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 and be part of the experience.

• Saturday, August 22: Volunteer Land Stewards – Beaver Dam Analogs
  Join the Open Space Authority for a unique opportunity at the Laguna Seca wetland to help maintain our beaver dam analogs (BDAs). These human-made and natural structures mimic beaver dams to improve water retention and create healthier habitat for local wildlife. No experience is necessary. Training, tools, and project supplies will be provided. Volunteer to help maintain the beaver dam analogs.

• Saturday, August 29: Volunteer Interpretive Host Training
  Are you interested in volunteering with the Open Space Authority? Join us for an engaging and interactive volunteer training session where you’ll learn all about the Authority while exploring effective ways to connect with preserve visitors and community members. This training is ideal for volunteers interested in community outreach opportunities, events, trail patrols and more. Sign up for the volunteer training by August 25 here.

• Thursday, September 3: Tule Elk Hike
  Join us for a 5.5-mile hike at Máyyan ‘Ooyákma - Coyote Ridge to learn all about the recovery of the local tule elk population, their habitat, home range and specific habits during this time of year. Reserve your spot to hike while learning all about tule elk here.

• Saturday, September 5: Starry Nights!
  The Open Space Authority is partnering with the San Jose Astronomical Association (SJAA) for a star party at Rancho Cañada del Oro Open Space Preserve! Docent astronomers will set up their telescopes to help you get the most knowledge and enjoyment out of the dark starry night sky. Book your spot for Starry Nights here.
  

• Saturday, September 12: Volunteer Land Stewards - Stinkwort Removal
  Join Open Space Authority staff at Rancho Cañada del Oro Open Space Preserve as we work together to remove stinkwort, an invasive plant that threatens native grasslands and increases wildfire risk. No prior experience is needed. Staff will provide training, tools and project supplies. Click here to volunteer to remove stinkwort and improve local habitat.

• Saturday, September 12: Minifigure Painting
  Calling all artists, craftspeople, adventurers and dungeon masters! Get your paintbrushes ready and join us at Sierra Vista Open Space Preserve to paint minifigures while surrounded by open grasslands and wildlife. A limited amount of paint and minifigures will be provided (while supplies last). Sign up to paint a minifigure in nature here.

• Tuesday, September 15: Evening Walk & Moon Viewing (Latino Conservation Week Celebration)
  Join the Open Space Authority, San Jose Astronomical Association (SJAA) and US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to celebrate the beauty of nature and community for Latino Conservation Week! As the sun sets, participants will enjoy a sensory walk at Little Uvas Preserve. Once it’s dark, our astro-docents will use telescopes to help attendees view the moon and other astrological wonders. Reserve your space to celebrate Latino Conservation Week here.

• Sunday, September 20: Tarantula Trek
  Enjoy a slow, gently paced two-mile walk along Rancho Cañada del Oro's flat Longwall Canyon Trail as a docent helps you search for the elusive California ebony tarantula (Aphonopelma eutylenum). Learn about the tarantula’s amazing lifestyle and how these fascinating animals survive in the wild. Book your spot for the Tarantula Trek here.

• Wednesday, September 23: Birding at Sierra Vista
  Take a scenic stroll through Sierra Vista Open Space Preserve as knowledgeable docents help you spot local birds such as savannah sparrows, rock wrens, golden eagles and American kestrels! Reserve your spot for this birding experience.
  

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

Featured Stories & News

Open Space Authority Receives Funding for Continued Restoration Work at Fisher Creek

This week the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Office of Spill Prevention and Response, and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation approved the Authority’s proposal for funding a $113,500 grant! This grant allows us to continue and expand our restoration work at Fisher Creek in Coyote Valley. Planting native vegetation along Fisher Creek improves the health of the creek, offers shelter for local wildlife and provides essential food for native pollinators. These continued restoration efforts begin this fall! 

Local Crews Stop Malech Fire

On August 8, a 32-acre wildfire broke out near Malech Road. The fire spread onto parts of Máyyan 'Ooyákma – Coyote Ridge Open Space Preserve, prompting a temporary closure. Thanks to rapid response from Santa Clara County Fire, CalFire Santa Clara Unit and San Jose Fire Department, firefighters contained the blaze quickly. The fire's impact was also greatly reduced thanks to routine spring cattle grazing. Read more about the fire here.

Construction at Coyote Valley Continues!

Construction at Coyote Valley Open Space Preserve is underway, bringing us one step closer to making the preserve accessible for all visitors. Recently, construction crews finished widening and grading the preserve’s existing quarter-mile trail which will help even out the trail’s surface and make it safer to navigate by foot or while using a mobility device. Thea Yang, the Authority’s Associate Open Space Planner, shares more about grading and the importance of making nature accessible to everyone in a new video – watch it now!

You Asked, We Answered: Planning Coyote Valley 

Throughout the spring, we met so many of you who were interested in our ongoing work to restore and increase public access in Coyote Valley. We put together a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) to address your questions about our future vision for this landscape and how we plan to enhance habitat, protect wildlife and support agriculture. Click here to read the Coyote Valley Restoration & Public Access FAQ. 

Trending Now: Do You Know the Difference?

One of our recent Instagram posts asked our followers to spot the difference between two similar, yet different types of flora and fauna. Can you tell the difference between a scrub jay and a Steller’s jay? Test your knowledge by visiting the trending post here. 

We're Hiring!

Open Position: General Manager
The Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority seeks an exceptional leader to serve as its next General Manager. This is not simply an executive leadership role. It is an opportunity to steward a mission that matters, lead an organization with an extraordinary public purpose and help shape the future of Coyote Valley, one of California’s most important conservation landscapes. Learn more about the general manager position and apply here.

Upcoming Public Meetings & Board Updates

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.

Board Chair Sutherland  Participates in
Politibeat 2026 Panel
At San José Spotlight's PolitiBeat 2026 panel, "Preserving What Matters," our Board Chair Kathy Sutherland and Green Foothills Policy & Advocacy Director Alice Kaufman spoke on the power of collaboration. The panel was moderated by Thi Tran, J.D., Director of Development for San José Spotlight.

Discover how we're working to help Silicon Valley balance growth while protecting the vibrant open spaces our community loves.

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