News!

Students Brave the Cold & Explore Careers in Open Space Protection

This past month a group of young people from San Jose got the chance to explore our local open space preserves in a unique way – camping out under the stars.

Read More March 06, 2019

Where to View Wildflowers 2020

Springtime brings green hills and spectacular displays of wildflowers to our open spaces. One of the most common questions we get this time of year is where visitors can go to see the best wildflowers in our preserves.

Read More February 20, 2019

2nd Annual Freshman Volunteer Day with The Harker School

For the second year in a row, the freshman class at The Harker School participated in the Authority’s largest Land Steward service day at Coyote Valley Open Space Preserve. Over 200 students and staff spent the day helping with trail maintenance and joining in several environmental educational lessons.

Read More November 07, 2018

#OptOutside - It's Good for Your Health!

A growing body of research finds that being outdoors, in open space, can have significant benefits to your physical and mental health. In the 1970’s, noted biologist E.O. Wilson shared the hypothesis that humans have an instinctual love of nature, an idea he called “biophilia.” In more recent decades, neuroscientists have started to find support for these theories in studies of the brain.

Read More November 06, 2018

Progress, Partnerships, and the Path Forward: 25 Years of Protecting Open Spaces

Last month, the Open Space Authority celebrated the agency’s 25th Anniversary Year with local elected officials and close community partners. General Manager Andrea Mackenzie shared her thoughts on a quarter of a century spent protecting open space in the Santa Clara Valley and what lies ahead.

Read More October 03, 2018

In Search of Bats!

Bats are fascinating animals that have long carried a negative reputation. These mysterious flying mammals are often the symbol of spooky season, but are often the subject of superstitions, folklore, and fear. They have also been touted as pests or unclean. In reality, there is little to fear about these animals. They are shy, intelligent creatures that play a vital and underappreciated role in our ecosystem and economy. Keep reading to learn more. 

Read More October 03, 2018

Summer Sunrise Photography in the Preserves

When was the last time you got up before dawn just to enjoy the sunrise? In the blazing heat of the Santa Clara Valley summer, early morning is the perfect time to get out in nature to enjoy cool air and the beautiful morning light, but there’s no doubt it can be hard to get motivated for this without some company.

Read More September 05, 2018

Join us in October for the Diablo Foothills Walk, Bike, and Ride Open Weekends

For three consecutive weekends in October and early November, the Open Space Authority will be opening up the currently by-reservation-only Diablo Foothills preserve just south of Gilroy to members of the public.

As part of the Authority’s continued effort to expand public access to its 22,000 acres of managed lands, this event will help our community learn about these protected open spaces, their wildlife and natural resources, and habitat restoration plans.

Read More September 05, 2018

Join the Junior Open Space Explorers Program

Blast off into nature with our Space Guardians!

Our Field Staff have some very down-to-earth responsibilities that involve the preservation and guardianship of our open spaces as well helping the public, from providing interpretive information and answering questions, to monitoring the trails to help ensure public safety. As you can see in the photo above, they like to have a lot of fun and look forward to meeting you out on the trails. Be sure to stop by and say hello the next time you see them! 

Ever wondered what it takes to be a guardian of our Open Spaces? This August, we’re excited to introduce the next series in the Junior Open Space Explorers Program. This engaging summer day program is for kids and adults to meet our field staff and learn about the tools of the trade.

Read More August 02, 2018

New Open Space Explorers Summer Day Program

Know any kids that are looking for opportunities to get outside? This summer, we’re excited to introduce Open Space Explorers, a new summer day program offering school-age kids and their families the chance to get outside and learn about nature.

Read More July 04, 2018
For media inquiries contact:

Charlotte Graham

Public Information Officer
cgraham@openspaceauthority.org