FREE NATURE EVENTS

Nature is for everyone, and all are welcome at events.
We ask attendees to join us in respecting nature, wildlife and each other.
Please register when required.

Remember that we have a full library of recorded virtual events to enjoy any time! 
See all our past program recordings here!

FIRST FRIDAY BIRD BUDDIES
Friday, January 3 | Noon to 12:45 p.m.
A virtual program

Want to test your knowledge about birds? Grab a cup of hot chocolate or coffee and join us for a virtual program and trivia session about birds! Click here to register for this lunchtime event in honor of National Trivia Day!

STORIES ABOUT STEWARDSHIP
Saturday, January 4 | 9:00 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Spreckels Hill in Coyote Valley

Join staff from the Open Space Authority to learn about restoration efforts in Coyote Valley! Attendees will hike a gentle slope (1.5 miles) to the top of Spreckels Hill where they'll learn about historic land uses and restoration efforts. Register here to attend this special event and get more involved with our work!

DROP-IN BIRDING AT RANCHO
Sunday, January 5 | 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Rancho Cañada del Oro Open Space Preserve 

Open Space Authority docents will be at Rancho Cañada del Oro Open Space Preserve with binoculars and spotting scopes to welcome anyone who would like to look for and identify birds. No prior birding experience needed. Click here to let us know you'll be attending!

DROP-IN BIRDING AT
GUADALUPE OAK GROVE
Sunday, January 5 | 8:30 a.m. to Noon
Guadalupe Oak Grove Park (Almaden, San José)

Do you want to try birding or meet fellow birders? Join the Open Space Authority at the Guadalupe Oak Grove Park to go birding with local bird enthusiasts. Welcome the new year with this rewarding and fascinating hobby! Click here to sign up.

WALKING ON WEDNESDAYS
A wellness experience for the grieving

Wednesdays, January 8, 15, 22, & 29
11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Ulistac Natural Area (Santa Clara)

Whether you lost someone yesterday or years ago, sometimes the best thing to do is just be with people who understand. Come take a gentle walk with us and begin to heal in nature at this beautiful location. Join us for a series of low impact, low social pressure and healing nature experiences every Wednesday in January. Sign up for one or multiple walks here.

STARRY NIGHTS
Saturday, January 18 | 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Rancho Cañada del Oro Open Space Preserve 

Join the Open Space Authority and the San Jose Astronomical Association (SJAA) for a star party at Rancho Cañada del Oro Open Space Preserve! Docent astronomers will set up their telescopes to help you get the most knowledge and enjoyment out of the dark starry night sky. Sign up for the event here.

RESTORATION PLANTINGS
Saturday, January 18 | 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Fisher's Bend in Mid Coyote Valley

Join the Open Space Authority and Point Blue Conservation Science at Fisher's Bend to help restore a creek. Volunteers will work to plant native shrubs, trees and pollinator-friendly plants along this thoroughfare to better support local wildlife. Learn more and sign up for the volunteer event here.

Happy Holidays & New Year!
As 2024 comes to a close, we wish you and your loved ones a happy and healthy holiday season and new year ahead. In 2025, we look forward to continuing to preserve, protect and manage the beautiful and essential landscapes that make Santa Clara Valley a vibrant place to live, for both people and wildlife.

New Board Member: Kathy Sutherland
On December 12, Kathy Sutherland was sworn in as the Open Space Authority's District 4 representative. Kathy has been a key member of the agency's Citizens' Advisory Committee for the past 11 years and will continue to help the Open Space Authority achieve its mission through her position on the Board.

$250K Awarded from the Metropolitan Transportation Commission
In November, the Open Space Authority was awarded $250,000 from the Metropolitan Transportation Commission to construct new trails and additional amenities at Rancho Cañada del Oro Open Space Preserve. Planning and designing are underway - stay tuned to learn how to be a part of the planning process!

Now Seeking: New Volunteers!
Are you passionate about nature, or want to learn how to manage critical landscapes and educate others on the importance of land conservation and preservation? We are in the business of forever, but we can’t do this important work without a community committed to protecting and caring for the places that care for everyone. Join us by applying here.

Upcoming Public Meetings

The Open Space Authority public meetings are a hybrid of in-person/virtual meetings. Members of the public have the option to attend the meetings in-person or via Zoom teleconference. Please view our Public Meetings webpage to view agendas and more details.

Board of Directors
Thursday, January 9 |  6:30 p.m.

Board of Directors
Thursday, January 23 |  6:30 p.m.

Citizens' Advisory Committee
Monday, January 27 |  6:30 p.m.