News!

2024 Santa Clara Valley Wildlife Olympics

As athletes from around the world start to arrive in Paris to compete in the 2024 Summer Olympics, we’re choosing our own Olympic team consisting of local wildlife that populates your beautiful preserves!
 
The strength, agility and tenacity of the insects, mammals and amphibians within our community’s ecosystem remind us of the amazing athletes competing in this summer’s games. Check out our list of wildlife gold-medal “athletes” below and cheer on all the competing athletes when the Olympics begin on July 26!

Spotlight: Loren Lewis

Loren Lewis is the district 5 representative of the Open Space Authority's Citizens' Advisory Committee (CAC). CAC members are appointed by the Board to serve two-year terms, and the purpose of the committee is to provide many avenues of input to and from the Open Space Authority's diverse communities. Keep reading to meet Loren and learn about his connection to the open spaces of the Santa Clara Valley. 

Llagas Bridge Ribbon Cutting

The new accessible Hidden Meadow Trail at Rancho Cañada del Oro Open Space Preserve is now open for all to enjoy. This project was made possible with $1.12M in funding from State Parks’ Per Capita Program and is an example of how the Open Space Authority is investing in nature. On June 8, 2024, the Open Space Authority's ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the opening of the new bridge and trail, bringing together Bay Area Older Adults, dedicated volunteers and excited visitors.

A Silent Spring?

Look around. Is there a particular scenic hillside you cherish, an old oak tree that provides you shade or lifts your spirits, a farm field filled with pumpkins you pass on your way home each fall?Perhaps there’s a local creek or wetland, colorful meadows of wildflowers or birdsongs that fill your heart each spring? What special outdoor space brings you joy or peace – or both?

Now imagine if it wasn’t there. That this was a silent spring.  

Keep reading for the full 2024 Earth Day message from Andrea Mackenzie, General Manager of the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority. 

Staff Spotlight: Matt Freeman

After 12 years of service to the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority, Assistant General Manager Matt Freeman has announced his retirement from the agency. Keep reading to learn how Matt's 30-year career in land conservation, open space planning and resource management is leaving a legacy for the benefit of future generations.  

Protecting the Bay Checkerspot Butterfly

When wildflowers bloom, hills and fields become blanketed with vibrant colors and bring new life into the ecosystem. This new life comes in the form of native pollinators feasting on the wildflower nectar. One of these important creatures is the Bay checkerspot butterfly (Euphydryas editha bayensis), a federally threatened species that is the focus of ongoing research at  Máyyan ‘Ooyákma – Coyote Ridge Open Space Preserve. Keep reading to learn all about their habitat, diet, lifecycle and conservation efforts to protect them! 

Another Win for Agriculture in Santa Clara County

79 acres of important farmland permanently protected in San Martin 

The Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authorityhas purchasedan Agricultural Conservation Easement (ACE) for 79 acres of important farmland, locatedin a priority conservation area off Monterey Highway in San Martin. The farmland, initially anticipated to become a residential subdivision, has been in agricultural production for over 55 years, and is now permanently protected for agricultural use. 

Message from the General Manager

Dear Friends,

We are only one month into 2024 and already there is much to celebrate!

Keep reading for the full February update from Andrea Mackenzie, the General Manager of the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority! 

Wildlife Grammy Awards

Ah, the GRAMMY Awards. This annual event presents what many regard to be the most prestigious and significant awards in the music industry worldwide. But while everyone else gushes about Best New Artist and debates who was robbed of Album of the Year, we’re celebrating a very different category of music...  

Keep reading to discover ten of Santa Clara Valley’s most talented wildlife musicians.

Weir Wetland News

The cycle of nature continues, and in the winter months, water breathes life into Coyote Valley. Just before the December (2023) rainfall, the dedicated staff of the Open Space Authority installed a special “weir” at Spreckels Wetland to assist in the revitalization of a historic wetland in Coyote Valley. Keep reading to learn how this project is helping make the best use of water to benefit people, wildlife and the natural and working lands that sustain us.