White Butts and Elk Ruts

It's officially rut (or breeding) season for tule elk! From August through September, these animals are finding their mates. If you're lucky, you may just see the local herd on your visit to Máyyan 'Ooyákma - Coyote Ridge Open Space Preserve. Learn more about this unique species here.

Autumn Produce Guide

Stone fruit is sooo last month -- squash is all the rage now. Get ready for pomegranate salads, pumpkin bread, apple cider, and all the autumnal flavors that suit your fancy. What's in season?

Staff Spotlight - Meet David

"I've always just refused to be inside for too long," says David Mauk, Natural Resource Technician. "I love being able to work outside amongst the wildlife and see the wildlife thrive."

Read how David quite literally ended up in the field here. 

30 Must-See Open Spaces

It's hard to believe we're already two thirds of the way into our 30th anniversary year, but that means there are still four months left to complete the 30 Open Spaces Bingo Challenge! If bingo isn't your thing, here are 30 open spaces we love to inspire you to head outside and enjoy some fresh air!

It's Calving Season!

To help control invasive grasses, the Open Space Authority works with local cattle ranchers to strategic conservation grazing at all open space preserves. During calving season (this happens twice a year - currently, September through November), please keep a respectful distance. If you see a stray calf on your next hike, rest assured their mother will return for them. Often mothers will leave their calves to get water, and moving or interfering may cause cows to abandon their calves. 

Get Your Butterfly Pass

Máyyan 'Ooyákma - Coyote Ridge Open Space Preserve is now open to the public! This preserve experience is unlike any other, including a Habitat Protection Area that requires a pass, and a shoe/bike tire cleaning prior to entry. Read our visitor's guide here and click here to get your free Butterfly Pass.

Mosaic Festival Silicon Valley

Saturday, September 30 & Sunday, October 1
School of Arts & Culture at the Mexican Heritage Plaza
1700 Alum Rock Avenue, San José

Celebrate our mosaic of American cultures at the second annual Mosaic Festival in Silicon Valley at the Mexican Heritage Plaza, San José. This free "destination" event is actually a journey that welcomes each of us to honor our unique history while also co-creating a vision of our shared future of belonging, healing, and harmony. Presented by Mosaic America, in partnership with the School of Arts & Culture, and sponsored in part by the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority. Learn more and register here.

ICYMI (In Case You Missed It)...
Tarantula Talk!

Did you know?

Tarantulas are native to the Santa Clara Valley, and now that it's mating season, you may spot a few on the trail! These are unique critters - rather than breathing through their mouths, they breathe through their abdomens!

The most common species found in California is the Aphonopelma eutylenum, or the California ebony tarantula. These furry spiders can be found at Rancho Cañada del Oro, Coyote Valley, and Sierra Vista Open Space Preserves.

To learn more about tarantulas, read our article here.