Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority

06/13/2026

We ❤️ our mountain biking visitors who prioritize respect and safety, and we value their passion for outdoor recreation and trail access! 🚵

Whether you're a veteran mountain biker or just getting started, please remember to keep SAFETY in mind when enjoying open space.

Here are our top tips for MOUNTAIN BIKING ETIQUETTE:

🚲 Stay on designated trails and obey marked signs. Riding off-trail disturbs plants and wildlife.

🚲 Bikers always yield to hikers and equestrian users, so stay alert and be respectful of others.

🚲 When approaching other trail users, use a bike bell or your voice to alert them (bonus points if you let them know how many other cyclists are behind you!) 🔔 Pick up your FREE bike bell from the kiosk at Coyote Valley Open Space Preserve.🔔

🚲 Be prepared to slow down or stop for equestrians. If you are approaching a horse from behind, gently announce yourself (or say hello!) so as not to startle the horse or rider. This can help prevent serious injuries or collisions.

🚲 Be aware of your surroundings, and don’t ride with earbuds. There may be critters on the trail, families with small children, or other obstacles you'll want to avoid.

06/12/2026

On June 11, the Open Space Authority Board of Directors voted unanimously to approve the agency’s 2026–2027 Annual Budget and Work Plan. This fiscally responsible budget comes in $45,000 below last year’s (excluding grant funded and extraordinary expenses) while continuing to advance our mission of protecting and restoring natural and working lands and connecting people to nature.

See the adopted 2026-2027 Annual Budget & Work Plan here: https://openspaceauthority.primegov.com/Portal/Meeting?meetingTemplateId=5924

06/11/2026

"Even as the last remaining ballots are being counted, we feel confident that the community has once again affirmed its commitment to protecting the natural and working lands that define the South Bay. I want to take a moment to speak to you directly about what this means, and why your role in this moment matters so much."

Read the rest of this message from General Manager Andrea Mackenize:

Even as the last remaining ballots are being counted, we feel confident that the community has once again affirmed its commitment to protecting the natural and working lands that define the South Bay. I want to take a moment to speak to you directly about what this means, and why your role in this m...

06/11/2026

In honor of , we're shining a light on our staff, volunteers, and partners who are dedicated to caring for and maintaining your breathtaking open spaces! 🌳💚

THANK YOU to these individuals for their hard work, technical and problem solving skills, knowledge of the land and passion for nature. 🫶

Want to help make life a little more beautiful for wildlife? 🐾 Join us on Saturday, June 20 to remove old fenceline at Rancho Cañada del Oro Open Space Preserve! This project will make it easier for animals to travel across the land. Volunteers will work outdoors alongside Open Space Authority staff to help restore the land while enjoying beautiful scenery and engaging in hands-on stewardship work.

Sign up here: https://openspaceauthority.galaxydigital.com/need/detail/?need_id=1267466

📸: D. Mauk, M. Chesebrough, R. Horii, D. Neumann, K. Hill

06/09/2026

The Open Space Authority today announced the passage of Measure D, also known as the Santa Clara Valley Wildfire Protection, Clean Water, and Open Space Act. 🎉💚🌳💧

While the County Registrar of Voters continues to count the final ballots, sufficient votes have been verified to confirm that the measure will be approved by Santa Clara County voters with more than 55% support.

Read the full press release on our website:

The Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority announces the passage of Measure D, also known as the Santa Clara Valley Wildfire Protection, Clean Water, and Open Space Act.

06/07/2026

Over the next two weeks, we'll get to experience more and more daylight up until the summer solstice on June 21. 🌅😎With all of this extra daylight, there's more time to get outside and connect with nature in different ways. 🌳🌻

Check out "Your Guide to Long Summer Days" to help you spend the next two weeks soaking up the sun: https://www.openspaceauthority.org/whats-new/your-guide-to-long-summer-days

📷: Bailey Contrano, Roberto Martinez, David Mauk, Derek Neumann, Mike Buncic

📍: Sierra Vista Open Space Preserve, Máyyan 'Ooyákma – Coyote Ridge Open Space Preserve, Coyote Valley Open Space Preserve

06/06/2026

One BILLION brownie points to anyone who can name the 4 trails featured in this post 🏆 (Hint: each one is from one of our 4 preserves)

Happy ! 🥾

We're proud to protect, build, and maintain the trails that connect YOU to nature, inspire adventure, and help people discover the beauty of Santa Clara Valley's open spaces.

To mark the occasion, we're excited to launch our new weekly series: ! 🎉

Starting next Tuesday, we'll spotlight a different trail found at the open space preserves managed by yours truly.

From Sierra Vista's scenic overlooks to Coyote Valley's peaceful woodlands, you'll get an inside look at some of the best places to explore, hike, and connect with the outdoors.

Whether you're a seasoned trail enthusiast or just looking for your next weekend adventure, will help you discover new places to enjoy throughout the year.

What is YOUR favorite South Bay trail?

📸: Dallas Lorraine, Erin Craig, Erik Miller, Annamarie Pilon

06/05/2026

Happy  💚🌎🌱 

The Open Space Authority is committed to protecting and supporting natural landscapes, agriculture, and people through conservation work and stewardship of our beautiful planet. 🙏

06/05/2026

What is one thing you would like to thank the environment for today? 🌎

Happy ! The theme of this year’s celebration is , reminding us of our responsibility to care for our precious home.

At the Open Space Authority, we are steadfast in our mission to protect and restore the natural environment in the Santa Clara Valley for all and for future generations. Through care and stewardship, these beautiful, unique landscapes and their ecosystems will remain protected for all, forever.

Learn more about our work at https://www.openspaceauthority.org