The Authority has kicked off the planning and design process for expanded public access to our Coyote Ridge Open Space Preserve. This will offer the chance for visitors to catch a rare glimpse of a largely undisturbed serpentine grassland setting. The Authority has protected over 1,800 acres at Coyote Ridge with funding from several conservation partners and co-manages the preserve with the Santa Clara Valley Habitat Agency in order to protect habitat for rare plants and animals in Santa Clara County. The preserve, located just 10 miles from downtown San Jose, offers unparalleled opportunities for guided recreational access and environmental education that will allow visitors to experience, enjoy, and learn about this unique landscape.
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Once the project is complete, public access at the preserve will include a parking and gathering area accessible by Malech Road, a sustainable trail network, and a staging area with restrooms, trailhead, and interpretive features and signage. Visitors will be able to climb nearly 1,400 feet in elevation through grasslands up to the ridgeline for sweeping views of Santa Clara Valley and spring wildflower displays. Access to the ridgeline will complete a nearly 3-mile segment of the Bay Area Ridge Trail. The goals of this project are to protect rare habitat and sensitive species while providing a high-quality experience through our Open Access Weekend events and docent-led programs. A partnership with the Bay Area Ridge Trail Council will also provide additional guided access to the preserve.

This project is funded by the Authority's Measure Q, a generous $400,000 grant from the Gordon & Betty Moore Foundation, and a $400,000 grant from the Priority Conservation Area (PCA) Grant Program.