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.
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!
Croy Redwoods Preserve Update
The Open Space Authority celebrates the addition of 80 acres to Croy Redwoods Preserve. This is thanks to a generous property donation from the Bay family, who owned and enjoyed these lands for over 50 years. “It is our honor and pleasure to preserve this beautiful landscape for future generations of public enjoyment and habitat,” says John Bay, of the Bay family, regarding the donation.
Conservation of Coyote Valley Gaining Momentum
To continue the momentum of protecting Coyote Valley for years to come, Open Space Authority is now managing two new properties in Mid-Coyote Valley in partnership with Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST).
Open Space Authority’s Measure T Approved by Voters
Measure T, the Open Space, Wildlife Habitat, Clean Water, and Increased Public Access Measure, has been passed by 81% of voters and has secured funding for the Open Space Authority to protect open spaces for future generations. Thanks to you, the voters, we can renew our commitment to investing in nature in communities and providing Santa Clara Valley residents with more equitable access to nature while stewarding our beautiful open spaces forever.
Frantoio Grove Agricultural Conservation Easement
In the San Martin region of Santa Clara County sits Frantoio Grove, a family-owned and operated specialty olive oil company that just turned 15 years old. The 30-acre grove is part of a roughly 97-acre property that is now permanently protected for agriculture through an Agricultural Conservation Easement (ACE). The land, initially anticipated to become a subdivision development, will now remain productive farmland and protected from development.
Acquisition of Tilton Ranch Complex Expands Greater Coyote Valley Vision
On October 6th, the Santa Clara Valley Habitat Agency, Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority, and the Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST) announced the purchase of 1,861-acre Tilton Ranch, one of the county’s largest remaining working ranches. This significant land conservation deal dramatically expands the network of protected lands in the greater Coyote Valley benefitting people and wildlife alike.
Inspiring Conservation: General Manager Andrea Mackenzie Named One of 2020’s “Women of Influence”
Earlier this year, the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority’s General Manager, Andrea Mackenzie, was named as one of the top 2020 “Women of Influence” by the Silicon Valley Business Journal.
Categories
Recent Posts
- Coyote Valley Photo Contest: Meet the People's Choice Winner!
- The Negative Impacts of Illegal Dumping
- Spotlight: Honoring Larry Coons
- Celebrating Nature in your neighborhoods
- Collaborating with the Next Generation of Conservationists
- Picturing Coyote Valley Photo Contest Winners
- The Benefits of Quiet Recreation
- 2024 Santa Clara Valley Wildlife Olympics
- Spotlight: Loren Lewis
- Llagas Bridge Ribbon Cutting