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. Register using the links below and be part of the experience.

• Wednesday, September 17: Bilingual Hike at Spreckels Hill
  The Open Space Authority is partnering with Hispanic Access Foundation to host a bilingual, 0.5 mile hike at Spreckels Hill in English and Spanish during Latino Conservation Week. Guided by experienced Authority docents, the hike showcases the natural and cultural history of Coyote Valley and the important role it plays today. Spreckels Hill is only open to the public through special access and offers beautiful 360-degree views of the valley. Reserve your spot for the bilingual hike.
• Monday, October 6: Full Moon Hike Series (Part 2 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.
• Friday, October 10: Badger Banter YouTube Premiere
  Join the Open Space Authority for a special YouTube Premiere about the elusive American badger! Cozy up for some badger banter from the comfort of your home with our wildlife experts as they dig into your most burning badger questions. Register for the Badger Banter YouTube Premiere to tune in as we uncover fascinating facts about these underground dwellers - and don’t forget to submit your questions ahead of time - they'll be answered during the premiere!
  
• Saturday, October 11: 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.
  
• Saturday, October 18: Birding Hike at Little Uvas
  Don't miss this unique birding experience! The Santa Clara Valley Bird Alliance will be leading an enchanting hike at Little Uvas, an Open Space Authority property not yet open to the public, and helping attendees spot and identify native birds. All birder levels are welcome! Participate in the Birding Hike at Little Uvas.
• Friday, October 24: 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.
  
• Saturday, October 25: Land Stewards Maintenance Event at Palassou House
  Join the Open Space Authority for its annual clean up of the historic house located at Palassou Ridge Preserve! Volunteers will assist with light cleaning and vegetation maintenance at the house. Take part in the land stewards event at Palassou House.
• Thursday, October 30: Birding at Sierra Vista Open Space Preserve
  Explore Sierra Vista Open Space Preserve and look for birds with the Open Space Authority and Santa Clara Valley Bird Alliance! Bird experts will help attendees identify various birds in their native habitat and share interesting facts. Sign up here for the birding event - all birder levels are welcome!

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

Featured News

Provide Input on Future Trail Access!

Have you visited Coyote Valley Open Space Preserve? If so, we want to hear from you! The Open Space Authority recently released a survey asking for public input on future trail connections and amenities, as well as regional access between the existing Coyote Valley Open Space Preserve and protected properties within the Coyote Valley Conservation Program Area. Share your thoughts through our survey.

A Sure Sign of Conservation

The Open Space Authority recently installed new placemaking signage in Coyote Valley that highlights the Coyote Valley Conservation Program Area. The bright and bold signage also brings awareness to local wildlife habitat and encourages the public to drive safely and keep the area beautiful and trash-free. Learn more and view the signage here.

Remarkable Riparian Restoration

The restoration of riparian areas, or habitat on the edges of waterways like rivers and creeks, provides significant benefits to the soil and local wildlife. Kat Hill, the Open Space Authority's Volunteer Program Coordinator, shares how native plants help riparian areas thrive in a video from Northern California Public Media. Watch the video here.

What's Happening on Social Media: Fearless Fridays!

Do you have fears about nature? You're not alone! According to our recent Instagram poll, a majority of people fear ticks, among other wildlife, while exploring nature. We're here to squash nature-based fears through a series of "Fearless Friday" posts - click here to learn more about ticks and check out our Instagram page to discover the truth about your other biggest fears.

Now Hiring: Habitat Program Manager

Are you passionate about wildfire resiliency, land stewardship and wildlife? The Open Space Authority is looking for a Habitat Program Manager to oversee fuels management, conservation grazing and habitat restoration work. Apply to become the Open Space Authority's Habitat Program Manager.

✨ Discover new stories on our blog or visit our Pressroom for the latest media updates!

What You're Wild About

The most-clicked link in last month's newsletter was a video about sensitive species being relocated prior to the restoration of three cattle ponds that now serve as critical habitat for Northwestern pond turtles, California tiger salamanders and California newts. Watch the relocation of turtles and tadpoles 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.

• Monday, September 22: Citizens' Advisory Committee | 6:30 p.m.
• Thursday, September 25: Board of Directors | 6:30 p.m.
• Thursday, October 9: Land Use and Stewardship Committee | 5:30 p.m.

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