Open space is for EVERYONE! Even if you're new to exploring nature or have some hesitations about venturing into the great outdoors, we're here to make you feel more comfortable and prepared in YOUR open spaces. Whether it's snakes, bugs, poison oak, ticks, getting lost, mountain lions, coyotes or something else that increases your heart rate and makes your hands sweaty—you're not alone! We asked our social media followers what their top nature fears were and the results are in...

Keep reading to see the top seven nature fears and how you can keep yourself safe.

When young people have meaningful opportunities to connect with nature, everyone benefits! Learn about a handful of local organizations who are providing amazing nature experiences for the next generation of conservationists.

Sustainable agriculture uses climate-smart techniques that grow food and simultaneously benefit the ecosystem, creating resilience by improving soil health. Learn about these innovative techniques and what the future of agriculture in Santa Clara Valley looks like for the Open Space Authority.

Parks, preserves and open space each play a special role in the natural world, but...what's the difference? We're breaking down the different types of parks and sharing how we define a preserve versus an open space.

As a fourth-generation farmer from a renowned saffron-producing family in Kashmir, India, Wasim Sahibzada carries a legacy of passion and expertise in saffron cultivation. This deep-rooted connection inspired him to continue his family's proud tradition when he immigrated to California, aiming to introduce this prized spice to his new community. As a public agency that protects working lands and supports local farmers, the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority was eager to help Wasim embark on his saffron farming journey by leasing him a one-acre plot of land. With this opportunity, Wasim seeks to bring the rich heritage of saffron cultivation to the Santa Clara Valley and share its unique value with the region.

Did you know there are some birds that you can only see in Santa Clara Valley during the fall and winter? Thanks to the Pacific Flyway, a flight path for migratory birds that passes through California, we get the chance to see a rich variety of bird species that live elsewhere during other times of the year. Meet seven of our region’s migratory birds, who escape the chilly North to spend the cold seasons in balmy California.

With its quintessential bold orange wings and black markings, the monarch butterfly is a global celebrity with populations existing in places like New Zealand, South America, Puerto Rico and India.

Since 2018, the City of San José has been working to implement Climate Smart San José (Climate Smart), an initiative to reduce air pollution, save water and improve quality of life. The City of San José partnered with the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority to develop a Natural and Working Lands Element (NWL) of Climate Smart San José which emphasizes the importance of preserving open space and local agriculture for the health and climate resilience of the region.