2025 Urban Grant Program is now open!

Funded by Measure T, this competitive grant program funds projects that bring nature to urban communities.

Learn More
Kat Hill interviewed by ABC 7

Pressroom

Pressroom

Media Inquiries

Welcome to the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority pressroom. 

If you are seeking information and imagery for educational purposes or media use, please reach out to the Public Information Officer.

Press Contact

Charlotte Graham

Public Information

408-439-6541

News@openspaceauthority.org

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Read Our Latest Newsletter

The Open Space Authority monthly e-newsletter shares important, timely events, information and fun facts about your open space preserves. Click here to read the latest newsletter!

In The News

External links to recent articles about the Open Space Authority
Andrea Mackenzie Full Headshot

May 16, 2025 - KQED Perspectives

Andrea Mackenzie: Preserve California’s Landscape

Open Space Authority General Manager Andrea Mackenzie shares her thoughts on oak woodlands and their significance as a quintessential California landscape. 

Click here to listen to the episode.
 

Nick Perry SJ Spotlight 5/9/25

May 9, 2025 - San Jose Spotlight

Silicon Valley nonprofit’s purchase furthers Coyote Valley legacy

A multimillion-dollar purchase of 207 acres by the Peninsula Open Space Trust adds a critical safety facet to the preservation of  Coyote Valley in South County.

Read the full article here. 

Hearts Delight Trail at Coyote Valley. The grass is green and the trail is lined with oak trees.

April 22, 2025 - San Jose Spotlight

Op-Ed Andrea Mackenzie: Earth Month — a time to recognize all that nature does for us

Infrastructure isn’t often associated with beauty or inspiration — but in the case of nature, it’s both. The natural environment does more for us than most of us understand. Earth Month reminds us nature isn’t an abstract concept, it’s an asset we must steward and invest in because nature is the most resilient, cost-effective and life-sustaining infrastructure we have.

Click here to read the full story.

A wooden trail marker in the foreground in front of a gravel trail winding through a field of golden grass, with golden hills dotted with dark trees in the distance, under a bright blue sky with some fluffy white clouds on the horizon

April 5, 2025 - ABC7 News

Coyote Valley Open Space concerned about funding for accessible trail project amid federal cuts

The budget upheaval in Washington is triggering concern among environmental planners here in the Bay Area. 

Click here to read or watch the full story.

FAQ

Latest News

Press Releases & Media Advisories

New Urban Grant Cycle Opens

Publish On
Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority (Authority) is now accepting proposals for its 2025 Urban Grant Program, which funds local projects that connect people in urban communities to nature. The Authority invites applications from nonprofits, schools and public agencies for projects such as environmental education, outdoor events, classes and programs, and other initiatives that provide meaningful connections to nature and open space. Individual grants range from $30,000 to $75,000.

Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority District 2 Director Mike Flaugher Passes

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San José, Calif. (February 24, 2025) - The Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority (the Authority) announces the passing of Mike Flaugher, Director of District 2 on Saturday, February 22. Director Flaugher represented communities from North San José, Berryessa and the City of Milpitas since 2014
Two hikers traverse the Arrowhead Trail at Coyote Valley Open Space Preserve. They are both wearing gray sweaters, black leggings and hiking shoes.

The Mercury News: Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority looking for good citizens

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The Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority’s Citizens' Advisory Committee (CAC) is looking to fill two vacancies. One representative is sought for District 6, which encompasses San Jose’s Alum Rock area. Applicants must reside within the district’s boundaries, preferably be a registered voter and have experience participating with community groups within the district.
Looking across Coyote Valley, covered in golden fields and farmlands, towards rolling golden hills in the distance all under a blue sky

Understanding Coyote Valley

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Understanding Coyote Valley documents history and existing conditions across 10 topic areas that correspond to the goals of Coyote Valley Conservation Areas Master Plan (CVCAMP). CVCAMP will address needs for protected “last chance” valley floor that is critical to climate resilience of the region. Public process continues with community open houses starting in August.

With Newly Approved Work Plan and Annual Budget for 2024-25 Fiscal Year, Public Land Agency Invites Applications for Volunteers to Advise Board and Provide Public Fiscal Oversight

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June 17, 2024 – The Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority (Authority), a 30-yearold regional public land conservation agency that protects open space and connects people to nature, today announced openings for new members of the Authority’s Citizens’ Advisory Committee (CAC) and Expenditure Plan Oversight Committee (EPOC). The open call for applicants follows the ratification on June 13 by the Authority’s elected Board of the agency’s 2024-25 fiscal year work plan and annual budget.