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.

• Saturday, November 1: Plantings at Rancho Cañada del Oro, Hidden Lake 
  Join the Open Space Authority for a morning of planting native vegetation around newly restored cattle ponds at Rancho Cañada del Oro Open Space Preserve that serve as critical habitat for California red-legged frogs, Northwestern pond turtles and other important species. Sign up to be a land steward and participate in this event here.
• Wednesday, November 5: Full Moon Hike Series (Part 3 of 4)
  Join the Open Space Authority for a moonlit, four-mile guided hike at Coyote Valley Open Space Preserve. Participants will ascend the Arrowhead Loop Trail at golden hour, watch the sunset with a 360-degree view of Coyote Valley and descend once the moon is shining bright. Sign up for the Full Moon Hike.
• Saturday, November 8: Plantings at Rancho Cañada del Oro, Hidden Lake
  In this second planting event, volunteers will continue to help the Open Space Authority restore native vegetation around three cattle ponds at Rancho Cañada del Oro! Don't miss out on the opportunity to improve habitat for local species who live in the recently retrofitted ponds. Volunteer with us here.
• Saturday, November 8: Water, Wildlife and Connectivity Guided Hike
  Take part in a guided hike at Spreckels Hill, one of the Open Space Authority's properties in Coyote Valley that is not yet open to the public, and learn why protecting water sources, wildlife and working lands are important pieces of our mission. Sign up for the Water, Wildlife and Connectivity Guided Hike.
  
• Wednesday, November 12: Birding Hike at Rancho Cañada del Oro
  Don't miss this unique birding experience! The Santa Clara Valley Bird Alliance will be leading an enchanting hike at Rancho Cañada del Oro Open Space Preserve and helping attendees spot and identify native birds. All birder levels are welcome! Participate in the Birding Hike at Rancho Cañada del Oro Open Space Preserve 
  
• Saturday, November 15: Training: Become an Open Space Authority Volunteer!
  The Open Space Authority seeks new interpretive host volunteers who will represent the Authority at community outreach and large-scale events, participate in trail patrols and/or lead hikes as docents. Spend the morning learning about interpretive host techniques and upcoming volunteer opportunities. Start your journey as an Open Space Authority volunteer by clicking here.
• Saturday, November 15: 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.
• Sunday, November 23: Birding at Máyyan 'Ooyákma - Coyote Ridge Open Space Preserve
  Interested in birding? All levels of birders are welcome to our birding event at Máyyan 'Ooyákma - Coyote Ridge Open Space Preserve, where bird experts from the Santa Clara Valley Bird Alliance will help attendees look for a variety of native bird species. Reserve your spot to bird with us here.

✨ Catch up anytime! Explore our full library of recorded virtual events and enjoy past program recordings whenever you like!

Featured News

Open Space Authority Awarded $14.8M Grant

The Open Space Authority has received a $14.8 million grant from the State of California's Sustainable Agricultural Lands Conservation Program (SALC) to permanently protect a 412-acre property along the northern edge of the City of Gilroy. This landmark investment not only protects the land from future development, but also strengthens the Authority’s ability to champion sustainable agriculture in the Santa Clara Valley. This win for open space and agriculture also lays the groundwork for a potential greenbelt separating Gilroy from San Martin. It’s a major step forward for agricultural conservation, wildlife connectivity and community resilience. Read our press release here and stay tuned for exciting updates as this project unfolds!

How Would You Design a Nature Trail?

The Open Space Authority used input from a survey that was released earlier this year to develop new trail alternatives for Rancho Cañada del Oro Open Space Preserve. Now we want your help choosing the trail design! Take this quick survey to help determine how this new nature trail will take shape. 

Teachers: Tell Us About Your Nature Field Trip Needs!

Are you a teacher in the Santa Clara Valley who wants to bring nature education opportunities to your students? The Open Space Authority wants to understand how we can better connect young people to nature through school-based programming. Take this survey to tell us how we can meet your field trip needs.

Magnificent Monarchs

What You're Wild About

The most-clicked link in last month's newsletter was the "Coyote Valley Suite," a set of videos featuring five short instrumental compositions inspired by composer Will Rand's visit to Coyote Valley in the spring. Watch the Coyote Valley Suite and learn more about Will's journey to create the compositions.

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, October 23: Land Use & Stewardship Committee | 5:30 p.m.
• Thursday, October 23: Board of Directors | 6:30 p.m.
• Thursday, November 13: Administration & Budget Committee | 5:30 p.m.
• Thursday, November 13: Board of Directors | 6:30 p.m.
• Monday, November 17: Citizens' Advisory Committee | 6:30 p.m.
  

📢 Stay informed! View our Public Meetings webpage for current agendas and meeting links.