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JULY 2026 | NEWS & EVENTS
We care for nature, so nature can care for you.
📽️ Featured Video: Thank You for Supporting Your Open Spaces!
On June 9, the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority announced that voters approved Measure D, the Santa Clara Valley Wildfire Protection, Clean Water, and Open Space Act on the June 2 ballot. Thank you for your commitment to care for nature and trust in our ability to protect the natural and working lands that define the South Bay. In a heartfelt message to the Santa Clara Valley community, the Authority's General Manager, Andrea Mackenzie, reflects on what makes the passing of Measure D so meaningful. Click the buttons below to read Andrea's message and view the announcement about the voter-approved Measure D.
Free Nature Events
🌿 Nature is for everyone, and we welcome all to join our events!To register, use the links embedded in each event title below and be part of the experience.
Wednesday, July 15: Walking on Wednesday 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 North Coyote Valley Hill, a property that is typically closed to the public. Reserve your space for this healing 1-mile hike.
Saturday, July 18: Starry Nights! 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 Starry Nights here.
You be may be wondering: now that Measure D has passed, what comes next for the Open Space Authority? Funds from the measure will likely become available to the Authority in 2027. In the meantime, we're continuing to focus on public access, habitat rehabilitation and wildfire resiliency projects that align with the goals of Measure D. Explore six projects underway that build on the momentum of Measure D and strengthen local nature.
Open Space Authority Board Opposes Battery Storage Project
On May 28, the Open Space Authority’s Board of Directors voted unanimously to oppose a proposed battery storage project in Coyote Valley. If approved, the project will place hundreds of shipping containers, stored with batteries for renewable energy, on 40 acres of prime farmland in North Coyote Valley. The location of this project is in direct conflict with the $160 million invested by voters and public agencies to preserve this vital landscape for people, the climate, wildlife and agriculture. Learn more about the proposed project and its potential consequences for Coyote Valley.
Open Space Authority's Budget Approved ✅
On June 11, the Open Space Authority Board of Directors voted unanimously to approve the agency’s 2026–2027 Annual Budget and Work Plan. This fiscally responsible budget comes in $45,000 below last year’s (excluding grant funded and extraordinary expenses) while continuing to advance our mission of protecting and restoring natural and working lands and connecting people to nature. See the adopted 2026-2027 Annual Budget & Work Plan here.
You BUTTERfly believe it! In May, California tortoiseshell butterflies were seen fluttering across the region as they migrated through the state. These magical insects travel north in large groups in search of food, wild lilac (where they lay their eggs) and cooler temperatures at higher elevations. David Mauk, the Open Space Authority’s Natural Resources Technician II, documented a group of California tortoiseshells resting at Rancho Cañada del Oro Space Preserve. Click here to see David’s footage of the butterflies.
What You're Wild About
The most-clicked link in last month's newsletter was a short video about the Open Space Authority's project to make Coyote Valley Open Space Preserve more accessible to people of all mobility levels. If you missed it, watch the video here.
Upcoming Public Meetings
The Open Space Authority public meetings are held in a hybrid format, giving you the flexibility to attend in-person, via Zoom teleconference or watch on YouTube.
Thursday, June 25: Board of Directors | 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, July 9: Land Use and Stewardship Committee | 5:30 p.m.
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, the Muwekma Ohlone Tribe of the San Francisco Bay Area and the Tamien Nation in our shared work to protect and restore the environment and connect people to land. Learn more about our Tribal Partnerships.
Photo Credits: What's Next: David Mauk; Battery Storage: Nick Perry; Long Summer Days: Derek Neumann; Tortoiseshell: Cait Hutnik
