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OPEN SPACE OUTLOOK
December 2023
30 Years Down, Forever to Go
In August 2023, we celebrated the public opening of YOUR newest open space preserve, Máyyan ‘Ooyákma – Coyote Ridge in partnership with the Muwekma Ohlone Tribe of the San Francisco Bay Area. We also help bring nature to neighborhoods with our Urban Grant Program. In this 30th year since our founding, the Open Space Authority awarded over $910K for local environmental programming, and nearly $800K for local environmental projects. We couldn't do this important work for nature without your continued support. As we close out 2023, we hope you will check out (and share) all the AMAZING things that we have accomplished TOGETHER over the last 30 years!
Happy Holidays!
Restoration for Pajaro River
In early December, over 80 middle schoolers ventured out to the Pajaro River Agricultural Preserve to help restore critical riparian habitat by putting native plants in the ground. This restoration model has been critical to the Open Space Authority's mission for years. To learn more about the project, click the link here.
Winter Produce Guide
Happy December! We ci-trust that this season's fruits and veggies will be to your leek-ing. Sorry about the puns, but not sorry about this winter's produce guide. Let's eat!
It's Salamander Season!
Get excited to see some of our slimiest four-legged friends! Along with wet weather comes salamanders and newts, and the Santa Clara Valley is home to many. Click here to learn which of these interesting critters you may notice during this season's outdoor adventures.
Wet Weather Hiking Tips
While stormy weather makes for great photos, smells, and sights, it also brings some potential safety considerations. Read our guide to learn how to play it safe on the trails this winter.
In other news...
Exciting Changes to Your 2024 News
Starting in January 2024, this e-newsletter will become your one-stop shop for all Open Space Authority news and events. This will hit your inbox the third Wednesday of January, so get excited, and don't forget to save cgraham@openspaceauthority.org to your safe senders list.
Free Wildlife Gift Tags
Want to add some extra flare to your gifts this season? Look no further than these free wildlife gift tags. Just print and cut them out and tie them on to any presents you're wrapping.
What Does Climate Change Mean to You?
We’re excited to share our partnership with One Day/One Action, a multilingual public art initiative that supports Climate Smart San José’s sustainability goals, reframing how we can ALL be a part of climate action. You may have seen One Day/One Action posts and stories appear on our social media feeds. The project launched on the Summer Solstice (June 2023) and will continue through Winter Solstice (December 2023). You can find out more about One Day/One Action on the Climate Smart San José website. We are excited to be part of this project!
ICYMI (In Case You Missed It)... Beautiful Burrowing Owls
Join us for a virtual adventure all about the elusive burrowing owls of the Bay Area! This endangered species is one of the only owls active during the day, and as we get closer to their nesting season, you might just get the chance to see one when exploring open space. Watch the program recording on our YouTube channel.
Did You Know?
We appreciate you! As our 30th Anniversary year comes to a close, we THANK YOU for supporting our mission and work. We are excited to continue protecting natural and working lands and connecting people to nature together, forever.
Cheers to the many exciting things to come in 2024! We can't wait to ring in the New Year with you. Make sure to read our January newsletter to learn more.
We acknowledge that the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority works within lands that were originally stewarded by the Awaswas-, Chochenyo-, Mutsun-, and Thámien-speaking peoples. Today we are honored to partner with the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band and Muwekma Ohlone Tribe of the San Francisco Bay Area in our shared work to protect and restore the environment and connect people to land. Learn more on our Tribal Partnerships page here.
Photo Credits: Tule elk - David Mauk, Pajaro River Agricultural Preserve - Rachel Clemons, Salamanders - Cait Hutnik, Rainy walk - Ellen Finch, Great horned owl - OSA Archives, Burrowing owl - David Mauk, Sunrise - David Mauk
