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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 Manager.

Press Contact

Charlotte Graham

Public Information Manager

408-439-6541

News@openspaceauthority.org

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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
A plot of farmland sits next to a dirt road.

October 17, 2025 - Silicon Valley Business Journal

State funds secure 412-acre Santa Clara County farmland from future development.

Recently awarded state funds will ensure a large Santa Clara County property is blocked off from commercial development and remains farmland long-term.

Read the full article here.

A graphic with papel picado in the background and text that reads "Feliz Mes de la Herencia Hispana"

October 10, 2025 - El Observador

Symbols of Nature in Hispanic Culture

In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, the Open Space Authority sought to better understand how various Hispanic cultural symbols connect back to nature and, in particular, the nature of Santa Clara Valley.

Read the article in English and Spanish.

A sounder of feral pigs rooting in a field at the Open Space Authority Tilton Ranch property

September 11, 2025 - KQED Bay Curious

Invasion of the Grub Snatchers: How One Rich Guy’s Russian Boars Colonized California

This story features David Mauk, the Open Space Authority's Natural Resource Technician II, and dives into the history of how wild pigs were introduced to our region and the damage they cause to local ecosystems, specifically including Máyyan ‘Ooyákma — Coyote Ridge Open Space Preserve. 

Click here to listen to the podcast episode.

A photo of a woman in Open Space Authority gear with a title card that reads "Katheryn Hill, Volunteer Program Coordinator, Open Space Authority."

September 3, 2025 - Northern California Public Media

Riparian Restoration: Helping Native Plants Thrive 
Kat Hill, the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority's Volunteer Program Coordinator, works with staff and volunteers to return native plants to ecologically sensitive riparian areas along Fisher Creek in Coyote Valley.

Watch this video to learn more.

FAQ

Latest News

Press Releases & Media Advisories

Popular Pumpkin Patch Returns at New Location in Coyote Valley

Publish On
San José, Calif. (June 16, 2022) –The Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority has entered a three-year lease with Spina Farms Pumpkin Patch and Fruit Stand to reopen at a new location at Laguna Avenue and Santa Teresa Boulevard in Coyote Valley. The 60 acres of prime farmlands (known as Laguna 60) where the festivities will be held was permanently protected by the Open Space Authority in October 2021. The fruit stand will open in July, and the popular pumpkin patch will open September 26 through November 6, with a variety of offerings for youth, families, and others looking for fall fun in the South Bay.

County Actions Safeguard Coyote Valley Farmland and Open Space

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San José, Calif. (December 14, 2021) – Today, the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to strengthen protections for Coyote Valley’s natural and working lands. Over the last 20 years, farmland in Santa Clara County has declined by 45%, but the amendments to the County's General Plan, zoning ordinance, and zoning map will protect important resources in Mid- and South Coyote Valley to safeguard local food production and climate benefits.

Protecting Prime Farmlands in Coyote Valley

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San Jose, Calif. (November 1, 2021) – Sixty acres of prime farmland are now protected at Laguna Avenue and Santa Teresa Boulevard in the middle of Coyote Valley - also known as Mid Coyote Valley. With this latest addition to Coyote Valley’s growing network of protected lands, the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority (the Authority) is working to establish sustainable, local climate-smart agricultural practices within the Coyote Valley Conservation Program Area.

Community-Focused Climate Resilience Project Receives $16 Million

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San José, CA – In September 2021, the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority (the Authority) received multiple funding awards totaling over $16 million from the State of California for the protection of North Coyote Valley open space lands. $6 million in funding comes from an Urban Flood Protection grant from the California Natural Resources Agency, and $10 million was allocated by the California Legislature in SB-170, the Budget Act of 2021.
An oak tree next to a red barn at the Tilton Ranch Headquarters.

Coyote Valley Conservation Lands Network Grows with Historic Ranch Purchase

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SAN JOSE, CA - On August 9, the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority (the Authority), in partnership with the Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST), finalized the $5 million purchase of the historic Tilton Ranch Complex. The 60-acre parcel, which includes residential and operational buildings at the heart of the ranch, completes the protection of this historic and environmentally important property. Other supporting partners include Santa Clara County Parks and Recreation Department and Santa Clara Valley Habitat Agency. The partners acquired and protected 1,861 acres of Tilton Ranch in October 2020.

Voters Overwhelmingly Approve Measure T

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(November 4, 2020) – The Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority announced today that Measure T, the Open Space, Wildlife Habitat, Clean Water, and Increased Public Access Measure, has passed with 82% of the vote. Approval of the measure signals voters strong support for continued public investment in open space, natural areas, and agricultural lands preservation.
Grasslands at the Tilton Ranch. There are large boulders in the foreground and the background shows the Santa Cruz Mountain Range.

Santa Clara Valley Habitat Agency, Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority and Peninsula Open Space Trust Protect 1,861-Acre Tilton Ranch, Bringing Total Acres Protected Adjoining Coyote Valley to 2,900

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(October 6, 2020) – Santa Clara Valley Habitat Agency (Habitat Agency), Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority (Authority) and Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST) today announced the purchase of 1,861 acres of Tilton Ranch, increasing permanently protected land to more than 2,900 acres adjacent to Coyote Valley, north of Morgan Hill. One of the largest remaining intact ranches in the South Bay, Tilton Ranch contains critical watershed for both Monterey and San Francisco Bays and is home to dozens of unique and endangered species, some of which occur only in this area.

Understanding Our Community Phase II Report Release

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The Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority (Authority) releases its Understanding Our Community Phase II Report, a framework that builds on the Phase I report published in 2015, and has guided strategic conservation investments that has helped communities overcome barriers to accessing nature.