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MAY 2026 | NEWS & EVENTS
We care for nature, so nature can care for you.
📽️ Featured Video: A Win-Win for Conservation & Energy
A powerful partnership delivers a conservation victory for the region. On March 19, the California Public Utilities Commission approved an innovative solution that expands energy capacity for Silicon Valley while also protecting Coyote Valley, one of California’s most important wildlife corridors. This outcome was made possible by an unprecedented collaboration among the Open Space Authority, PG&E, LS Power Grid California and the City of San José. It’s proof that smart planning and strong partnerships can meet growing energy needs without sacrificing the critical open space we all depend on. Click below to learn how this partnership came together and why it sets a new standard for conservation.
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.
Sunday, April 19: Santana Row Earth Day Celebration Celebrate Earth Day at Santana Row! Enjoy games, crafts and other family-friendly activities, including free face painting! While you’re there, check out design plans for restoration, public access and agriculture in Coyote Valley. No registration required. Learn more about this event here.
Saturday, April 25: Morgan Hill Earth Day An Earth Day celebration in Morgan Hill! Come learn about proposed plans for habitat restoration, public access and local agriculture in Coyote Valley while enjoying family-friendly activities, free snacks and other giveaways! No registration required. Learn more about this event here.
Friday, May 1: Nature Journal at Ulistac Learn how to nature journal while enjoying the sights and sounds of Ulistac Natural Area in Santa Clara. Participants will receive a blank journal, coloring pencils and crayons for documenting your observations. Families are encouraged to attend. Reserve your ticket to the nature journal event here.
Saturday, May 2:Laguna Seca Discovery Day Explore Laguna Seca, one of the largest freshwater wetlands in Santa Clara Valley! Birdwatch, enjoy the scenery and learn about future plans for habitat restoration, public access and local agriculture in Coyote Valley. Sign up for this open access day at Laguna Seca.
Saturday, May 9: 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, May 15: North Coyote Valley Hill Discovery Day Enjoy open access at the North Coyote Valley Hill with a beginner-friendly, one-mile round-trip hike that includes just 100 feet in elevation gain, over a gradual incline. On top of the hill, take in 360-degree views of Coyote Valley and the dynamic landscape we are planning to restore! Guided hikes will be available. No registration required. Learn more about the North Coyote Valley Hill Discovery Day event here.
Monday, May 24: Birding at Diablo Foothills Discover a side of South Santa Clara County that few get to see. This special-access birding experience takes you through a stunning mix of rolling hills, oak savanna, riparian woodlands and peaceful ponds – prime habitat for a variety of birds. Secure your spot for this birding event.
Saturday, May 30: Yellow Star Thistle Removal at Máyyan 'Ooyákma – Coyote RidgeOpen Space Preserve Help protect one of the most biodiverse places in the Santa Clara Valley by removing invasive plants. Join us at Máyyan 'Ooyákma – Coyote Ridge Open Space Preserve to remove invasive yellow star thistle from sensitive habitat. Yellow star thistle is harmful to grassland ecosystems as it depletes moisture and competes with native plants. Volunteer for the land stewards event here.
Spring Guided Hikes & Open Access Days Throughout the spring, the Open Space Authority is hosting a series of guided hikes and open access days at Máyyan ‘Ooyákma - Coyote Ridge Open Space Preserve. To safeguard this sensitive ecosystem, weekend visits (Saturday and Sunday) require advance booking.Explore all spring hike offerings here.
Measure D is a voter-sponsored initiative that will appear on the June 2, 2026 ballot which would adopt a parcel tax to fund the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority. The voter initiative specifies the funding would be used to “protect, restore, maintain and manage a growing network of protected open space, wildlife habitat, water resources, and agricultural lands across Santa Clara County” to sustain the health of communities and the natural environment. To learn more about the proposed initiative you can visit the Open Space Authority's website here.
Coyote Valley Farmland Permanently Protected!
On April 7, Peninsula Open Space Trust shared the exciting news that a 71-acre agricultural property in Coyote Valley, now known as Coyote Fields, was permanently protected. The conservation of this agricultural property advances protections for both farmland and wildlife connectivity in Coyote Valley, one of the most ecologically significant and development-threatened landscapes in the Bay Area. This property will be managed by the Open Space Authority and incorporated into the Coyote Valley Conservation Areas Master Plan. Learn more about the protection of Coyote Fields here.
Earth Day (April 22) reminds us that caring for nature is one of the most powerful ways we can care for each other. When communities and partners work together, we can safeguard the open spaces, wildlife and natural resources that sustain us. See the real, local impact these collaborations are delivering right now.
Honoring the Legacy of Rod Diridon Sr. (1939-2026)
The most-clicked link in last month's newsletter was a registration link for a birding event at Little Uvas Open Space Preserve, a beautiful Morgan Hill landscape that’s currently accessible only through guided public access events. Interested in birding? Learn more through this "Introduction to Birding" video.
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, April 23: Board of Directors | 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, May 14: Administration & Budget Committee | 5:30 p.m.
Monday, May 18: Citizens' Advisory Committee | 6:30 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: Win-Win: David Mauk; Trees: Lech Naumovich; Illustrator: Robert Liu-Trujillo; Earth Day: Lan Nguyen; Rod Diridon Sr.: David Mauk
