Free Nature Events

🌿 Nature is for everyone, and we welcome all to join our events! To register, use the links embedded in each event title below and be part of the experience.

• Thursday, August 6: Tule Elk Hike
  Join us for a 5.5-mile morning hike at Máyyan ‘Ooyákma - Coyote Ridge Open Space Preserve to learn about the tule elk that roam the preserve! Hikers will learn about the habitat, increase in population and summertime habits of this incredible species. Register for the Tule elk hike here.

• Saturday, August 8: A Walk with Coyote
  Meet us at Sierra Vista Open Space Preserve to take a one-mile walk through the preserve from the perspective of a coyote! Discover how coyotes outsmart traps, adapt to urban settings, hunt for prey and communicate with one another. Sign up to join us as we take a walk in a coyote’s shoes.

• Saturday, August 8: Starry Nights!
  The Open Space Authority is partnering with the San Jose Astronomical Association (SJAA) for a star party at Rancho Cañada del Oro Open Space Preserve! Docent astronomers will set up their telescopes to help you get the most knowledge and enjoyment out of the dark starry night sky. Book your spot for Starry Nights here.

• Saturday, August 8: Binocular Stargazing in Coyote Valley!
  Grab a pair of binoculars and meet us at Tilton Ranch in Morgan Hill to bask in the beauty of the night sky. The Open Space Authority is partnering with the San Jose Astronomical Association (SJAA) to help you find amazing astronomical features using just your binoculars! Register for the Binocular Stargazing event here.

• Sunday, August 9: Summer Birding at Little Uvas
  Celebrate the wonders of summer with a guided birdwatching walk through a vibrant preserve teeming with wildlife. Participants will spend time around the preserve’s ponds where ruddy ducks are known to gather, as well as a variety of other birds that call this special habitat home. Sign up for this summer birding adventure at a preserve that is typically closed to the public.

• Friday, August 14: Birding Field Trip at Rancho Cañada del Oro Open Space Preserve
  The Open Space Authority is partnering with Santa Clara Valley Bird Alliance to lead a birding walk at Rancho Cañada del Oro Open Space Preserve. Participants will observe a diverse array of bird species and learn from experienced birders. Register for this birding event!

• Saturday, August 15: Land Stewards Needed for Habitat Restoration
  Are you interested in getting hands-on habitat restoration experience? Join the Open Space Authority for a half day of work removing old irrigation materials and t-posts, oak tree cages and hemlock at a property in Coyote Valley. No prior experience is needed – staff will provide training, tools and project supplies. Sign up to become a land steward here!

• Saturday, August 29: Volunteer Interpretive Host Training
  Are you interested in volunteering with the Open Space Authority? Join us for an engaging and interactive volunteer training session where you’ll learn all about the Authority while exploring effective ways to connect with preserve visitors and community members. This training is ideal for volunteers interested in community outreach opportunities, events, trail patrols and more. Sign up for the volunteer training by August 25 here.

✨ Catch up anytime! Explore our full library of recorded virtual events and enjoy past program recordings whenever you like!

Featured News

Construction is Underway at Coyote Valley Open Space Preserve*! 

On June 22, the Open Space Authority kicked off construction to improve accessibility and enhance visitor experience at Coyote Valley Open Space Preserve. At the end of June, construction crews removed the existing shade structures, picnic tables and informational kiosk. Soon, the renovation team will dig up and widen the recreation trail to improve accessibility. A new layer of natural material will then be installed to create a stable trail surface that will make it easier for all future visitors to connect with nature! Stay tuned on our Instagram as we continue to share construction updates.

*Psst: The preserve is still open during construction! Plan your visit here.

 Planning Coyote Valley: Spring Outreach Success!

Join the Open Space Authority as we share the results of our spring outreach efforts! Over the past few months, we’ve had the pleasure of engaging with so many of you at events throughout Santa Clara Valley. During this time, we also asked you to share your thoughts and feedback on potential new public access destinations and amenities in Coyote Valley. At two upcoming public meetings, the Authority's planning team will share main takeaways from our spring outreach efforts and updates on the Coyote Valley Conservation Areas Master Plan (CVCAMP). Join us in-person or via Zoom at the Board of Directors meeting on July 23 at 6:30 p.m. or the Citizens' Advisory Committee meeting on July 27 at 6:30 p.m. The meeting agendas, which include the Zoom information, will be posted no later than 72 hours in advance of the meetings on our Public Meetings page, here. To learn more about future community engagement opportunities in Coyote Valley, sign up for the CVCAMP project list here. 

Measure D Exemption Instructions

The Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority is now accepting applications for Measure D exemptions. Qualifying seniors age 65 and older and specified low-income property owners can apply online or download the application in English, Spanish, Chinese or Vietnamese and submit by mail or in person. Find out if you qualify for an exemption and begin your application here.   

Another Fiscally Responsible New Year 

July 1 marked the start of the Open Space Authority’s new fiscal year. Our new budget came in $45,000 under last year’s and still funds new projects that improve habitat for native species, support local agriculture and connect more people to nature. Take a look at some of the projects we’re launching this year that align with our mission and emphasize fiscal responsibility.

In Memory of Mark Hehir

It is with heavy hearts that we share the news that Mark Hehir, accessibility advocate and longtime friend of open space, passed away last month. Mark was a passionate and dedicated disability rights advocate who worked with the Open Space Authority and other agencies to test new facilities and share his knowledge and experiences about accessible parks, preserves and trails. Please join us in celebrating Mark and his impact on improving access to nature for so many people. Watch this video of Mark sharing about his adventures in local parks here. 

What You're Wild About

The most-clicked link in last month's newsletter was a video message from Andrea Mackenzie thanking the public for supporting and protecting open space after voters approved Measure D. If you missed it, watch the video here.

Upcoming Public Meetings

The Open Space Authority public meetings are held in a hybrid format, giving you the flexibility to attend in-person, via Zoom teleconference or watch on YouTube.

• Thursday, July 23: Board of Directors | 6:30 p.m.
• Monday, July 27: Citizens' Advisory Committee | 6:30 p.m.
• Thursday, August 27: Board of Directors | 6:30 p.m.

📢 Stay informed! View our Public Meetings webpage for current agendas and meeting links.