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MARCH 2026 | NEWS & EVENTS
We care for nature, so nature can care for you.
📽️ Featured Video: Learn, Play & Discover at Coyote Valley Discovery Days! 🌞🐾🌳🌈
This spring, the Open Space Authority invites you to learn about about future habitat restoration, agriculture and public recreation plans for over 1,600 acres of protected open space in Coyote Valley. We welcome all ages to participate and give feedback during this series of events planned throughout Santa Clara Valley. Click the button below to see our fun, family-friendly event line-up!
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.
🦋 Don’t forget to sign up for your free 2026 Butterfly Pass to enjoy the spring wildflowers at Máyyan ‘Ooyákma - Coyote Ridge Open Space Preserve.
Saturday, March 14: Starry Nights The Open Space Authority and the San Jose Astronomical Association (SJAA) invite you to a community star party at Rancho Cañada del Oro Open Space Preserve. Register for the Starry Nights event.
Friday, March 20: Coyote Valley Discovery Days Lunch-and-Learn Webinar Join the Open Space Authority for a virtual lunch-and-learn where our staff will share the exciting visions for habitat restoration, local agriculture and new public access trails and destinations on recently protected properties in Coyote Valley. Register for the webinar here.
Saturday, March 21:Coyote Valley Discovery Days - Spring Celebration We’re bringing Coyote Valley to YOU! Visit the Discovery Meadow outside of the Children’s Discovery Museum in San José for a FREE, family-friendly and festive afternoon. Meet local wildlife, get hands-on with nature-based arts and crafts and learn about the Authority’s proposed plans for the future of Coyote Valley. Let us know you'll be attending the Spring Celebration here. March Guided Hikes & Open Access Days Throughout the spring, the Open Space Authority will host a series of guided hikes and open access days at Máyyan ‘Ooyákma - Coyote Ridge Open Space Preserve. To protect the sensitive and unique ecosystem of this preserve, trails will be open by reservation ONLY on Saturdays and Sundays. Reserve your spot for a springtime hike by clicking on a listing below:
2025 Impact Report: Caring for Nature & Each Other
Dive into the Open Space Authority's 2025 Impact Report! This year's report highlights conservation milestones that reflect our efforts to preserve the Coyote Valley landscape, volunteer and community events that build lasting connections between people and nature and our progress for developing a Farm Vision Program that will help us better support the farming community. Flip through the interactive report here.
Happy Lunar New Year! / 新年快樂!
February 17 marked the start of the Lunar New Year and the first day of the Year of the Fire Horse, the Chinese zodiac symbol associated with 2026! The Open Space Authority is fully embracing the energy of the Fire Horse and striding into our next phase of conservation efforts with intense forward momentum. Discover how we're being influenced by the Year of the Fire Horse here.
Video Contest: Nature-based Solutions in Coyote Valley
Lights, camera and Silicon Valley Youth Climate Action (SVYCA)! Our friends at SVYCA recently launched a new video contest that invites middle and high school students in Santa Clara County to explore and showcase nature-based solutions in the Coyote Valley region through creative storytelling. Activate your inner storyteller and learn more about the contest here.
Update: Coyote Valley Reservations and Construction
Big things are happening at Coyote Valley Open Space Preserve! Beginning March 1, the preserve is launching a pilot reservation program for equestrian trailer parking to help improve access during the busy spring season. And looking ahead to summer, construction will begin on exciting accessibility upgrades along the Heart’s Delight Trail. Stay up to date on the pilot program and upcoming construction.
The most-clicked link in last month's newsletter was a video about the importance of creating landscape linkages to connect habitat for species, like mountain lions, bobcats and American badgers, in Coyote Valley.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, February 26: Board of Directors | 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, March 12: Special Meeting - Board of Directors | 5:00 p.m.
Changes to Your Board of Directors In January, the Open Space Authority announced changes to our Board of Directors. Cathryn Ming Hyde was appointed by the Board to represent District 5, serving the unexpired term of Director Vicki Alexander, until December 4, 2026. Additionally, Director Kathy Sutherland (D4) was elected Chairperson of the Board and Director Lisanna Dominguez (D6) was elected Vice Chairperson. Read more about the updates to our Board here.
Nature Leader of the Year General Manager Andrea Mackenzie and Board Chair Kathy Sutherland accept the “Nature Leader of the Year” award on behalf of the Open Space Authority alongside Silicon Valley Youth Climate Action Executive Director Zekun Li at the inaugural Youth Climate Honors Celebration.
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: Impact Report: Nick Perry; Lunar New Year: ARTFX Design via Canva; Video Contest: C. Kifer
