Looking across a lush green meadow towards large oak trees and rolling green hills under a blue sky with fluffy white clouds

Coyote Valley Open Space Preserve

PLANNING AND DESIGN UNDERWAY FOR PUBLIC ACCESS IMPROVEMENTS

The Authority is expanding public access to allow visitors an opportunity to visit and learn more about the history and natural resources of the North Meadow area, along the Heart’s Delight Trail.  

Coyote Valley Open Space Preserve is a popular location for hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders. The Heart’s Delight Trail leads from the nearby parking area, around the edge of the picturesque North Meadow, with multiple impressive oak trees, providing an opportunity to further experience the meadow and important resources. Planning and design will identify opportunities for improvements to the ¼-mile Heart’s Delight Trail to stabilize the trail surface for use by visitors with mobility impairments.  Additional trailside amenities will include seating with interpretive learning stations for individual and small group use.  The North Meadow is within the Fisher Creek watershed and will be considered for future restoration and wildlife-friendly recreational amenities.  This location is envisioned as part of a regional north-south trail network with future connections north to the Authority’s North Coyote Valley Conservation Area and County parklands.  This project is the first step in realizing a longer-term vision at this location for ecological restoration, enhanced wildlife habitat, and nature-based recreation.

Funding for this project comes from the Santa Clara Valley Water District’s Safe, Clean Water Project D3 Trails Grant Program and through Measure Q.

Project Goals

  • Improve Heart’s Delight Trail to expand preserve accessibility.
  • Provide visitor trail amenities including overlooks and seating along the Heart’s Delight Trail.
  • Interpret and educate about natural and cultural resources. 
Trail marker in green grass for Arrowhead Loop Trail, trail going into distance with green hills in background
Three small figures walking on trail under huge oak trees, mountains in distance across sunny valley
Two woman walking on dirt trail with five people further ahead, oak-covered hillside in distance

Project Updates

The Authority wants your feedback! If you have feedback on this project, please email Jennifer Hooper, Assisstant Open Space Planner.

Join our mailing list if you would like to receive project updates with opportunities for providing feedback on the public access plans at Coyote Valley Open Space Preserve.


 

Timeline

Summer/FALL 2020

  • Project Planning and Design

winter 2020-2021

  • Use & Management Committee Meeting – February 25, 2021

FALL 2021

  • Project Design Alternatives
  • Citizens’ Advisory Committee Meeting – September 27, 2021 

SPRING 2022

  • Preferred Alternative / Design Development

winter 2022-2023

  • Preliminary Permit Applications and Environmental Review 

SUMMER/FALL 2023

  • Board of Directors Meeting – October 12, 2023
Parking lot with wheelchair-accessible spots next to green field and oat trees, green hills in background
Interpretive panel on the De Anza Expedition in foreground, man on horseback on trail in background
Picnic tables in sunny green field under large oak trees, hills in background under blue sky