News!

Stinkwort Success

Land Steward volunteers havenearly struck invasive stinkwort from Spreckels Hill! Read on to learn more about the successful efforts of our super stinkwort-removing champions.

Caregiver's Guide to Nature

From physical wellness to mental health and beyond, connecting children with nature can have a multitude of benefits that play an important role in their development. Nature helps children learn about the world around them. Yet, exploring nature with young ones can also be a little intimidating, especially for adults who are new to nature themselves! Through this Parent and Caregiver’s Guide to Nature, we hope to instill confidence in your abilities to explore nature with the children in your care and discover local spaces to test out your new knowledge.*

*This guide was put together with the help of the public! Advice and suggestions were compiled from a survey distributed during September and October 2024.

This is our moment. Join us!

Andrea Mackenzie, the general manager for the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority, shares a reflective and hopeful message about the future of the agency as well as our commitment to caring for nature to benefit the people and wildlife who live in the Santa Clara Valley. Scroll to keep reading the message.

Spotlight: Honoring Larry Coons

Amidst a growing wave of support from passionate community advocates dedicated to preserving the intrinsic natural beauty of Santa Clara Valley, in July 1994, Larry Coons stepped into the position of general manager at the Santa Clara County Open Space Authority (Authority) - now known as the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority.

Sadly, Larry passed away on April 1, 2024. Keeping reading to learn more about Larry’s lasting legacy at the Open Space Authority.

Celebrating Nature in your neighborhoods

Every two years, the Open Space Authority Urban Grants program awards public agencies, schools and school districts and 501c3 nonprofits funding that encourages residents to explore the outdoors and offers environmental education programs to the local community.

Keep reading to learn about Urban Grants program recipients, their projects which took place in 2024 and the strides they are making to bridge the gap between local communities and nature. 

Collaborating with the Next Generation of Conservationists

The summer sun was shining against the rolling golden hills of San José as a group of eight high school students worked together over five days to dig holes, insert fence posts into the ground and string wire across a half-mile piece of protected land - all in the name of conservation. This hardworking group from the Student Conservation Association (SCA) completed an impressive fence project where they learned about nature, local wildlife and land management techniques while connecting with their peers.

The Benefits of Quiet Recreation

Chatting with a friend or family member on a trail, hiking with a group of people and listening to music can all take our attention away from the beauty and sense of peace that nature can bring into our lives. To help you have a serene and robust experience in nature, consider experimenting with “quiet recreation,” which suggests making a minimal amount of noise while engaging in outdoor activities.

Christmas Bird Count Takes Flight in Santa Clara valley

December 2023 marks the 124^th Christmas Bird Count, the nation’s longest-running community science bird project. From mid-December to early January each year, the Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society (SCVAS) sponsors these efforts by coordinating volunteers who venture out to the open spaces of San José, Palo Alto, Morgan Hill, and Mount Hamilton to take part in assessing the health of bird populations and to help guide future conservation action.

15 Tips for trail riding with your Horse

For equestrians, riding on the trail is a joyful and freeing experience. Spending time on horseback is a lot of fun, and trail rides can help strengthen your bond and build trust with your equine companion. Whether you are riding to a nearby trail, or trailering your horse to a new location, be sure to prepare to make it a safe, comfortable and enjoyable experience for all. Keep reading to see some essential tips for the safety of yourself, your horse, and everyone else out on the trail.  

Community Connections - Spade & Plow

Spade & Plow, a family-owned organic farm, has announced an exciting new partnership with Van Dyke Ranch in Gilroy. Keep reading to learn how this benefits local communities and helps with the implementation of the Santa Clara Valley Agricultural Plan, a joint strategy of Santa Clara County and the Open Space Authority to protect farmland from development and reduce greenhouse gas emissions which directly contribute to climate change.