News!

The Stories Told at Máyyan ‘Ooyákma - Coyote Ridge

Máyyan ‘Ooyákma - Coyote Ridge offers a truly one-of-a-kind preserve experience. With its cultural significance, crucial role in preserving endangered habitats, and remarkably diverse ecosystem, it holds countless captivating stories to share – tales of people and their connection to the land, a continuing journey of habitat restoration, and stories of resilience.

Read More August 14, 2023

Open Space Authority Awards Nearly $800K to Local Organizations in 30th Anniversary Year

San José, CA (July 21, 2023) – The Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority’s Board of Directors voted to award nearly $800k in Measure Q and Measure T grant funding to six local organizations for the second installment of the 2022 - 2023 cycle of the Urban Grant Program.  

Read More July 21, 2023

How California Agriculture Can Help the Climate Crisis

In late May, the California State Assembly passed AB 408, a bill that holds great promise for supporting climate-resilient agriculture in California. If AB 408 is successfully passed by the Senate, signed by the Governor, and approved by voters or incorporated into another bond measure, it will allow the State to sell bonds that support a range of positive initiatives. These provisions will provide much-needed funding for regenerative agriculture practices, farmland conservation, housing for farmworker communities, access to healthy food for low-income communities, and more.

Read More July 06, 2023

8 of the Most Interesting Wildlife Parents in the Santa Clara Valley

The Santa Clara Valley is teeming with wildlife, and a surprising number of these species also happen to be dedicated and hardworking parents. With their impressive range of adaptations, these animals display an array of parenting techniques to assist in the survival and success of their offspring. Keep reading to learn more about these animals and their parenting-styles.

Read More July 06, 2023

Low-Waste Recreation

The United States produces a staggering 268 million tons of waste each year. Waste from human activities has a variety of social and environmental impacts – it contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, threatens wildlife, disrupts natural ecosystems, harms human health, and much more. Only 9% of all plastic waste produced has been recycled, leaving 91% to leech into our environment. As the tech industry booms, electronic waste increases, and the United States wastes more food than any other country.

Read More July 06, 2023

Staff Spotlight - Meet Rowan

“This work is so rewarding,” says Rowan O’Brien, an Open Space Technician with the Open Space Authority. As a tech, Rowan serves as an ambassador for the agency, connecting people to nature, creating a welcoming environment, and helping with public safety. “I help keep it a place that people want to visit to experience and enjoy nature.”

Read More July 06, 2023

Animals of the Pride Flag

One of the beautiful things about nature is the diversity of life represented within it, including every color of the rainbow! Biodiversity in nature is absolutely critical for preserving habitat, maintaining a sustainable food supply, promoting healthy drinking water, mitigating the impacts of climate change, and so much more.

Read More May 31, 2023

Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority Awards over $910K for Local Environmental Programming during 30th Anniversary Year

San José, CA (May 19, 2023) – The Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority’s Board of Directors voted unanimously to award over $910k in Measure Q and Measure T grant funding to 13 local organizations for the Program category of the 2022 - 2023 cycle of the Urban Grant Program.

Read More May 23, 2023

One-way Trails: Why Have Them?

In December 2021, the Open Space Authority launched a survey to gather public opinion about one-way (also known as directional) trails, inform their future at open space preserves, and ultimately evaluate how we can provide more meaningful, safe, and functional nature experiences for all. Currently, one-way directions are in effect on the Arrowhead Loop Trail (Coyote Valley) and Aquila Loop Trail (Sierra Vista).

Read More May 16, 2023

Behind-the-Scenes at  Máyyan ‘Ooyákma Coyote Ridge (Spring 2023)

Every year thousands of people sign up for Open Access Days at Máyyan ‘Ooyákma - Coyote Ridge Open Space Preserve. 2023 was different - with construction and trail building in full swing, the Open Space Authority hosted preserve access in the form of unprecedented volunteer efforts to build the trails at this preserve. The new preserve will officially unveil to the public in Fall 2023, but in the meantime, here are a few behind-the-scenes photos to enjoy from Spring 2023.

Read More May 02, 2023
For media inquiries contact:

Charlotte Graham

Public Information Officer
cgraham@openspaceauthority.org