended
California Government Code
Section
s
65560
–
65564
. This bill requires every California city and county to update its General Plan’s Open Space Element by January 1, 2026. SB 1425 elevates open space planning to a statewide priority by ensuring conservation, equity, and climate adaptation are core compone nts of local policy. The update must include an
action program that addresses three key areas:
•
Equitable Access
:
Ensure all residents have access to open space, considering social, economic, and racial equity, aligned with the Environmental Justice Element. •
Climate Resilience
and
Co
-
benefit
:
Integrate strategies that improve open space’s resilience to climate impacts
,
such as wildfire, flooding, and urban heat
,
coordinated with the Safety Element.
•
Rewilding Opportunities
:
Identify potential areas for ecological restoration and habitat expansion, aligned with the Land Use Element.
Assembly Bill
(AB
1889
)
:
Wildlife and Habitat Connectivity AB 1889 amended Government Code Section
65302(d),
requiring jurisdictions to identify and analyze wildlife connectivity and movement corridors, and consider the impact of development on species movement and ecological resilience. Any impacts and barriers to wildlife movement are then required to
be avoided, minimized, or mitigated to the extent feasible. It encourages alignment with State and regional agencies, conservation goals, and efforts in developing wildlife and habitat connectivity strategies.
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1.3 Planning Process
1.3.1 Coordinated Planning Process
The update to the City of Fullerton’s Open Space
and Conservation
Element was undertaken as part of a
coordinated planning process that also included the development of the City’s first Environmental Justice Element.
While two separate Elements, this effort
reflects a coordinated and integrated approach within
‘
The Fullerton
Plan
.’
This effort, led by the Community
and
Economic Development Department, brought together multiple planning disciplines to address open space, park
s
, conservation, and environmental justice in a unified process.
This coordinated approach fulfills state requirements under SB 1425
and Senate Bill 1000, which guide updates to
open space and environmental justice planning. By advancing both the Open Space and
Conservation Element
update and the new Environmental Justice Element together, the City ensures compliance with these mandates while promoting best practices in comprehensive planning.
The two
E
lements were designed to complement one another: open space strategies focus on park access, conservation corridors, and multi
-
functional green spaces, while environmental justice priorities address cumulative environmental burdens and health risks in disa dvantaged communities. Both
E
lements relied on
shared technical analyses
,
including demographic mapping, equity indicators, open space inventories, conservation priorities, and community health data
,
providing a consistent foundation for policy de
velopment
and interdepartmental coordination.
Although structured as separate components of
‘
The
Fullerton Plan
,’
the Open Space
an
d
Conservation and
Environmental Justice Elements were developed in tandem, with public outreach materials and engagement activities emphasizing their connection. This approach helped residents understand the shared objectives and strengthened confidence in
the City’s commitment to equity and sustainability.
1.3.2 Community Engagement
Community engagement was
a vital component
of the planning process for updating the Open Space
and
Conservation Element. Recognizing that
both
the Open Space
and
Conservation Element
and Environmental
Justice Element
shape how residents experience parks, open space, and environmental health, the City implemented a comprehensive outreach strategy to ensure broad participation and meaningful input.
The
primary engagement activities included a public online survey and an in -
person outreach
pop
-
up
event. To build
awareness of these opportunities, the City launched a dedicated project webpage featuring summaries of engagement activities, major milestones and deliverables, and status updates on both elements.
In addition, th
e
City utilized multiple media channels, including a website banner, an email e -
blast to residents, Instagram posts,
and digital display boards at the transit center. By combining digital tools with in -
person engagement, the City
successfully reached a bro
ad audience and kept the community informed as planning progressed.
Public Online
Survey
Overview
A citywide survey was available from October 27
, 2025
to November 30, 2025, gathering input on topics such as environmental justice, open space and conservation, equitable access, rewilding, and climate resilience. The survey received 642 responses, demonstrating strong community interest. To maximize partic ipation, the City
promoted the survey through multiple channels, including the City ’
s
website and
website
banner, Instagram posts,
email e
-
blasts, and digital display boards. This multi
-
platform strategy
ensured residents from diverse backgrounds
had opportunities to engage.
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In
-
Person
Pop
-
up
Outreach Event
Overview
To complement online engagement, the City hosted a pop
-
up booth during OktoBOOfest on October 30, 2025, at
The
Downtown Fullerton Plaza. The four
-
hour event provided a direct opportunity for residents to learn about the planning process, ask questions, and share ideas. Activities included t
wo interactive boards and
two
educational
boards.
Over 85 responses were collected through two interactive activity boards and over 100 flyers were distributed to promote awareness of the planning process and online surve y.
Community Engagement Overview Summary
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1.3.3 Summary of Community Input
Feedback was collected
from the Public Online Survey and In
-
Person Pop
-
up Outreach Event
, providing both
quantitative data and qualitative insights.
T
he key themes and observations from these engagement activities are
highlighted below in more detail.
Online Community Survey
The survey collected demographic information such as zip code, age, and race/ethnicity, and explored residents’ experiences with open spaces, barriers to access, and ideas for making parks more welcoming and inclusive. It also addressed
conservation
topics like wildlife habitats, climate adaptation strategies, and areas for preservation or enhancement. Additionally, the survey introduced the concept of environmental justice, asking about awareness, health and environmental concerns, and resources nee
ded to
protect vulnerable groups. Participants were also
invited to share preferences for future engagement and provide general feedback on the Open Space and
Conservation
and Environmental Justice Elements.
The following summaries are focused on the Open Space and Conservation Element. The responses to the individual questions are summarized in ‘Appendix
M
Supplement:
Online Public Survey Responses.’
Online Survey Responses
•
Open Space Responses
The survey responses revealed strong engagement with Fullerton’s open spaces, with over 85% of participants reporting that they regularly visit parks and trails. Popular destinations include Hillcrest Park, Laguna Lake, Craig Regional Park, and Coyote Hill s.
•
Access Responses
While most residents enjoy these spaces, common barriers to access were identified, such as time constraints, lack of amenities like restrooms, shade, and seating, and safety concerns. Cost and transportation were rarely cited as obstacles. Desired improve ments focused on cleaner and more
accessible restrooms, better parking, shaded seating and picnic areas, improved maintenance, restrictions on e
-
bikes, and enhanced safety measures.
•
Re
-
wilding Responses
Rewilding and conservation emerged as important themes, with over 78% of respondents aware of wildlife areas in Fullerton, particularly in Coyote Hills, Laguna Lake, and local parks and trails.
Suggested adaptation strategies included planting native trees and vegetation, expanding tree
canopy for shade, and restoring native habitats. Preservation priorities were noted
, with more than
77% identifying areas to protect or enhance, most notably Coyote Hills and other open space corridors.
•
Engagement Responses
Respondents also expressed preferences for future outreach, favoring partnerships with local nonprofits and schools, community workshops, online surveys, and programs for youth and seniors.
About 58% provided an email address to stay informed about long -
ra
nge planning updates,
indicating a strong interest in continued engagement.
In
-
Person Pop
-
up Outreach Event
•
Activity Board 1: Open Space Mapping
Participants were asked to identify parks they visit most often and those where they experience access challenges by placing colored dots on a city map. The responses showed that Rolling Hills School Park, Fullerton Sports Complex, Fullerton Arboretum, Hil lcrest Park, and Acacia Park were
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among the most frequently visited parks, followed by Adlena Park, Hiltscher Park, Lions Field, and Orangethorpe Park.
•
Activity Board 2: Open
-
Ended Feedback
Participants provided input on
open spaces and environmental justice
. For making open spaces more
welcoming and inclusive, suggestions included increasing patrols and park rangers, improving security, adding bathrooms, maintaining public access at school parks, addressing homelessness, installing
‘
giving boxes
’
and free libraries, and improving mulch management. To protect vulnerable groups from environmental risks, participants recommended planting more trees, adding water stations, creating community garden pop
-
ups in disadvantaged neighborhoods, and addressin
g
concerns n
ear railways and industrial corridors
•
•
Access
and Trai
ls
Improvements
o
Maintain and improve existing trails and neighborhood walking paths and
explore stronger
connections between park and trail systems. Provide clearer rules and signage for bicycles and motorized vehicles to better protect pedestrians and hikers. •
Safety and Enforcement
o
Continue providing coordinated resources to address issues related to unhoused individuals, substance use, off‑
leash dogs, and aggressive biking in open spaces. Consider enhanced lighting, visible patrols, and consistent rule enforcement to improve safety and the overall park experience.
•
Amenities and Maintenance
o
Expand and improve
open space
amenities by providing more restrooms, ADA ‑
compliant
parking, paved and level walking paths, benches, shaded seating, multiple access points, and accommodations for seniors
,
particularly at neighborhood parks and along trails. Emphasize cleanliness, safety, lighting, and regular maintenance, including trash removal, graffiti cleanup, restroom upkeep, landscaping, trail grooming, sidewalk repairs, and overall park appearance.
Prioritize repairs near the most frequently visited o
pen spaces and invest in shade and water
amenities at high ‑
use parks and trailheads to address heat exposure and infrastructure needs. •
Open Space Equity
o
Increase green space and park investment through pocket parks, green corridors, and
expanded
tree canopy
.
Prioritize equitable distribution of open space
in
underserved areas of Fullerton,
with strong support for walkable neighborhood
. Consider balance of improved upkeep of
existing spaces and the creation of new open s
p
aces and opportunities for converting
vacant or
underutilized land into public open space.
•
Flexible Programming and Community Use
o
Support flexible park programming and adaptable spaces for community activities such as live music, farmers markets, and seasonal events. Expand
programming to
including updated
playgrounds,
sports courts
, dog ‑
friendly areas, community gardens, downtown green spaces, and low ‑
cost or free community events.
•
Community Pride and Stewardship
o
Build on positive feedback regarding park staff and appreciation for existing amenities by expanding opportunities for environmental education and stewardship. This includes native planting days, habitat restoration projects, and partnerships with local or ganizations to
strengthen community connection to parks and natural areas.
Community Input
Key Themes
-
Open Space and Conservation
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In
-
Person OktoBOOfest Pop
-
up Outreach Event in October 2025
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1.4 Relationship to Other Documents
1.4.1 The Fullerton Plan
The Open Space and Conservation Element is
one of the
foundational and integrative component
s
of
‘
The
Fullerton Plan
’
, the City of Fullerton’s General Plan adopted in 2012. As a long -
range policy framework,
‘
The
Fullerton Plan
’
guides land use, infrastructure, housing, mobility, and community development through a community
-
driven vision rooted in sustainability, livability, and equity. These values are deeply embedded in the Open Space and Conservation Element, which seeks to pr
otect, maintain, and enhance
Fullerton’s natural
resources and open space lands for the benefit of current and future generations.
While
‘
The Fullerton Plan
’
predates recent legislative mandates such as
SB
1425, which requires cities to update
their open space elements by January 1, 2026, the Open Space and Conservation Element already reflects many of the bill’s priorities. These include ensuring equitable access to open space, enhancing climate resilience , and
identifying rewilding opportunities.
The Element complements and reinforces the goals outlined in Part II of ‘
The Fullerton Plan
’
and integrates with
the theme
areas
:
Built Environment, Economy, Community, and Natural Environment . This e
nsure
s
that
environmental stewardship and public health are central to Fullerton’s development strategy. It also aligns with the Environmental Justice Element, which is being developed concurrently, by promoting access to green spaces and natural resources for d
isadvantaged communities.
The Fullerton Built Environment
•
Community Development and Design: The Open Space and Conservation Element supports inclusive and equitable land use patterns by integrating green infrastructure and preserving natural landscapes near
sensitive receptors such as schools, homes, and parks.
Green infrastructure
refers to the
use of natural or
landscaped feature
s,
like trees, plants, and soils
,
to manage stormwater, reduce flooding, and improve
environmental health
.
Natural landscapes refers to
open space
s
, hills, waterways, and native vegetation
that provide habitat, scenic value, and environmental benefits within and around Fullerton .
•
Housing: This Element complements housing goals by ensuring that residential areas ,
especially those
historically underserved
,
have access to nearby parks, trails, and natural amenities. By preserving open space within and adjacent to housing developments, the Element contributes to healthier living environments and supports long
-
term housing stability.
•
Mobility and Bicycle:
The Open Space and Conservation Element promotes active transportation ,
or
t
ravel modes that rely on physical activity rather than motorized vehicles, including walking and bicycling .
•
Growth Management and Noise:
Growth policies within the Element emphasize sustainable development that protects natural resources and minimizes environmental impacts.
The Fullerton Economy
•
Economic Development and Revitalization: The Open Space and Conservation Element supports economic development by enhancing the quality of life and attractiveness of Fullerton’s neighborhoods.
Investments in parks, green infrastructure, and natural resourc e conservation contribute to revitalization
efforts that improve infrastructure, attract businesses, and foster community resilience. These improvements are especially impactful in underserved areas, where access to open space can catalyze equitable growth
and long
-
term sustainability.
The Fullerton Community
•
Public Health and Public Safety: Open space planning directly contributes to public health by promoting access to clean air, shaded environments, and recreational opportunities. It also supports public safety by
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integrating climate resilience strategies
,
such as flood mitigation and heat reduction
,
into
Fullerton
’s
landscape. These efforts align with the Safety Element and help prepare Fullerton for natural hazards. •
Parks and Recreation, Arts and Culture,
and
Education: The Element promotes equitable access to parks, trails, and recreational amenities, recognizing their role in fostering physical activity, mental well -
being,
and social cohesion. It also supports cultural and educational programming in open spac es, reinforcing
their value as community hubs.
•
Community Involvement: The Open Space and Conservation Element strengthens civic engagement by ensuring that residents of disadvantaged communities have meaningful opportunities to participate in public decision
-
making processes that affect their environme
nt and health.
The Fullerton Natural Environment
•
Air Quality and Climate Change: The Element advances strategies that improve air quality and reduce urban heat through tree planting, habitat restoration, and green infrastructure. These efforts contribute to climate adaptation and align with broader susta
inability goals.
•
Water and Integrated Waste Management: Open space planning supports water management in all open
spaces.
•
Natural Hazards: The Element
coincides with the Safety Element that identifies
vulnerabilities to flooding,
extreme heat, and seismic risks by integrating hazard mitigation into open space planning.
1.4.2 Community Forest Management Plan 2023
The
City of Fullerton’s
‘
Community Forest Management Plan 2023
’
focuses on maintaining and expanding
Fullerton’s
urban forest to maximize environmental, economic, and public health benefits while reducing risks and costs. Key goals include increasing tree canopy coverage, ensuring tree health and safety through best practices, promoting species and age diversity, an
d enhancing climate resilience with drought and wildfire mitigation strategies.
The
‘
Community Forest Management Plan
’
connects directly to the Open Space and Conservation
Element of a city’s General Plan
as
urban forestry is a critical component of preser
ving and enhancing open space
resources. Trees and green corridors contribute to ecological health, biodiversity, and scenic quality, which are core objectives of conservation planning. Additionally, it aligns with policies that protect natural resources a nd
promote sustainable land use, ensuring that public spaces remain accessible, resilient, and environmentally beneficial.
1.4.3 Emergency Operations Plan (EOP)
The City of Fullerton’s
‘
Emergency Operations Plan (EOP)
’
is closely integrated with the Open Space and
Conservation Element to ensure that the City’s open space network supports public safety, emergency preparedness, and post
-
disaster recovery. Open spaces play a critical role in hazard mitigation, emergency re
sponse operations, and the enhancement of community resilience during both natural and human -
caused
emergencies.
Within the City, certain open spaces serve multiple functions related to emergency management.
In particular
, the
Fullerton Recreational Arena functions as a designated staging area for large animals during evacuation events and as a deployment location for mounted police units during both planned and unplanned operations.
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2. EXISTING CONDITIONS
The update process for the Open Space and Conservation Element included a comprehensive assessment of existing conditions, featuring a citywide analysis of open space inventory, access and recreational
trails, habitat
conservation, vegetation profiles, wildlife connectivity and rewilding opportunities, urban canopy coverage, and climate resilience. This assessment provides the foundation for shaping the goals and policies of the Open Space and Conservati
on Element.
2.1 Open Space Inventory
The City of Fullerton contains
55 public parks and natural open spaces
, in addition to
7 joint
-
use public school
parks
, which together provide a diverse range of open spaces that enhance environmental quality while offering recreational and ecological value. Collectively, these public open spaces account for 1,
383
acres
or 10% of the
City’s total acreage
, as shown in
Exhibit 2
-
1: Open Space Inventory
.
Fullerton’s open space and habitat network
consists of parks, greenbelts, and nature preserves designed to protect biodiversity while providing recreational opportunities.
Public o
pen space in Fullerton can be categorized into the following types:
•
Public Parks
Fullerton offers a wide variety of public parks with amenities such as playgrounds, sports fields, picnic areas, walking trails
, and passive open space
. These parks serve as community gathering spaces and
promote active lifestyles. The
se parks
are managed by the City
. R
egional parks maintained by Orange
County
,
such as Craig Regional Park
and
Ralph B. Clark Park
,
are also considered public parks.
•
Joint
-
Use School Parks
Several parks are developed in partnership with local schools, allowing shared use of athletic fields and playgrounds
subject to
an Agreement between the Fullerton School
District and the City of Fullerton
.
These parks ar
e
open to the public for recreation after school hours (starting at 4:00 p.m. on weekdays), during school vacations, and on weekends when no school activities are scheduled.
Field use is
prioritized for Fullerton youth sports organizations. Recreation -
based groups with at least 80% of
participants living in Fullerton receive first priority, while competitive groups with at least 55% local participants receive second priority.
•
Habitat Conservation Areas
Protected natural areas like Robert E. Ward Nature Preserve conserve native plant communities and wildlife habitats. These spaces are managed to preserve biodiversity and offer passive recreation opportunities such as hiking and nature observation.
•
Other Open Spaces
This category includes golf courses, arboretums, and specialized parks that strengthen Fullerton’s
green
infrastructure.
While recreation is often included within public parks, detailed discussion of recreation areas is provided in Parks
and Recreation
in
‘
The
Fullerton Community
’
section of
‘
The
Fullerton
Plan
.
’
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TABLE 2
-
1 :
FULLERTON
OPEN SPACE INVENTORY
SUMMARY
OPEN SPACE TYPE
COUNT OF OPEN
SPACES
TOTAL
ACRES
Public Parks
50 ~665
Joint
-
Use School Parks
7 ~18
Habitat Conservation Areas
5 ~700
Robert E Ward Preserve
1 ~
72 All Other
Habitat Conservation Areas
4 ~
628
Other Open Spaces
n/a
Public Park
s
Habitat Conservation Areas
Joint
-
Use School Parks
Other Open Spaces (A
rboretums,
Golf Courses, etc.)
O
pen Space Type
s
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2.2 West
Coyote Hills
West Coyote Hills is a 510
-
acre natural open space in northwest Fullerton, featuring coastal sage scrub habitats that support threatened species such as the California gnatcatcher and cactus wren. For decades, the site has been at the center of debate betw
een development proposals, planning up to 760 homes on 179 acres, and conservation efforts focused on preserving continuous habitat. In 2012, Fullerton voters approved Measure W, rejecting earlier development plans. Despite this, Chevron -
Pacific Coast Home
s secured a tract map that dedicated
over 220 acres to open space and allowed the City to purchase additional parcels, with Fullerton prevailing in litigation in 2018.
By December 2021, the City finalized the acquisition of approximately 26.5 acres across two parcels. This acquisition built upon the existing 72.3
-
acre Robert E. Ward Nature Preserve
,
acquired by the City in
the 1970s
,
and, together with adjacent privately held land subject to density -
shift restrictions established through
the “Path Forward”
process following the 2012 Measure W referendum (sponsored by the Friends of Coyote Hills), created a contiguous expanse of protected habitat totaling approximately 218 acres .
Efforts continue to secure and conserve the remaining western portion (approximately 292 acres). In March 2024, collaborative grant funding from state agencies, including the Coastal Conservancy, Wildlife Conservation Board, San Gabriel
and
Lower Los Angeles Rivers
and
Mountains Conservancy, and U.S. Fish
and
Wildlife Service,
supported “Phase II” acquisitions to expand preserved habitat, with goals of climate resilience, flood protection, and wildfire buffering. Pending future federal funding, development on the remaining land may still occur.
Preserving this land offers significant regional benefits, including the rare opportunity to protect open space in one of California’s most urbanized regions. It provides much -
needed parkland, creates new recreational
opportunities, serves as an educationa
l resource for nearby schools and universities, and expands critical habitat for the federally protected California gnatcatcher, advancing biodiversity and conservation goals. The Open Space and Conservation Element reflects West Coyote Hills in its curren t state as a habitat conservation area while
acknowledging the potential for future development.
View from
W
est Coyote H
ills
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2.3 Access To Open Space
2.3.1 Primary Recreational Trails
Recreational
t
rails
in Fullerton are
integrated
with the city’s open space network, creating connections between parks, neighborhoods, and natural areas
.
The City of Fullerton’s trail system accommodates a variety of users, including walkers, hikers, bicyclists, and equestrian users, serving both recreational and active transportation purposes. Walkers and hikers primarily use trails for exercise, leisure, and access to natural areas, while bicyclists
use designated routes for recreation and connectivity be tween neighborhoods and destinations. Equestrian users
access trails where permitted and where trail design and surface conditions support shared use .
The
City of
Fullerton
offers multi
-
use trails
.
The only trail which does not allow dogs or horses is
the
West Coyote Hills Trail.
P
opular
multi
-
use trails,
like the East Coyote Hills Trail and the Juanita Cooke Greenbelt, link parks such as Laguna Lake and Craig Regional Park. These trails often serve as green corridors for both passive and active
recreation
as
shown in
Exhibit 2
-
2 :
Primary Recreational Trails
Overlay
. By linking urban parks with regional open spaces,
Fullerton’s
recreational
trail
s
promote outdoor recreation, sustainab
ility
, and wildlife movement, making it a vital
component of
Fullerton’s
open space and climate resilience strategy.
Hiking
Walking
Bicycling
Equestrian
Recreational Trail
Type
s
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2.3.2 Open Space
Access
by Census Tracts
Open
s
paces
play a vital role in promoting public health by encouraging physical activity, reducing chronic disease, improving mental well
-
being, fostering community connections, and supporting resilience to climate change and pollution. One way to measure park acces
s is by the proximity of a resident’s home to a park. The California Healthy Places Index (HPI) Park Access indicator, provided by the California Department of Public Health, compares park access conditions in Fullerton to other cities across the state. Th is indicator measures the
percentage of the population living within a half
-
mile of a park, beach, or open space larger than one acre , as
shown in
Exhibit
2 -
3:
Open Space
Access
by Census Tract
.
This is measured at the Census Tract level.
The half
-
mile
distance represents about a 10
-
minute walk for most people.
As a city, Fullerton ranks healthier than 82.4% of other California cities and towns in terms of park access.
This
ranking
reflect
s
the
current accessible open space
, including
all of
West Coyote Hills
.
However,
s
everal census
tracts have
below average
access ratings
. These below average ratings
includ
e
areas with higher concentrations
of industrial uses and the California State University Fullerton campus, where open space is not counted as public parkland, skewing results. Conversely, tracts with established trail networks show higher levels of access, demonstrating the importance of connectivity in improving park availability.
Given the importance of public
transit in Fullerton, opportunities for transit enhanc
ements related to
open space access improvements
are
encouraged and
should be further studied.
Greenbelt Open Space within a Residential Area of F
ullerton
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2.3.3 Open Space Visitation
While Fullerton has strong overall open space coverage, several factors influence visitation to parks and trails.
During the
c
ommunity
e
ngagement process, the most commonly visited open spaces noted
were larger park
networks, including Hillcrest Park, Laguna Lake, Craig Regional Park, Coyote Hills East Preserve, and Acacia Park.
The most frequently referenced trails were the Hiltscher Trail and Juanita Cooke Trail. Responses were received from residen
ts across all districts, indicating that community member s from Districts 4 and 5 regularly travel to the
larger park networks located in north Fullerton. Many respondents also referenced regional preserves, arboretums, and smaller neighborhood parks, demonstrating a strong preference for both large open spaces and local walking
trails.
2.3.4 Open Space Access by
a
Half Mile Buffer
The California Department of Parks and Recreation recommends using a
half mile
buffer from parks and open
spaces as an access metric. A half mile is widely recognized as an approximate
10‑
minute walk for most people,
making it a realistic measure of whether a park is close enough for regular use. This distance assesses whether residents can reasonably access parks without relying on a vehicle, particularly for daily recreation and physical activity. The greatest gaps
or
areas not covered by the
half
mile buffer
include the
east
portion
of District 5, the
west portion of District 4, a
nd the northernmost portion of District 2
as shown in
Exhibit
2 -
4 :
Open Space
Access
by
a
Half Mile Buffer
.
2.3.5 Access and Community Gaps
Based on the community engagement
, residents reported broad use of open spaces but also identified several barriers that limit visitation. The most commonly cited challenges were time constraints and a lack of basic amenities, such as restrooms, seating, and lighting. Safety concerns were also consistently raised across all districts.
Among respondents who identified access issues, the most common themes included homelessness and related safety concerns, parking difficulties, and poor restroom conditions or the absence of restrooms altogether.
Additional concerns were raised regarding insufficient green and centrally located open spaces, including the overall number of parks, uneven distribution by neighborhood, and the lack of a central community gathering space. These concerns were most pronounced in Districts 3, 4, and
5. 2.3.6
Opportunities
Community engagement revealed a broad range of opportunities to improve the inclusivity and functionality of open spaces. The most commonly identified improvements citywide included adding clean, accessible restrooms, particularly at parks where facilities
are currently lacking, along with shaded seating areas, benches, and drinking water fountains. Respondents also emphasized the importance of safety and security enhancements, including improved lighting, increased patrol presence, addressing homelessness, and restricting e ‑
bikes and motorized
vehicles on trails. Community voices from
D
istricts 4 and 5
highlighted the need for increased neighborhood ‑
level
open space, particularly walkable parks within 15 minutes of homes and a more equitable distribution of parks in underserved areas. There was significant interest in converting vacant or underutilized land into walkable neighborhood parks. Additional
priorities included improved maintenance, graffiti removal, and enhanced landscaping, with an emphasis on a
dding more trees and greenery. Respondents frequently noted the need for accessibility upgrades for people with disabilities, updated playgrounds, and stronger connectivity between parks, including rail ‑
to‑
trail conversions. Parking ‑
related priorities included requests for accessible parking, time ‑ limited
parking enforcement near campuses, free or reduced parking at select parks, and safer walking and biking routes to open spaces. Overall, community feedback reflects a strong desire to improve existing open spaces and supporting infrastructure, whil
e expanding opportunities for additional open space to serve growing community needs.
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2.4 Habitat Conservation
2.4.1 Existing
Vegetation Types
Fullerton’s natural open spaces are concentrated in its hillsides, parks, and ecological reserves, offering a mix of native habitats that collectively support biodiversity, provide scenic landscapes, and serve as vital resources for outdoor recreation and
environmental stewardship. At a high level, vegetation within Fullerton
can be
summarized using the California Multi
-
Source Vegetation Layer, a statewide dataset that identifies concentrations of vegetation types. While not exhaustive, this information hel ps highlight existing vegetation and riparian zones
that can guide efforts to improve, enhance, or expand habitat connectivity within Fullerton.
The California Multi
-
Source Vegetation Layer integrates data from CAL FIRE’s Fire and Resource Assessment Program (FRAP), the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s VegCAMP program, and the USDA Forest Service Remote Sensing Lab. Published on the CAL
FIRE Portal, the dataset supports fire risk modeling, wildlife habitat analysis, land
-
use planning, and other resource management functions. It includes two main views: detailed habitat classes and an aggregated set of 13 major land cover types for statew ide consistency. Within Fullerton, the
primary vegetation types from these categories include
the following as shown in
Exhibit
2 -
5 :
Vegetation Types
:
•
Shrub
Represented by Coastal Sage Scrub and Chaparral communities, these habitats feature drought -
tolerant
plants such as California sagebrush, buckwheat, and laurel sumac. Found on hillsides and open slopes, they provide critical habitat for species like the Ca
lifornia gnatcatcher and other birds adapted to dry,
scrubby environments, including areas like West Coyote Hills, Panorama Nature Preserve, and south of Coyote Hills Golf Course.
•
Barren
This vegetation type i
ncludes exposed rock outcrops, sandy patches, and disturbed soils with little or no vegetation. In Fullerton, these areas occur on rocky ridges and support specialized plants and reptiles adapted to sun
-
exposed conditions.
•
Hardwood Woodland
Hardwood
w
oodland is d
ominated by oak species such as coast live oak, often mixed with understory shrubs and grasses. These woodlands occur in riparian corridors and foothill zones, such as Brea Dam Park, providing shade, soil stability, and habitat for mammals, birds, and poll inators.
•
Herbaceous
Open grasslands dominated by annual grasses and wildflowers are
the main vegetation type in
herbaceous communities in Fullerton
.
These are c
ommon in parks, open spaces, and transitional zones
between urban development and natural habitats, such as Brea Dam Park and Craig Regional Park.
These areas support ground
-
nesting birds, small mammals, and seasonal pollinators.
In addition to the vegetation types,
r
iparian zones, or
a
reas adjacent to rivers, streams, and other surface waters as designated by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)
, were overlayed on
Exhibit 2
-
5 :
Vegetation Types
.
These zones
are critical for biodiversity, water quality, and ecosystem services, and they play a key role in habitat connectivity.
In Fullerton, watershed health is closely connected to habitat quality, wildlife corridors, groundwater recharge, water quality, and climate resilience, serving as
a critical foundation for sustaining ecological systems, protecting water resources, and helping the city adapt to climate ‑ related challenges
.
Chapter 16: Water
of
‘
The Fullerton
Plan’
addresses watershed health in greater detail
.
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2.5 Wildlife Connectivity
and Re
-
wilding
Opportunities
The City of Fullerton supports a mix of urban
-
adapted wildlife and remnants of native ecosystems, creating unique biodiversity within a highly developed area. Historically, Fullerton was part of coastal sage scrub and oak woodland ecosystems, featuring pla
nts such as California sagebrush, buckwheat, and coast live oak, while riparian zones along creeks supported willows and sycamores. Today, much of the vegetation consists of ornamental or drought -
tolerant landscaping, but restoration efforts showcase nativ e flora like manzanita, toyon, and native grasses.
Fullerton’s uniqueness lies in its urban biodiversity hotspots, which preserve native species and attract migratory birds, creating refuges amid dense development. Its green corridors and creek systems act as lifelines for wildlife movement in an otherwise
fragmented environment, and the blend of historic native vegetation with modern conservation landscaping offers opportunities for re
-
wilding and ecological education.
Native species
documented in or near Fullerton
such as the Intermediate Mariposa Lily
,
B
urrowing Owl, California Gnatcatcher
,
Coastal Cactus Wren
, and other birds of special concern
should be considered in
future
open space planning and
management decisions.
The California Essential Habitat Connectivity Project, commissioned by Caltrans and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, emphasizes that a functional network of connected wildlands is essential to sustaining California’s diverse natural communit
ies in the face of development and climate change. The Terrestrial Connectivity dataset, part of California’s Areas of Conservation Emphasis (ACE), provides a statewide assessment of how well areas support wildlife movement and ecological linkages. It inte grates multiple sources, including
statewide connectivity models, regional studies, and GPS -
collar data to identify priority areas for maintaining or improving connectivity. High
-
ranking connectivity areas often contain documented wildlife corridors or
habitat
linkages.
According to
the
ACE data, Fullerton is classified as having
Limited Connectivity Opportunity
for larger terrestrial
connectivity. This is primarily due to:
1. Extensive urban development that limits wildlife corridors and habitat linkages.
2. Fragmented landscapes where roads and residential neighborhoods create significant barriers to species movement.
3. Recreational or park
-
like environments that provide open space but do not function as continuous wildlife habitat.
4. Major highways surrounding Fullerton that further disrupt ecological connectivity.
However, with strategic design and targeted improvements, these spaces can support re -
wilding efforts that meet
both human and ecological needs
at a more localized scale
.
Exhibit
2 -
6 :
Essential Habitat Connectivity
identifies
smaller, relatively natural habitat blocks that support biodiversity and areas essential for ecological connectivity between them. These natural landscape blocks
,
extend into existing open spaces within Fullerton and represent opportunities for further study and refinement through deta iled linkage designs tailored to species and ecological processes. Re
-
wilding at a smaller scale
,
such as enhancing habitats, planting suitable vegetation, and implementing wildlife
-
friendly infrastructure like culverts or buffer zones
,
can create pathways for wildlife
movement and contribute to a more resilient and biodiverse city.
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2.6 Climate Vulnerability and Resilience
2.6.1 Overview
Both o
pen space and conservation in Fullerton face increasing climate vulnerabilities, particularly in wildfire -
prone
and flood
-
sensitive areas, while resilience efforts aim to integrate ecological preservation with hazard mitigation and equitable access. These
open spaces present a strong opportunity to build climate resilience while supporting conservation and community well
-
being.
Updates to the General Plan emphasize climate adaptation and environmental justice, ensuring that parks and natural areas remain safe, accessible, and sustainable for all residents. By incorporating native vegetation, shade trees, and strategic maintenance
into open
space planning, Fullerton is creating climate
-
ready landscapes that
preserve biodiversity, improve public safety, and foster a healthier, more resilient community.
The City of Fullerton’s
‘Climate Action Plan’
connects to open space in several meaningful ways. By prioritizing the preservation and enhancement of open spaces
including parks, protected lands, and tree canopy
,
the plan
supports carbon sequestration, flood mitigation, and overall ecosystem health.
Park Vulnerability
Park resilience in Fullerton depends on how well infrastructure can withstand extreme heat, drought, and intense storms.
Parks in Fullerton
have
various levels of
shade structures
. Lack of sha
d
e can
leav
e
playgrounds and seating
areas exposed to heat, while asphalt and concrete surfaces amplify temperatures. Aging irrigation systems and water
-
intensive turf make parks vulnerable during drought, highlighting the need for efficient watering and drought
-
toler
ant landscaping. Improving resilience involves expan
ding tree canopy and shade structures,
upgrading to smart irrigation systems, incorporating permeable surfaces and green infrastructure for stormwater management, and using durable, climate
-
ready materials for park amenities.
Trails and Access Vulnerability
Resilient access in Fullerton requires evaluating how trails may be impacted by climate hazards such as flooding,
erosion, and extreme heat. Many multi
-
use trails are vulnerable to storm
-
related flooding and erosion, especially
where paths cross low
-
lying areas or lack proper drainage. Trails with steep grades or un paved surfaces can
experience washouts during intense rain events, reducing accessibility and increasing maintenance needs.
Extreme heat poses another challenge, as exposed trails without adequat e shade structures or tree canopy can
create unsafe conditions for users, particularly during prolonged heat waves.
Improving resilience can involve
permeable paving, bioswales
(
shallow, landscaped channel that captures rainwater and lets it slowly soak into the ground while filtering out pollutants
)
, and stormwater diversion features to reduce flood risk, while expanding tree canopy and shade structures along trails to mitigate heat exposure. These measures ensure that recreational and commuter routes rema
in safe, functional, and climate ready.
Community engagement responses strongly supported the planting of native trees and vegetation, the expansion of tree canopy for shade, and the protection and restoration of native habitats as top priorities for addressing climate vulnerability and building
resilience. Respondents emphasized the importance of creating wildlife corridors and promoting wildlife ‑
friendly development.
The feedback
reflects strong community interest in
habitat restoration, tree canopy expansion, and wildlife connectivity, combine d with sustainable development
practices and active community involvement.
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2.7 Supporting Open Space and Conservation Data
2.7.1 Special
Management
of Open Space
Open space in Fullerton is closely tied to hazard planning due to risks from extreme weather and wildfires. For this reason, the Open Space Element must align with the City’s Safety Element to ensure that open spaces incorporate wildfire buffers, flood mit
igation, and emergency access improvements while balancing ecological preservation and public safety.
•
Wildfires
Areas such as West and East Coyote Hills fall within Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones, requiring vegetation management, defensible space, and fire
-
resistant infrastructure to reduce wildfire threats.
1 Properties located here and in some other smaller areas are susceptible to the threat of wildfires as they are located near open space areas and hillsides containing dense vegetation. •
Drought
Prolonged drought and heat stress increase fire risk and impact native vegetation, making the use of drought
-
tolerant species and efficient irrigation strategies essential for resilience. •
Flooding
Flood
-
prone zones along the Coyote Creek floodplain require stormwater controls, bioswales, and limits on impervious surfaces to mitigate flooding during heavy rains. Hillsides and slopes in open space areas are also vulnerable to landslides when soils bec
ome saturated, necessitating erosion control and slope
stabilization measures.
2.7.2 Urban Heat Islands
As cities grow and paved surfaces increase, the urban heat island effect raises air temperatures, especially in areas with little tree canopy. Trees help cool cities by shading hard surfaces and releasing moisture through evapotranspiration. Increasing can
opy cover over time reduces heat by shading streets, sidewalks, and commercial areas, lowering pavement and air temperatures. This cooling effect is well documented and also creates microclimates that support more diverse landscaping. Expanding tree canopy provides multiple benefits,
including reducing summer heat and air pollution, improving property values, and enhancing
wildlife habitat
.
According to
Fullerton’s
‘
Community Forest Management Plan
’
, Fullerton’s urban tree canopy is 27.28%, which is
relatively high for Southern California compared to the Orange County average of 19.54%. This means Fullerton has a denser tree cover per square mile than most other cities in the region.
The California Urban Tree Canopy Viewer, developed by CAL FIRE and the USDA Forest Service, provides high -
resolution canopy data
from
2022 and helps visualize tree distribution across urban areas. In Fullerton, the relationship between canopy cover and land use reveals where improvements can be made as shown in
Exhibit
2 -
7 : Percent Urban Canopy Cover
by Census Tract
. Business facilities, such as industrial parks, have the least canopy, while residential neighborhoods show the highest coverage, reflecting residents’ appreciation for trees and the City’s strong right
-
of
-
way management. Schools and religious sites offer
moderate greenspace
.
Downtown mixed
-
use areas are well planned but limited in planting space.
1 CAL FIRE
. “Fire Hazard Severity Zones | OSFM.” Osfm.fire.ca.gov, 2025, osfm.fire.ca.gov/what -
we
-
do/community
-
wildfire
-
preparedness
-
and
-
mitigation/fire
-
hazard
-
severity
-
zones.
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2.7.3 Military Support
Military activity in Fullerton is connected to the City’s Open Space and Conservation Element through the use of open space for military purposes
,
either as a protected buffer zone or by co
-
locating facilities adjacent to park
spaces, depending on the intended use.
The City
of Fullerton
has
some military presence,
through
military
-
owned
properties within city limits.
The California National Guard Armory is located at 400 S. Brookhurst Road in Fullerton. It serves as the base for Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 160th Infantry Regiment and is used for military activities such as training, equipment storage, and housing Nat
ional Guard units. The facility has also supported county organizations and community groups, including providing overnight shelter for the homeless through the Orange County Armory Emergency Shelter Program. This site does not currently include open space as buffer areas.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) owns and manages both Brea Dam and Fullerton Dam, located in Fullerton. These dams are part of the USACE Los Angeles District's flood control projects for the Los Angeles County Drainage Area. They are single
-
purpos
e flood control projects designed to manage flooding, ensure public safety, and provide recreational opportunities adjacent to the reservoir basins. •
The Brea Dam is l
ocated near the fork of Brea Boulevard and Harbor Boulevard within Brea Dam Park ; i
t
was authorized in 1936 and completed in 1942. The dam controls the drainage area of Brea Creek and its tributaries. The surrounding park offers recreation trails, open space, and picnic areas.
•
The
Fullerton Dam
c
onstruction began in June 1940 and was completed in May 1941. The dam is located just west of the 57 Freeway at Bastanchury Road and controls the drainage area of Fullerton Creek and its tributaries. It is situated at the southern end of Craig Regional Par k, which spans 124 acres and includes
walkways, ball fields, hiking and biking trails, picnic areas, open space, a small lake, playgrounds, and sports courts.
The Fullerton Municipal Airport, adjacent to Interstate 5 and Highway 91, is owned and operated by the City of Fullerton and is the only general aviation airport in Orange County. Historically, military aircraft have used the airport for training, though d
etails are not publicly available. There is no open space associated with the airport.
2.7.4 Tribal Resources
No existing tribal areas or reservations
exist within
city limits that are recognized by the federal government; however,
the
land is within ancestral territory of the Tongva/Kizh and Acjachemen people Human habitation in the region now known as Fullerton dates back thousands of years, with archaeological evidence suggesting settlement as early as 5,000 BCE. Over time, more complex Indigenous cultures emerged, notably the Tongva (Gabrielino) and Acjachem
en (Juaneño) peoples. These tribes established permanent villages throughout what is now Greater Los Angeles and northern Orange County, including the Fullerton area. The Tongva and Acjachemen developed sophisticated social structures, spiritual traditions , and trade networks that
extended across Southern California.
Their stewardship of the land shaped the ecological balance of the region and remains important to acknowledge within the context of open space .
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3. GOALS AND POLICIES
The following pages present the goals and policies that guide the Open Space and Conservation Element
. These
goals and policies were developed based on a comprehensive review of existing conditions , including
open space
and natural resources, trails and open space access, habitat conservation, wildlife connectivity, the urban canopy ,
as well as extensive community engagement conducted through surveys, in ‑ person outreach, and stakeholder
input.
Goals and policies
also reflect coordination across City departm
ents, alignment with applicable state
requirements including
SB 1425
,
AB
1889,
and consideration of best practices in
open space and conservation
to
ensure responsive and actionable guidance.
Policies are identified by
geography
: Region/Subregion Level, City
Level,
District Level,
or Project Level.
In the event of any inconsistency between the Open Space and Conservation Element and other adopted City documents, the matter shall be reviewed and addressed in consultation with the
City
.
Goals and policies related to parks and recreation are addressed in Chapter 12: Parks and Recreation
of
‘
The
Fullerton
Community’
section of
‘The Fullerton Plan’.
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Region/Subregion Level
P1.
1 Open Space
Management
Support projects,
programs,
and policies to
coordinate with
Orange County,
existing regional
park districts, private
sector,
and nonprofit
institutions to manage
or
maintain regional open
spaces.
P1.
2 Land Trusts
Support projects,
programs,
and policies to
encourage the establishment of land trusts to help
preserve significant open space within the region.
City Level
P1.
3 Long
-
Range Needs
P
reserve areas of open space
that are identified to
be
sufficient to meet the long
-
range needs of the
City
of Fullerton
.
P1.
4 Watershed Management
Continue
manage
ment of
open space watersheds
to limit potential fire and erosion hazards.
Coordinate with the
Orange County Water District,
Orange County Flood Control District, and
neighboring jurisdictions to manage shared
watershed resources in an ecologically consistent
manner.
P1.5
High Quality Maintenance
Continue to support high
-
quality park and facility
maintenance by focusing on key maintenance
priorities
,
investing in maintenance staff, tools, and
equipment
, and adopting a design
principle of low
-
maintenance and durable amenities to reduce long
-
term operational costs
.
P1.
6 Maintenance of Sensitive Areas
Support programs, policies, and regulations to
require maintenance of environmentally
-
sensitive
areas by qualified personnel and/or contractors.
P1.
7 Environmentally Sensitive Areas
Support projects, programs,
policies,
and
regulations to preserve the environmentally
sensitive areas of public open spaces.
P1.
8 Passive Open Space
Support projects, programs,
policies,
and
regulations to encourage diverse, environmentally
-
sensitive, passive open spaces.
Promote the responsible management of existing open
spaces through strategies that balance public use with
the preservation and enhancement of ecological health
.
GOAL
1:
Policies
Specific statements that provide a directive or framework for City decision
-
making that directly contribute to the attainment of the goal.
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Project Level
P1.
9 Environmental Impact of Support
Facilities
Design necessary improvements and support
facilities, such as fire roads, access roads, and
parking areas
,
to minimize environmental impacts
and preserve the visual character of open spaces.
P1.
10 Open Space
Amenities
Support additional park studies to evaluate existing
amenities, such as restrooms, ADA accessibility,
shaded seating, drinking fountains, and lighting,
at
Fullerton’
s
open spaces
.
Continue to
improve
open
space
safety through measures such as improved
lighting and enhanced security
.
O
pen spaces with
sensitive habitats intended for passive recreation
may not warrant the same level of amenities as
urban parks, and amenity decisions should be
guided by habitat sensitivity assessments.
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Region/Subregion Level
P
2 .
1 Funding Strategy
Support d
evelop
ment
and implement
ation of
a
funding strategy to realize the City’s vision for its
open spaces
.
P2.2
Priority Acquisition
and
Preservation
Pursue conservation and public access
opportunities in Coyote Hills and other high ‑
value
ecological areas; work with landowners and land
trusts to secure protection.
City Level
P2.3
New Open Space
Support projects, programs, policies, and
regulations to create open space as funding and
other opportunities become available
.
District Level
P
2 .4
Neighborhood Green
ing
Engage with the community on neighborhood
pocket
parks, plazas, and community gardens;
support
increased green space in
areas with
minimal
open space
, in particular, within
Districts 4 and 5.
Provide comprehensive and forward
-
thinking planning
to guide the development, preservation, and
stewardship of future open spaces.
GOAL
2 :
Policies
Specific statements that provide a directive or framework for City decision
-
making that directly contribute to the attainment of the goal.
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Region/Subregion Level
P
3.1 Conservation of Sensitive Natural
Resources
Support regional and subregional efforts to
conserve habitat for sensitive species
,
plant
communities
and pollinators
.
City Level
P
3.2 Waterways Preservation
Support projects, programs, policies, and
regulations to preserve the City’s public creeks,
lakes, and waterways, including Fullerton Creek,
Brea Creek, Coyote Creek and Carbon Creek,
Bastanchury Greenbelt Creek, Laguna Lake, and the
San Gabriel River Wate
rshed
. (See
Chapter 16:
Water
of
‘The Fullerton Community’
section of
‘The Fullerton Plan’
for related policies and
actions.)
P
3.3 Watershed Management
Support projects, programs, policies, and
regulations to manage open space watersheds to
limit potential fire and erosion hazards.
P
3 .
4 Comprehensive Tree Management
Support projects, programs, policies and regulations
to comprehensively plan for,
manage,
and promote
trees throughout the City
, particularly native trees
.
P
3.5 Wildlife Management
Support projects, programs,
policies,
and
regulations to promote and encourage residents
and visitors to respect the natural environment of
wildlife inhabiting and/or migrating to
Fullerton’s
open spaces.
P3.6
Wildlife Habitat
Protect and enhance
Fullerton’s
existing habitats,
including
coastal
sage scrub
,
chaparral
communities, oak species, riparian corridors,
and
annual grasses and wildflowers
, to support native
biodiversity and ecological health.
P3.7
Habitat Protection
Promote the restoration and naturalization of
degraded or underutilized areas through native
vegetation planting and habitat enhancement, in
partnership with organizations such as the
Fullerton Arboretum
and Botanical Garden
,
California State University Fullerton,
and other
volunteer groups.
P3.8
Support Biodiversity
Implement maintenance strategies that prioritize
native vegetation and manage detrimental invasive
plant and animal species in natural habitat areas.
Promote
vegetation that attracts desirable species
and discourages those that pose nuisance or
ecological risks.
Protect and enhance Fullerton’s natural systems by
conserving sensitive habitats and waterways
,
restoring
native vegetation and biodiversity,
and
preserving
conservation areas
.
GOAL
3 :
Policies
Specific statements that provide a directive or framework for City decision
-
making that directly contribute to the attainment of the goal.
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P3.9
Low
-
Impact Access
Provide defined trails, interpretive signage, and
seasonal closures to protect sensitive habitats
when
allowable.
P3.10
Invasive Control
and
Fire
-
Smart
Stewardship
Implement ongoing invasive species removal and
fuel
-
smart vegetation management to reduce
wildfire risk while protecting habitat quality.
P3.11
Enhancement of Conservation
Areas
Support projects, programs,
policies,
and
regulations to preserve and enhance established
conservation areas.
Project Level
P3.12
Mitigation of Impacts on Sensitive
Areas
Support projects, programs,
policies,
and
regulations to consider and mitigate project level
impacts to sensitive habitat areas at the site and
building design stages.
P3.13
Mitigation of Impacts on
Waterways
Support projects, programs,
policies,
and
regulations to consider and mitigate project level
impacts to public waterways at the site and
building design stages
.
(See
Chapter 16: Water
of
‘
The
Fullerton Community’
section of
‘The
Fullerton Plan’
for related policies and actions.)
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Region/Subregion Level
P4.1 Access and Use of Open Space
Support projects, programs, and regulations to
increase access to and use of open space resources
while respecting the natural environment
within
Fullerton and to its neighboring cities.
City Level
P4.
2 Accessibility for All
Support projects, programs, policies, and
regulations to ensure that, when natural
topography allows, public open spaces are
accessible to people of all abilities.
P
4 .
3 Trail Linkages to Open Space
Support projects, programs, policies, and
regulations to promote recreational trails and the
bikeway system to link open spaces to public areas
and neighborhoods.
P4.
4 Connected Trail System
Continually evaluate and maintain the City’s
n
etwork of paths and trails
for
hikers, walkers,
runners,
cyclists,
mountain bikers, and equestrians
.
P4.
5 Navigating
Open Spaces
Support projects, programs, policies, and
regulations
that p
romote easy access to and
navigation within the City’s
open spaces and
trails
by installing wayfinding signage and creating plans
for multi
-
modal access
when
allowable
.
Explore
digital wayfinding opportunities to help increase
access to and awareness of open space in the City.
P4.
6 Accessible
and
Inclusive
Promote accessibility and inclusivity in park
facilities and programs through universal design
and diverse, community
-
responsive activities.
P4.
7 Programming
Support
programs and services that bring residents
together, serve all age groups, and are responsive
to community needs and desires.
P
4. 8
Trail Studies
Support additional trail studies to assess existing
amenities, including trailhead retrofits, ADA
-
compliant parking, accessible restrooms, shade
opportunities, trail improvements, wayfinding, and
benches.
P4.
9 Safe Shared Use
Promote context
-
specific e
-
bike speed limits and
etiquette guidelines on multi
-
use paths to reduce
conflicts and ensure safe shared use.
Increase accessibility and inclusivity of open space
resources and enhance a connected trail system that
links the community to these open spaces.
GOAL
4 :
Policies
Specific statements that provide a directive or framework for City decision
-
making that directly contribute to the attainment of the goal.
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P4.1
0 Safety Improvements
Continue enhancing sidewalks, crossings, and bike
lanes that lead to parks and trails to ensure safer
access to open spaces.
District Level
P4.
11 Extended Network
Support research and development of an improved
trail network in
Districts 4 and 5
to enhance
connectivity with existing open spaces.
Project Level
P4.1
2 Rail‑
to‑
Trail Strategy:
Transform abandoned or underutilized rail corridors
into linear parks and trail spurs to close gaps in the
network,
as allowable and
where permitted by land
use regulations.
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Region/Subregion Level
P5.
1 Connectivity Partnerships
Coordinate with
Orange County and other
regional
partners to support connectivity and
wildlife access
improvements
region
-
wide
.
Explore partnership
opportunities for business sponsorship and
collaboration with nonprofits such as the California
Native Plant Society and local educational
institutions
.
P
5 .
2 Rewilding
Implement urban rewilding projects to reintroduce
natural processes, restore natural ecosystems, and
promote biodiversity.
City Level
P5.
3 Habitat Linkages
Prioritize rewilding in areas that enhance or
establish habitat linkages and wildlife corridors, as
identified in Essential Habitat Connectivity and
Natural Areas designated by the California
Department of Fish and Wildlife.
P5.
4 Wildlife Movement Design
Incorporate wildlife
-
friendly infrastructure
such as
vegetated buffers, restored corridors, green
infrastructure, and suitable vegetation
along with
features like culverts and buffer zones to create
pathways for wildlife movement and foster a more
resilient, biodiverse city.
P5.
5 Movement Mitigation
Assess and mitigate barriers to wildlife movement
caused by roads, levees, and urban development
when allowable and
where permitted by land use
regulations.
P5.
6 Wildlife Corridors
Identify, protect, and enhance wildlife and
recreational corridors connecting Coyote Hills,
Laguna Lake, Brea Dam, Craig Regional Park, and
Fullerton Arboretum
and Botanical Garden
.
P5.
7 Community Stewardship
Support volunteer days in collaboration with
community members, nonprofits, and schools.
Promote inclusive participation in habitat
restoration through stewardship programs, youth
engagement initiatives, and interpretive signage in
rewilded open spaces
.
Distribute how
-
to collateral
and promote demonstration sites
to help
community members implement native
landscaping on their own properties
.
Strengthen Fullerton’s open spaces to support native
biodiversity, enhance climate resilience, and maintain
ecological function through initiatives such as rewilding, habitat restoration, and nature
-
based solutio
ns.
GOAL
5 :
Policies
Specific statements that provide a directive or framework for City decision
-
making that directly contribute to the attainment of the goal.
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P5.
8 Resilient Landscaping
Prioritize the use of native, drought
-
tolerant, and
climate
-
resilient plants in
Fullerton’s
parks and
landscaped open spaces
and private properties,
to
enhance habitat value, conserve water, and support
pollinator species
.
P5.
9 Ecologically Beneficial Features.
Incorporate ecologically beneficial elements
such as
pollinator gardens, wildflower meadows, bioswales,
and native plant corridors
,
into public parks, street
medians, and along trail networks
.
Encourage these
ecologically beneficial elements for private
properties as well
.
District Level
P5.
10 Urban Canopy
Enhance canopy and shade tree coverage along
walking routes, school frontages, bus stops, and
park perimeters to reduce heat exposure and
strengthen wildlife connectivity. Prioritize planting
in areas with low canopy coverage, particularly in
District
s
4 and 5
, to deliver co
-
benefits for both the
community and local wildlife.
Additionally, consider
other urban heat island mitigation strategies such
as green roofs, light
-
colored
building and pavement
surfaces, and permeable pavement
.
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Region/Subregion Level
P6.
1 Tree City
Designation
Maintain Fullerton’s Tree City USA designation by
implementing urban forest management practices
that promote tree health, increase canopy
coverage, enhance climate resilience, and engage
the community in stewardship efforts.
City Level
P6.
2 Resilient Design
Prioritize the preservation and restoration of open
spaces and natural areas in Fullerton that provide
multi
-
benefit climate services
such as
carbon
sequestration, heat reduction, and habitat
connectivity
while also reducing wildfire risk
through vegetation best practices
. Focus efforts
particularly in underserved areas to enhance
community resilience and protect critical
ecosystems.
P6.
3 Green Streets
Promote the development of green streets that
integrate native vegetation, permeable surfaces,
and stormwater management features to enhance
urban habitat, improve water quality, and reduce
runoff.
P6.
4 Green Infrastructure
Promote the integration of rooftop gardens,
rooftop and elevated parks
,
vertical greenery, and
other green infrastructure solutions to enhance
urban biodiversity, improve air quality, manage
stormwater, and reduce energy consumption, while
ensuring compliance with the City’s landscaping
and irrigation standards
.
Additionally, promote
education, awareness, and recognition programs to
encourage distributed green infrastructure
participation by residents and businesses
.
P6.
5 Cool
ing
Corridors
Prioritize the use of shade trees, reflective or
sustainable materials, and shade structures along
pedestrian priority corridors, trails, schools, bus
stops, senior centers, and pathways to open spaces.
Continue providing accessible information on heat
-
rel
ated concerns and the locations of cooling
centers throughout the city.
P6.
6 Natural Water Management
Infrastructure
Promote
bioswales, rain gardens
(
planted area
s
that
collect rainwater runoff
),
permeable pavements,
and detention features in parks, streets, and parking
lots
p
er the
Fullerton’s
Water Utility's Water
Conservation Ordinance
.
Incorporate green
infrastructure and low
-
impact development that
mimic natural hydrology, reduce impervious
surface runoff, and support groundwater recharge
as explicit watershed policy tools.
Ensure Fullerton’s infrastructure network is adaptively managed to strengthen resilience against climate
change impacts, including extreme heat, increased
flood risk, and other hazards.
GOAL
6 :
Policies
Specific statements that provide a directive or framework for City decision
-
making that directly contribute to the attainment of the goal.
Appendix
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Open Space and Conservation Element
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2026
P6.
7 Landscaping and Irrigation
Enhance
Fullerton’s landscaping and irrigation
requirements to incorporate drought
-
tolerant
native plants, promoting water conservation,
climate resilience, and habitat restoration.
P6.
8 Air Quality Mitigation
Enhance
air quality mitigation strategies by
recommending
vegetative buffers, advanced
filtration systems, and site design measures to
reduce exposure near major transportation
corridors, the
'
Fullerton Transportation Center, and
industrial facilities throughout the city.
P6.
9 Greening Air Improvements
Support and
implement
’
Fullerton’s Community
Forestry Ordinance
’
and
‘
Community Forest
Management Plan
’
to improve air quality and
reduce urban heat through targeted tree canopy
expansion and the installation of vegetated buffers
in high
-
exposure areas.
P6.
10 Complete Streets
Encourage smart growth and complete streets
design principles
,
when allowable and
where
permitted by land use regulations
,
which
integrate
air quality protection measures, such as shade trees
and green infrastructure
.
P6.
11 VMT Reduction
Prioritize transportation and mobility
improvements in Fullerton that reduce vehicle
miles traveled (VMT) and greenhouse gas emissions
by expanding pedestrian
-
friendly corridors, bicycle
networks, and electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure.
Emphasize connect
ivity
near public transit
, schools,
and industrial facilities,
and underserved
neighborhoods to promote equitable and
sustainable mobility options.
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Region/Subregion Level
P7.1
Conservation Partnerships
Collaborate with regional agencies, nonprofit
organizations, and academic institutions to advance
conservation and resilience goals.
City Level
P
7 .
2 Plan and Engage Proactively
Promote long
-
term
open space and conservation
success through regular planning, transparent
reporting, and ongoing community engagement.
P7.
3 Public Awareness
Enhance public awareness of urban wildlife, habitat
conservation, and sustainable coexistence through
targeted education and outreach initiatives.
P7.
4 Community Stewardship
Encourage community participation in habitat
restoration, monitoring, and stewardship activities.
P7.
5 Partnership Model
Support collaboration among local nonprofits,
community groups, California State University
,
Fullerton,
public schools in
Fullerton
, etc.
to
advance open space and engagement initiatives.
P7.
6 Transparent Dashboards
Continue to ensure transparency by regularly
sharing updates with the community on
open
space
maintenance, safety, and environmental
health data as available.
Provide
visible results from
community
engagement efforts
.
P7.
7 Community
-
Led Monitoring
Provide multilingual materials and
community
engagement in underserved areas
; develop
engagement programs for youth and seniors; and
host workshops
across Fullerton
and park
-
adjacent
venues
for future open space programming
initiatives.
Strengthen community participation in open space and
conservation decisions by actively engaging residents,
regional partners, and organizations in the protection
and enhancement of local natural resources.
GOAL
7 :
Policies
Specific statements that provide a directive or framework for City decision
-
making that directly contribute to the attainment of the goal.
Appendix
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:
Open Space and Conservation Element
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June
2026