News!

Restoring Habitat for Rare Amphibians at Coyote Ridge

Over the years, loss of habitat has caused the decline of many amphibian species, including our native frogs and salamanders. However, in the midst of decreasing habitat, ranch lands have become a vital aide for conservation of rare amphibians because they remain undeveloped and wildlife rely on the many ponds that ranchers have built for their herds over the years. 

Community Connections - Clayton Koopmann

Community Connections highlights the many leaders, partners, and neighbors who make a difference in our community. This month we are featuring Clayton Koopmann, cattle rancher and rangeland ecologist/rangeland management specialist

242-Acre Purchase Completes Tapestry of Connected Open Space in Santa Cruz Mountains

Opportunities for Firebreak Management, Sweeping Views, and New Trail Connections

SAN JOSE, Calif. (June 27, 2019) - Undeveloped and largely untouched, a 242-acre purchase made by the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority (Authority) in partnership with the Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST) completes another pivotal piece of the Santa Cruz Mountains preservation puzzle, opening new possibilities for growing an interconnected trail network.

Celebrating the Beauty of Santa Clara Valley's Open Spaces: Photo Contest Winners!

To celebrate National Nature Photography Day on June 15, we asked photographers of all levels to send us their best shots of Santa Clara Valley's open spaces. And the response was amazing! 

How We’re Helping Wildlife Move Safely Through Coyote Valley

The roads and freeways we depend on to connect our communities pose one of the greatest threats to wildlife. Roads fragment wildlife habitat, create barriers to movement, and kill animals through vehicle collisions. Animals need to move freely in order to find mates, hunt, migrate, and spread to new areas. All of these activities are essential for wildlife to be able to share their genes and maintain population health. Roads are a major issue in Coyote Valley, one of the last remaining pathways that wildlife use to travel between protected lands in the Santa Cruz Mountains and the Diablo Range.

Coyote Valley Conservation Program Bill Lays Groundwork for a More Climate Resilient Future

Coyote Valley Conservation Program Bill Introduced by Assemblymember Ash Kalra Lays the Groundwork for a More Climate Resilient Future
AB 948 highlights statewide importance of protecting Coyote Valley

The Legacy of Earth Day in Our Open Spaces

Every April 22, we celebrate Earth Day to mark the anniversary of the environmental movement and the rise of public recognition of the threats to our environment.

Celebrate California Wildlife by Protecting Open Space - and More

Spring brings in new life and is a great time to think about the wild animals that call our region home. This month we celebrate both National Wildlife Week (March 13-15) and California Wildlife Day (March 20), recognizing the role wildlife plays in our natural environments and promoting how we can best protect these species.

Where to View Wildflowers 2020

Springtime brings green hills and spectacular displays of wildflowers to our open spaces. One of the most common questions we get this time of year is where visitors can go to see the best wildflowers in our preserves.

First Wildlife Crossing Signs in Coyote Valley Unveiled

On Friday, November 30, 2018, the Open Space Authority along with the City of San Jose unveiled the first wildlife crossing signage along Monterey Road in Coyote Valley.

Councilmember Sergio Jimenez has been a champion for wildlife connectivity in Coyote Valley and led the way to secure funding to install the signs. The Councilmember led the day's festivities which included remarks from: