Dear Supporters,

Thank you so much for your early support in signing the petition to preserve the land at 1501 E. 16th Street, located directly next to the Environmental Nature Center (ENC). We’re writing today with an important update—and a renewed call to action.

First, we want to apologize for the lapse in communication. While things have been unfolding behind the scenes, we’ve been working carefully and thoughtfully to understand what’s possible. Now is the moment to re-energize our community movement.

👉 Here’s what you need to know:
A proposed developer, DR Horton, is still in the early contingency phase of exploring this property. They have not entered escrow, and no deal is binding at this time. This means we—the community—still have a voice and a chance to shape what happens here.

The ENC remains focused on its educational mission and is not directly involved in any negotiation over this land. Out of respect for legal sensitivities, we are not speaking on behalf of the ENC, nor are they directly coordinating this petition. This is a community-led initiative to show that Newport Beach residents want to preserve this rare open space for public, environmental, and educational use.

 
💚 Our Vision
We imagine a natural extension of the ENC—a nature and wellness preserve, accessible to all, that expands environmental education, improves stormwater management, cools our neighborhood, and offers space for families, schools, and wildlife to thrive.

 
✅ What You Can Do Now

1. Spread the Petition
   Share the link on social media, text it to friends, and talk about it in your circles. Our goal is to gather thousands more signatures to make it clear to the City of Newport Beach that we want this land preserved—not developed.
2. Inspire Others to Become Stewards
   Talk about why protecting natural space matters in a city like ours. Share personal stories. Let’s use this moment to create a culture of environmental stewardship in Newport Beach.
3. Send a Soft Pledge
   If you or someone you know may be willing to contribute to a community effort to acquire this land, please email katiemarienthal@gmail.com with your name and a rough pledge amount (non-binding, just to gauge interest). Every voice and dollar helps bring this vision closer to reality.
    

Let’s show what’s possible when a community unites behind something bigger than development—a lasting legacy of nature, learning, and wellness for future generations.

With gratitude and renewed hope,
Katie Marienthal Smith

*This is an independent, community-organized effort and is not coordinated by the Environmental Nature Center. We respect all legal processes involved with the property and are focused solely on expressing community support for preserving open space.