The Monarch Butterfly's Mysterious Decline: What You Can Do to Help
Just over twenty years ago, Monarch butterflies, one of the most charismatic and widely recognized butterfly species, lived in abundance across the United States. Often symbolizing spirituality and hope, these creatures have long been a source of wonder among us and, at the same time, have been a great source of mystery. With complex and largely unknown migratory patterns, unique life cycles, and elusiveness around humans, Monarchs have intrigued researchers for years. At the start of this year, that intrigue mounted. What once was a yearly population count in excess of 1.2 million towards the turn of the century, has since dropped to a far lower threshold of roughly 30,000. Following this already concerning decline, the 2020 count was much worse than anyone could have anticipated: a staggering 1,914 butterflies.
The Open Space Authority Stands in Solidarity with the Asian American Community
We at the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority stand in solidarity with the Asian American community and collectively grieve the lives lost and lives impacted in recent attacks and hate crimes across the country.
New Report Advances Authority's Priority for Protecting Grasslands
Grasslands across North America are declining rapidly and with them, grassland birds, which are declining at a higher rate than any other group of birds across the continent. California is home to a considerable amount of grassland and oak savanna ecosystems, two of which – Sierra Vista and Diablo Foothills – are managed by the Authority. These habitats are of high ecological value, as they support a variety of rare and common bird species and contain healthy soil. Stewarding what’s left of these habitats must be an absolute priority. Monitoring these landscapes to maintain their well-being is a way to evaluate our stewardship practices.
Cities of the Future: New Report Highlights Green Urban Planning
The impacts of climate change are intensifying rapidly and as populations continue to grow, there is an increasing need to make our cities more adaptable to the needs of the future.
A Beginner’s Guide to Hiking
Outdoor activities provide opportunities to spend time with loved ones, appreciate nature, and get some healthy exercise. If you’re new to hiking, this guide from the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority can help get you started (ESPAÑOL | TIẾNG VIỆT).
California and U.S. Executive Orders Set 30 by 30 Climate Goals
Last year was certainly challenging, in more ways than any of us could have anticipated. But, Governor Newsom’s recent Executive Order N-82-20, now referred to as 30 by 30, is one reason to be optimistic about the future of our planet’s climate.
Community Connections - Matthew Dodder
Community Connections highlights the many leaders, partners, and neighbors who make a difference in our community. This month we are featuring Matthew Dodder, Executive Director of the Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society.
New Life at Fisher’s Bend
There are new projects taking root along Fisher Creek in Coyote Valley!
Community Connections - Luis Gaytan
Community Connections highlights the many leaders, partners, and neighbors who make a difference in our community. This month we are featuring Luis Gaytan, farmer and owner of G&G Farms in Coyote Valley.
Open Space Authority Urban Grant Program Awards over $875,000
San Jose, CA (December 11, 2020) - The Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority’s Board of Directors has awarded over $875,000 in Measure Q grant funding to 10 organizations as part of the 2020 cycle of the Urban Grant Program. Funding a variety of projects, including environmental education on the topics of food and agriculture, as well as environmental stewardship, the Urban Grant Program focuses on providing access to nature within the urban areas of the Authority’s jurisdiction.
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Recent Posts
- Celebrating Healthy Soils Week
- Coyote Valley Photo Contest: Meet the People's Choice Winner!
- The Negative Impacts of Illegal Dumping
- A Silent Spring?
- Staff Spotlight: Matt Freeman
- Another Win for Agriculture in Santa Clara County
- Message from the General Manager
- Wildlife Grammy Awards
- Honoring Dr. King's Environmental Legacy
- Wildlife Thesaurus: Top 10 Native Animals with Nicknames
Charlotte Graham
Public Information Officer
cgraham@openspaceauthority.org