The Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority is launching a three-part educational webinar series, Discovering Coyote Valley, to tell the story of this last-chance landscape and raise awareness about the Coyote Valley Conservation Areas Master Plan for these protected lands.
Webinar 1: A Bird’s Eye View of Coyote Valley
Learn about Coyote Valley and the wildlife who call this vibrant landscape home. As the largest and best remaining pathway for wildlife to move between the Diablo and Santa Cruz Mountain ranges, Coyote Valley connects over one million acres of wildlife habitat, and includes wetlands, water resources, agricultural lands, recreational opportunities, and much more.
- Speakers:
- Opening remarks by Walter Moore, President, Peninsula Open Space Trust
- Neal Sharma, Wildlife Linkages Program Manager, Peninsula Open Space Trust
- Anna Pascual, Educational Outreach Coordinator, Wildlife Education and Rehabilitation Center
- Katie LaBarbera, Senior Biologist, and Sirena Lao, Environmental Education and Outreach Specialist, San Francisco Bay Bird Observatory
Webinar 2: The Past, Present, and Future Stewards of Coyote Valley
As we face the uncertain future of climate change, Coyote Valley’s natural infrastructure creates resilience. Learn about the past, present, and future of land stewardship in Coyote Valley, including how the Muwekma Ohlone Tribe’s historic ethic of stewardship in this region continues into the present day and future. This webinar will also discuss water's role in sustainable agricultural practices in the Santa Clara Valley, and how Coyote Valley's water resources support people in surrounding communities.
- Speakers:
- Opening remarks by Andrea Mackenzie, General Manager, Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority
- Charlene Nijmeh, Chairwoman, and Monica V. Arellano, Tribal Vice Chairwoman, Muwekma Ohlone Tribe of the San Francisco Bay Area
- Jake Smith, Conservation GIS Coordinator, Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority
- Zooey Diggory, Biologist and Wetland Specialist, Valley Water
- Cindy Chavez, Supervisor, Santa Clara County
Webinar 3: Creating a Brighter, Greener Future Together
The long-term vision is to protect Coyote Valley for all, forever. The master plan will use community input to create a framework that supports the health and wellbeing of Santa Clara residents, while providing nature-based solutions to address climate change and the pressures of growth in the county, including investing in natural infrastructure that reduces risks related to extreme weather events.
Tune in to this webinar to learn what to expect from the Coyote Valley Conservation Areas Master Plan process over the next few years, as well as how to get your communities involved, and make your voice heard.
- Speakers:
- Opening remarks by Sam Liccardo, Mayor, City of San José
- Nick Perry, Coyote Valley Project Manager, Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority
- Jamie Minden, Chapter Co-lead, Sunrise Silicon Valley
- Mark Hehir, Local Disability Advocate
- Richard Tejeda, Founder and Executive Director, Saved By Nature
Learn more about Coyote Valley
With the Coyote Valley Conservation Areas Master Plan on the horizon, people throughout the Santa Clara Valley can soon help shape the future of this incredible last-chance landscape.
The Open Space Authority wants to engage all communities throughout our jurisdiction in the planning process for a restored Coyote Valley. Join our mailing list if you would like to receive project updates with opportunities to get involved.
