Mayor's Corner October 2025
Final Phase of Big Canyon Project Completes Newport Beach’s Largest Environmental Restoration
By Mayor Joe Stapleton
Last month (September), the City of Newport Beach began construction on Big Canyon Restoration Project Phase 3, the final phase of one of the City’s most significant environmental restoration efforts. Located along the Upper Newport Bay, the Big Canyon Nature Park provides a scenic hiking area and valuable wildlife habitat that connects with the natural beauty of the Back Bay. Phase 3 will restore 13.8 acres east of Back Bay Drive, transforming degraded land into a healthier, more resilient ecosystem. This final phase builds on the success of two earlier projects:
Phase 1, completed in 2017, restored six acres near Jamboree Road, removing selenium contamination from the natural creek and capturing pollutants from stormwater runoff.
Phase 2, finished in 2021, restored 11 acres in the center of the park, replacing a dense canopy of invasive Brazilian pepper trees with native plant habitats that are now thriving.
Phase 3 work will include removing invasive plants and trees (including the last of the invasive Brazilian pepper trees), and reshaping the land to create a historically similar tidal estuary and salt marsh.
These improvements will restore natural connections and tidal flow between Big Canyon Creek and the Bay by improving drainage to reduce pollutants and mosquito breeding, and enhancing native plant and wildlife habitats.
The City’s efforts would not be possible without strong partnerships with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, which owns a significant portion of the project site, and the Newport Bay Conservancy, which has been instrumental in securing more than $7 million in State grants that will cover 100 percent of the construction costs. This funding comes from the State Coastal Conservancy, Ocean Protection Council, and the Wildlife
Conservation Board.
Beyond the environmental benefits, the Big Canyon Restoration Program offers lasting value to the community. Residents and visitors will enjoy healthier trails and open spaces, with expanded opportunities for walking, jogging, birdwatching, and connecting with nature. The restored habitats will also serve as outdoor classrooms, giving local schools and environmental groups new opportunities for science education, volunteerism, and stewardship programs.
When complete, this will be the largest environmental restoration project in Newport Beach, providing a thriving natural park for wildlife that is easily accessible for the enjoyment of residents and visitors.
Mayor Joe Stapleton is serving his first term as Mayor of Newport Beach.
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