The goal of the Conservation Committee is to conserve the rural quality of Portola Valley and to maintain the Town as an attractive, tranquil, family-oriented residential community for all generations, compatible with the many physical constraints and natural features of the area. The committee does this by promoting programs to enhance the environment through protection of native habitat and by helping to ensure that all land development respects and preserves the natural condition of the area.

 The Committee Charter was last amended on September 24, 2025. 

The Town's Conservation Committee is a resource to help residents to preserve and nurture the natural environment of the Town. Among others, the committee develops helpful publications such as:

• What's Blooming Now
• Tip of the Month
• Committee Spotlight
• California Mountain Lions, The Legends of California
• Birds of Portola Valley
• Understory Habitat and Defensible Space Guide
• Where to Buy Native Plants
• Native Plant Lists 
• Conservation Guide
• Design Guidelines
  • Redwood Guidelines
• Weed Eradication Calendar (timing of when to pull invasive weeds)
• Map to the native plantings at Town Center
• Tips on Sharing Open Space with Rattlesnakes
• Fire Safety & Habitat Preservation: View video of an edited  panel presentation for residents from Fall 2011.

The Conservation Committee also sponsors the Backyard Habitat Award Program.

Marianne Plunder, Chair

Judith Murphy, Vice Chair

Nona Chiariello

Teresa Coleman

Megan Richards,  Secretary 

Dieter Walz

Sarah Gilbert

Eliza Low, Honorary Student Member

Christopher Morace

Kori Anne Bagrowski