Local officials, outdoor agencies and community members gathered on Friday, May 30, at Rancho Cañada del Oro Open Space Preserve to celebrate the official dedication of new segments of the Bay Area Ridge Trail. This momentous occasion marks a step forward in enhancing public access to Rancho Cañada del Oro Open Space Preserve and Calero County Park, thanks to recent updates to the Countywide Trails Master Plan and the ongoing efforts of conservation partners.

Photo Advisory: Trail Partners Dedicated New Section of Bay Area Ridge Trail at Rancho Cañada del Oro Open Space Preserve.

Mera Burton, Chair of the Citizens' Advisory Committee, joined the Open Space Authority in 2021. She holds a master's in STEM Education from Santa Clara University and enjoys engaging with people from diverse backgrounds. Mera is the Water Education Program Manager for Valley Water and has served as a volunteer naturalist for Walden West and Monterey Outdoor School.

In a meaningful convening of minds and hearts, the founders of the Open Space Authority joined key champions of Coyote Valley’s protection—past, present, and future—to reflect on five decades of advocacy and envision the next chapter of conservation.

You trust us to protect nature in Santa Clara Valley so that nature, in turn, can take care of you—and we take that responsibility seriously. Here are our top conservation success stories from 2025 so far.

141 acres of ​​land located in the Coyote Valley Conservation Area have been transferred from Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST) to the Open Space Authority. Once designated for dense development, the property consists of six parcels in the middle portion of Coyote Valley, along the Fisher Creek corridor on Santa Teresa Boulevard south of Bailey Avenue. ​​

With heavy hearts, the Open Space Authority shares the passing of Mike Flaugher, Director of District 2 on Saturday, February 22, 2025. Director Flaugher represented communities from North San José, Berryessa and the City of Milpitas since 2014.

We’ve all heard of March Madness...now get ready for FLOWER FRENZY! Join us this March for a wildflower-themed tournament to discover which species is the true favorite – while learning about native California flowers! Every week on the Open Space Authority's Facebook page, we’ll host several face-offs between two wildflowers, along with fun facts about each species. Vote for your favorite, and see which species advances to the next round.