News Summary
The Costa Mesa City Council has officially greenlighted a project to restore a 15-acre area of Fairview Park, with a budget of $1.3 million. This plan will enhance native plant communities and ensure ecological health while adhering to environmental regulations related to the endangered Crotch’s bumble bee. Funding is part of a larger state grant, which must be utilized by the end of 2026. The initiative aims to protect local wildlife and cultural resources and is supported by local Native American groups for its significance.
Costa Mesa Approves $1.3 Million Habitat Restoration Plan for Fairview Park
The Costa Mesa City Council has approved a $1.3 million habitat restoration plan aimed at revitalizing a 15-acre section of Fairview Park Mesa. This seven-year project follows delays caused by the discovery of the endangered Crotch’s bumble bee at the site, which required a further environmental review.
The restoration will focus specifically on the northern mesa and bluffs area of the 50-acre plateau located west of Placentia Avenue. The primary goals of the endeavor are to preserve native vegetation and restore indigenous plant communities essential for maintaining the local ecosystem.
Fairview Park is home to over 200 species of wildlife, including sparrows, red-tail hawks, herons, and western burrowing owls, all of which rely on this habitat for survival. Endemic Environmental Services, Inc., the contractor selected for the project, will work on removing invasive plant species and enhancing native species, such as black sage, California sagebrush, fiddlenecks, and purple sage.
In addition to its ecological focus, the project will incorporate a plan to protect cultural and archaeological resources in the area. Funding for the initiative comes from a $2 million allocation from a $10 million parks grant awarded to Costa Mesa in 2022 by state Senator Dave Min. It is crucial that these funds are utilized by December 2026, or they will expire.
The restoration plan addresses a commitment made to the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA). In 2011, Costa Mesa received $2 million in Measure M2 transportation funding to restore vegetation in Fairview Park. While the city is scheduled to restore 23 acres of wetland and riparian areas, the ongoing project will also help fulfill an additional obligation of 9.5 acres owed to OCTA.
As part of the restoration effort, unpermitted footpaths created by visitors will be removed, but existing city trails will remain open for passive use during the project. This initiative aligns with the original master plan for Fairview Park, which was adopted in 1997 and updated in 2008, as well as a revised master plan that is currently under development.
Under Costa Mesa’s Measure AA, a 2016 initiative that requires voter approval for major infrastructure projects, restoration and maintenance initiatives are exempt from this requirement. Support for the project has been voiced at council meetings by members of the Juaneño Band of Mission Indians, who have emphasized the park’s cultural significance and archaeological sensitivity. Concern was also raised about the necessity for the city to adhere to its agreements with OCTA in order to avoid potential loss of funding.
Mayor John Stephens underscored the importance of complying with OCTA agreements, describing the habitat restoration project as “excellent.” With the combination of ecological preservation and cultural sensitivity, this project is positioned to play a vital role in the ongoing commitment to maintain and enhance Fairview Park’s natural landscape.
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Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times: Costa Mesa Moves Forward with Habitat Restoration
- Wikipedia: Fairview Park (Costa Mesa)
- Los Angeles Times: Costa Mesa’s Concerts in the Park
- Google Search: Fairview Park Costa Mesa
- Los Angeles Times: Fairview Park Brush Fire
- Google Scholar: Fairview Park California
- Sandy Toes and Popsicles: Miniature Train Rides at Goathill Junction
- Encyclopedia Britannica: California Parks
- Los Angeles Times: Competing Views at Fairview Park
- Google News: Costa Mesa Habitat Restoration
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER
COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
