During the COVID-19 pandemic, open spaces became places of refuge. But for those who enjoyed the open spaces and trails “before it was cool,” increased visitation was a major change. So how do we adjust to the fact that more and more people are going outside and are visiting the hidden open space gems and best kept secret parks and trails?
Click below to read our perspective on why it's important to welcome new faces in the outdoors.
After a jaw-droppingly low count of 1,900 butterflies in 2020 – roughly 99% lower than the year prior – scientists expected the worst with the latest count in 2021.
When it came to choosing a career, Elizabeth Loretto knew she wanted to be a part of something larger than herself. Now, as the Human Resources Officer at the Open Space Authority for over seven years, she's found her calling in protecting open spaces.
With 30 years of experience in ranching, journalism, and food marketing, Julie Morris is just the person to support Santa Clara County’s efforts to keep working lands working.
Click below to learn more about Santa Clara County's new Agricultural Liaison, and what she's doing to promote and protect agriculture in the region.
Who Am I?
I am a unique-looking native wildflower with dainty, comet-shaped blossoms of white, purple, or deep magenta. I grow in grassy areas and open woodlands across the Santa Clara Valley. You can find me from late winter through spring. Who Am I?
Submit your answer below - if you’re correct, you may get a shout-out in our next newsletter!
Coyote Ridge Self-Guided Access Weekends!
Weekend 1: March 5 & 6 Weekend 2: March 12 & 13 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
This month, the Open Space Authority is hosting special public access weekends to explore Coyote Ridge Open Space Preserve! Coyote Ridge comprises 1,831 pristine acres located in the Diablo Range foothills in southern Santa Clara County and offers beautiful wildflowers paired with stunning views over Coyote Valley.
Registration is required - please sign up below!
Open Space Flower Frenzy: Vote in our March Wildflower Bracket!
We’re back for our second season of the Open Space Authority’s Wildflower Bracket!
Join us for a wildflower-themed tournament – while learning about native California flowers! On the Open Space Authority's Facebook page*, we’ll host several face-offs between wildflowers, with fun facts about each species. Vote for your favorite, and see which flower advances to the next round.
At the end of the month, we’ll crown this year’s floral favorite, the 2022 Wildflower Winner!
*You do not need a Facebook account to participate. Check the bracket page below to cast your vote each day!
Board Appoints New Director for District 5: Vicki Alexander
Vicki Alexander is a long-time community volunteer. She joined the Authority's Citizens' Advisory Committee in 2019, and has served as its chair since 2021. Vicki was recently appointed to the Board of Directors to serve District 5. Growing up in a rural area, Vicki spent many hours working in family gardens and on local farms, which gave her a lifetime appreciation of open spaces.
Photo Credits
Group hiking - Marc Bergreen Monarch butterfly - David Mauk Elizabeth Loretto - Courtesy photo Hillside of poppies - Nick Perry Julie Morris - Courtesy photo Who Am I? - Derek Neumann Coyote Ridge wildflowers - Cait Hutnik Vicki Alexander - Authority Archives
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.
