When it comes to invasive species, the best time to address the problem is as soon as you realize you have one. To address these undesirable plant species at their initial stages of invasion, the Open Space Authority is conducting a pilot program for early detection and rapid response (EDRR) which will continue throughout 2022.
Click below to learn more about this innovative new program.
Lena Eyen, Community Impact and Policy Specialist, didn’t have a linear career path, but her desire to help others led to where she is today at the Open Space Authority.
Nothing screams fall like festive gourds, pumpkins, and squash - and all three are notoriously used to create a cornucopia of autumnal décor. Click below to read all about this fantastic fall superfood and some different ways to prepare it for a healthy snack or meal.
Have you noticed the sun slipping behind the Santa Cruz Mountain Range a bit earlier these days? Shorter days and golden hillsides mean autumn has arrived in the Santa Clara Valley. With the fall harvest, colorful leaves, and wildlife spotting opportunities, this is one of the best times of year to get outside!
Click below to read some of the best ways to experience fall in the Santa Clara Valley.
Who Am I?
I am North America's smallest falcon species! Weighing in at about 4 ounces and about the same size as a mourning dove, I am a truly tiny raptor. You can find me in a range of habitats, including grasslands, alpine meadows, and even deserts. Who am I?
Submit your answer below - if you’re correct, you'll get a shout-out in our next newsletter!
Saved By Nature's 3rd Annual Hispanic Heritage Celebration
Saturday, September 17 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Sierra Vista Open Space Preserve
Join us for Saved By Nature's 3rd Annual Hispanic Heritage Celebration! This unique event features exhibitor tables, free tacos, and an optional gentle 1-mile hike to a scenic overlook. All backgrounds, ethnicities, and abilities are welcome.
Free Community Event: Representation Matters Film Festival
Friday, September 23 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Martial Cottle County Park
Hosted by Peninsula Open Space Trust and Santa Clara County Parks, the Representation Matters Film Festival highlights stories about people with diverse experiences and identities in the outdoors.
We're hiring!
The Open Space Authority is currently accepting applications for two job openings: IT Technician (applications due September 19) and Senior Open Space Planner (applications due September 26).
Learn more about these positions and apply on our Careers Page.
Who Am I? - July Answer
Last month’s “Who Am I?” was the KILLDEER (Charadrius vociferus)!
Congratulations to our readers who answered correctly: Betty V., Carol Ann G., Fletch D., Jackie L., Joan S., Joon, S., Kathy Z., Marilynn S., Neal W., Pam R., Pooja K., Russell B., Sarah W.
Photo Credits
Invasive plant removal - David Mauk California quail - David Mauk Lena Eyen - Courtesy photo Squash - Canva Fall landscape - Christi Cerna Who Am I? - David Mauk Hispanic Heritage poster - Saved By Nature Here We Stand film - Peninsula Open Space Trust Killdeer - Bill Adams
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.
