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, September 23: Birding at Sierra Vista
  Take a scenic stroll through Sierra Vista Open Space Preserve as knowledgeable docents help you spot local birds such as savannah sparrows, rock wrens, golden eagles and American kestrels! Reserve your spot for this birding experience.

• Thursday, October 1: Tule Elk Talk
  Did you know that we have elk just 15 minutes south of San José? Join us for this talk to learn about the recovery of this incredible species, their habitat, home range and specific habits during this time of year. Sign up to attend in-person OR register to participate virtually via Zoom.

• Saturday, October 3: Starry Nights!
  The Open Space Authority is partnering with 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. Book your spot for Starry Nights here.

• Sunday, October 11: Astrophotography Workshop
  Join photographer Matt Chesebrough for an evening of astrophotography at Tilton Ranch Complex. Participants will learn how to capture the night sky while connecting with nature after dark. Save your spot for the Astrophotography Workshop here.
   
• Saturday, October 17: White Horehound Removal at Sierra Vista
  Join Open Space Authority staff for a morning of hands-on stewardship as we work together to remove white horehound, an invasive plant that threatens native grasslands. Staff will provide all training, tools and project supplies. Sign up to join us to remove White Horehound.

• Sunday, October 18: Poison Oak – Fried or Foe?
  Leaves of three, leave it be! Join the Open Space Authority for a 1.5-mile stroll (200 feet of elevation) at Little Uvas Preserve as we learn about poison oak. We will discuss how it grows and its impacts on humans, animals and landscapes. Register to learn more about poison oak with us here.

• Saturday, October 31: Autumnal Art at Ulistac
  Celebrate the beauty of fall through art and nature! Participants will explore the colorful world of autumnal leaves and learn about the unique shapes, textures, patterns and colors nature brings this time of year. Using leaves found on the ground, attendees will then create fall-inspired art! Sign up to create autumnal art here.

• Saturday, November 14: Volunteer Interpretive Host Training
  Are you interested in volunteering with the Open Space Authority through community outreach opportunities, events or trail patrols? If so, please join us for an engaging and interactive training to learn about the Open Space Authority while exploring ways to connect with preserve visitors and community members. Register for the Volunteer Interpretive Host Training here.

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

Featured News

Upcoming Prescribed Fires for Wildfire Resiliency

This October and November, the Open Space Authority will conduct a series of prescribed fires in partnership with professional firefighting agencies and volunteers. These carefully planned fires are part of our wildfire resilience efforts. They help prevent unplanned wildfires while helping native plants thrive. Click here to learn about the Open Space Authority’s upcoming prescribed fires.

Trail Yeah! Accessibility Updates Underway

The Coyote Valley Open Space Preserve Expanded Access Project continues to make headway! Construction crews recently installed new surfacing for an accessible trail that will be safe and easy to navigate for all visitors once the trail opens in the fall. The preserve is currently closed through Friday, September 18 for improvements to the parking lot. Check for real time updates on our Alerts & Closures page.

Growth and Green Space: Can We Have Both?

As the demands for housing, energy and technology infrastructure continue to grow, so does the need to find locations for these projects. But when it comes to siting these proposals, it takes collaboration to make sure we aren’t sacrificing the open spaces and farmlands we all rely on. Learn how the Open Space Authority collaborates with partners, developers, policymakers and others to find better alternatives for smart growth.  

Unidos Somos Más - Together, We Are More 

¡Feliz Mes de la Herencia Hispana! The 2026 Hispanic Heritage Month theme is “Unidos Somos Más,” meaning “Together, We Are More.” We are honoring this theme by recognizing that caring for nature and protecting land for future generations will take collaboration and partnership. Thank you to our partners and all community members of Santa Clara Valley who continue to see the value in caring for nature.

Behold: The Fall Crawl is Here 

Every fall, male tarantulas climb out of their burrows and travel great lengths in search of a mate. This natural, and slightly romantic, phenomenon is referred to as “The Fall Crawl." Interested in seeing a tarantula in the wild? Download this FREE Tarantula Trek Guide to discover how you can spot a tarantula and be safe and respectful while doing so. 

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.