"To reconnect with nature is key if we want to save the planet." -Jane Goodall
You don’t have to be a scientist to have noticed this year’s unseasonably warm, dry winter. The climate crisis is upon us, but there is much that can be done to address these threats, right here in our own backyard. I was pleased to see the 2022 theme of Earth Day, Invest in Our Planet, because one of the smartest investments we can make is the protection and stewardship of natural infrastructure.
We’ve all seen it – a show or movie or video featuring the majestic bald eagle and its patriotic cry. What may surprise you, however, is that the high-pitched vocalization used most in these clips is not from the bald eagle at all, but from another native raptor found across the Santa Clara Valley.
Click below to learn about one of our region’s most common – and charismatic – species: the red-tailed hawk.
As the Open Space Authority’s restoration work around Coyote Valley gets underway, there are two exciting riparian and wetland restoration projects coming down the pipeline - the Spreckles Wetland Cleanup and Enhancement Project and the Fisher Creek Riparian Restoration.
Prioritizing time for yourself is challenging, but please believe us when we say YOU ARE WORTH IT!
Click below to discover some of our favorite nature infused self-care ideas.
Who Am I?
I am California’s state amphibian, named for the reddish coloring on the underside of my legs and belly. Due to wetland habitat loss, I am classified as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. Thankfully, my populations are found at several preserves managed by the Open Space Authority. Who am I?
Submit your answer below - if you’re correct, you may get a shout-out in our next newsletter!
Coyote Valley Earth Week Special Event Series!
Monday, April 18 - Saturday, April 23
Celebrate Earth Week in Coyote Valley! Join us for a week of activities and events across Coyote Valley to celebrate the Earth and our role in protecting the natural environment.
View all the events and sign up below!
The Synergy of Planning & Conservation: State Investment and Land Use Policy Come Together in Santa Clara County
Read a story of how visionary land conservation interests in Santa Clara County are working to preserve the Valley’s rich agricultural and natural treasures with support from the Sustainable Agricultural Lands Conservation (SALC) Program and other state funding. Written by Emily Tibbott, Senior Advisor for Land Conservation, and the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority.
VOLUNTEER LAND STEWARDS: Periwinkle Pull at Fisher’s Bend
Saturday, April 30 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Roll up your sleeves and help us heal nature! Join us at Fisher’s Bend in Coyote Valley to remove an invasive species of periwinkle plant from an important creek habitat. Pulling out this plant will help restore the watershed and prevent further spread downstream. We will provide clean gloves, tools, and project-related supplies for the day as well as training on invasive species identification and removal.
Who Am I? - March Answer
Last month’s “Who Am I?” was the SHOOTING STAR (Primula spp.).
Congratulations to our readers who answered correctly: Allen B., Amy H., Annie W, Ardis Y., Christi C., Christina S., Collie C., Jackie L., Janay H., Jim M., John F., Julie D., Kathleen W., Kathlene H., Kathy C., Kathy Z., Kim K., Marilynn S., Mark R., Neal W., Rachel P., Robin C., Sam G., Sandra W., Sarah W., Sue S., Ulf N.
Photo Credits
Rancho Cañada del Oro landscape - Derek Neumann Red-tailed hawk - David Mauk Spring produce collage - Canva Spreckles Hill - Derek Neumann Family at Ulistac - Lan Nguyen Photography Coyote Valley landscape - Derek Neumann Orchard - Derek Neumann Volunteer working - David Mauk Shooting star - Derek Neumann
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 and Muwekma Ohlone Tribe of the San Francisco Bay Area in our shared work to protect and restore the environment and connect people to land. Learn more.
