Our Volunteers Are Making a Difference for the Planet
Build meaningful connections with visitors and nature
Help make Santa
Clara Valley a better place
Protect and restore natural lands for future generations to enjoy
Land Steward
Tom began volunteering with the Open Space Authority after being inspired by the protection of Coyote Ridge. For many years, Tom worked as an Environmental Project Manager for the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority, where he witnessed the work that Authority staff put in to make sure that rare serpentine habitat was preserved. Since then, Tom has made strides in helping us steward and protect our open space lands. Tom particularly enjoys Land Stewards programs where even a small group of volunteers can make a big difference in the landscape. He enjoys hiking and camping at local State and National Parks with his wife. He is also a competitive handball player - perhaps another reason why we get so much done at our Land Stewards projects!
Years of volunteering
with us
Favorite Program
Favorite Open Space Preserve
As a volunteer for the Open Space Authority, you will help preserve and protect valuable natural resources for yourself and future generations. At the same time, you’ll get a chance to learn about the environment, meet interesting people, work hard, and have fun. Learn more about volunteer roles. You can also volunteer for roles on the Authority's committees.
Enjoy and Protect
Trail Patrol team members are agency ambassadors and information resources for visitors, and commit to patrolling the Authority’s open space preserves a minimum of once a month, on foot, bicycle or horseback.
Fun and Fairs
Community Outreach Volunteers represent the Authority at community festivals, nature or science themed fairs, and other public events.
Restore and Preserve
Land Steward volunteers assist Authority staff with trail maintenance, habitat restoration, fencing and cleanup projects.
Educate and Inspire
Docents share information about nature and the Authority's mission and work, leading groups on fun, educational programs and activities.
Learn and Manage
Trail Masters is a fun, hands-on, skills-based program designed to train volunteers to complete trail maintenance and field work alongside Authority staff
Trail Patrol, Docent, and Community Outreach roles are open to anyone 18 years of age and older. Youth aged 14-17 are welcome in the Land Stewards Program or for Internship and Special Projects with parental consent. Contact Gavin for more information.
Volunteer Handbook
