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. Register using the links below and be part of the experience.

• Saturday, September 6: Self-Paced Transit Month Hike
  In honor of Transit Month, the Open Space Authority invites you to utilize public transportation to access an exclusive hiking destination! Take the Route 68 bus line followed by a self-paced hike at Spreckels Hill where docents will share fun facts about the preserve and local wildlife. Register for the Self-Paced Transit Month Hike.
  
• Sunday, September 7: Full Moon Hike Series (Part 1 of 4)
  Join the Open Space Authority for a moonlit, four-mile guided hike at Coyote Valley Open Space Preserve. Participants will ascend the Arrowhead Loop Trail at golden hour, watch the sunset with a 360-degree view of Coyote Valley and descend once the moon is shining bright. Sign up for the Full Moon Hike.
• Saturday, September 13: Coyote Valley Bike Tour
  Peninsula Open Space Trust, in partnership with the Open Space Authority, is hosting a bicycle tour of Coyote Valley. Bikers will cover 17 miles of flat terrain and visit several important features that make up the Coyote Valley Conservation Program Area. Participate in the Coyote Valley Bike Tour.
• Saturday, September 13: Land Stewards Needed: Stinkwort Removal
  Assist the Open Space Authority with the removal of stinkwort from the Laguna Seca dam! By removing this invasive species, you'll help restore native grasslands around this historic wetland and reduce hazards for wildlife. Volunteer for the land stewards volunteer event here.
  
• Saturday, September 13: Starry Nights
  The Open Space Authority and the San Jose Astronomical Association (SJAA) invite you to a community star party at Rancho Cañada del Oro Open Space Preserve. Register for the Starry Nights event.
  
• Sunday, September 14: Birding at Laguna Seca
  Explore Laguna Seca and look for birds with the Open Space Authority and Santa Clara Valley Bird Alliance! Attendees will be assisted by bird experts to help identify various birds in their native habitat and share interesting facts. Sign up here for the birding event - all birder levels are welcome!
• Sunday, September 14: Tarantula Trek
  Search for the elusive California ebony tarantula with the Open Space Authority during a flat, two-mile guided walk along Rancho Cañada del Oro Open Space Preserve's Longwall Canyon Trail OR set out on your own self-guided tarantula trek! Sign up for the Tarantula Trek on September 14.
• Sunday, September 21: Beginners' Bird & Plant Identification Walk
  Celebrate the first day of fall with a two-mile walk around the Native Garden at Lake Cunningham in San José where you'll learn about native birds and plants from Open Space Authority docents. Participate in the Bird & Plant Identification Walk.
• Sunday, September 21: Tarantula Trek
  Open Space Authority docents will lead participants on a search for the elusive California ebony tarantula during a flat, two-mile guided walk along the Longwall Canyon Trail at Rancho Cañada del Oro Open Space Preserve. OR, set out on your own self-guided tarantula trek! Register for the Tarantula Trek on September 21.
• Wednesday, September 24: Walking on Wednesday
  Come heal in nature! Take a gentle walk at Rancho Cañada del Oro Open Space Preserve in the company of others who have lost someone, either yesterday or years ago. Participate in the Walking on Wednesday event.
• Thursday, September 25: Birding at Coyote Valley Open Space Preserve
  Interested in learning more about birds? Join the Open Space Authority and Santa Clara Valley Bird Alliance for a fun-filled morning of birdwatching! Participants will explore the habitat, spot and identify birds and learn interesting facts from on-site bird experts. Register for the birdwatching event.
  
• Friday, September 26: Water, Wildlife and Connectivity Guided Hike
  Take part in a guided hike at Spreckels Hill, one of the Open Space Authority's properties in Coyote Valley that is not yet open to the public, and learn why protecting water sources, wildlife and working lands are important pieces of our mission. Sign up for the Water, Wildlife and Connectivity Guided Hike.

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

Featured News

Wildlife Sighting: American Badgers

Staff recently spotted American badgers in the grasslands of an Open Space Authority preserve - one of the few remaining areas in their native habitat where the species can still survive. Due to habitat fragmentation and other threats, badgers are now listed as a species of special concern by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and sightings in the wild are increasingly rare. Learn more about the elusive American badger and stay tuned for an upcoming story on how the Open Space Authority is working with partners to identify existing badger habitat to support the species’ long-term survival.

Have a Ball with the Fall Crawl!

Every fall, male tarantulas leave their burrows in search of female mates, making it more likely that preserve visitors will spot these fuzzy creatures while enjoying the outdoors! Curious about tarantulas? Read our story about the annual crawl and download a guide to plan your own tarantula trek.

Wildly Responsible...With Your Tax Dollars 

Local agencies have a responsibility to deliver real value to the communities they serve, and the Open Space Authority is committed to producing visible, meaningful results. By prioritizing transparency, caring for nature and measurable impact, we are working to make every public dollar support lasting benefits for people and nature alike. Explore eight ways the Open Space Authority is delivering on this promise.

Spark Awareness: Be Fire-Ready on the Trail

Wildfires are a reality in California, and being prepared is key to staying safe. Even if the chance of encountering a fire on the trail is low, it's important to feel confident and ready in case of an emergency. Explore our wildfire readiness tips to help protect yourself and your loved ones while enjoying nature. .

✨ Discover new stories on our blog or visit our Pressroom for the latest media updates!

What You're Wild About

The most-clicked link in last month's newsletter was a video about the Open Space Authority's GIS Administrator, Anna McGarrigle, and how her work with maps supports the Authority's mission and goals. Watch the video about Anna McGarrigle's GIS work.

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.

• Thursday, August 28: Board of Directors | 6:30 p.m.
• Thursday, September 11: Administration & Budget Committee | 5:30 p.m.
• Monday, September 22: Citizens' Advisory Committee | 6:30 p.m.

📢 Stay informed! View our Public Meetings webpage for current agendas and meeting links.