2026: The Year of the Fire Horse

2026 is the Year of the Fire Horse, a passionate, energetic and hardworking creature that symbolizes change, reinvention and powerful movement. Inspired by the Fire Horse’s drive and courage, the Open Space Authority is stepping into the new year with renewed purpose and growing momentum.

For those who visit open space preserves on horseback, the spicy energy of a powerful horse may feel familiar. For others, consider this year an invitation to embrace the strength, passion and spirit of one of the oldest documented mammals on Earth. The fire horse may kick up a bit of chaos, but we’re choosing to ride that energy with confidence and curiosity into the Lunar New Year! In this bold and fast-moving year, we look forward to: 

Embracing Forward Movement 
Saddle up to be part of the future vision for Coyote Valley. Help select designs for future nature trails, take a guided hike on land that’s not yet open to the public and attend family-friendly events in the spring throughout Santa Clara Valley to get a sneak peek of the potential plans for Coyote Valley. Be the first to hear about upcoming projects and ways to get involved by signing up for our newsletter!

Building Wildfire Resilience 

Like a horse, wildfires can move quickly and forcefully across a landscape. In 2026, we’re helping communities build wildfire resilience. With the same alertness and protective drive that keeps a herd safe, our teams are removing excess dried vegetation that often fuels fires, as well as tending to the preserves that act as natural buffer zones between wildlands and neighborhoods. Learn how this work keeps communities safer, and our landscapes nimble and ready to meet the challenges of a changing climate. 

Expanding Access to Nature 

We’re galloping towards trail improvements that will expand access to nature! In the spring, a recreation trail at Coyote Valley Open Space Preserve will undergo a transformation, enabling preserve visitors of all mobility levels to connect with nature. Learn more about the project here.

Championing Nature in Urban Communities 

As we charge into the new year, we empower partners to bring the vitality of nature to urban areas. In March, schools, organizations and community groups will receive funding through the Open Space Authority’s Urban Grant Program to launch nature-based programming that connects people of all ages to the outdoors and its numerous benefits. Explore past grantees and their projects here.  
 

Creating a Farm Program Vision

Ever since Santa Clara Valley earned the name “Valley of Heart’s Delight,” the region has been shaped by the drive, resilience, and steady determination of its farmers, farmworkers and ranchers. In that same spirit of forward momentum, the Open Space Authority is embarking on its 2026 “Farm Program Vision,” an effort to better understand how we can strengthen and sustain local agriculture for generations to come. This vision will guide how we support the people who care for the land, steward our local food system and devote themselves to nourishing the community. It reflects a commitment to helping agriculture thrive that is rooted in tradition, yet ready to meet the challenges and opportunities ahead. Learn how the Open Space Authority is looking to lead initiatives (like land protection), while supporting local partners, including farmers. 

Change can be daunting, but it also pushes us to expand our boundaries, renew our sense of purpose and stride boldly into new territory.  As we enter the new year, the Open Space Authority is embracing the intensity and energy of the Fire Horse to meet future challenges with courage, creativity and a hungry appetite. 

Cheers to a year of bold strides, happy trails and shared forward momentum as we saddle up for the year ahead!  

About Lunar New Year 
Each year, billions of people celebrate Lunar New Year in countries across the world, including China, Laos, Malaysia, Indonesia and Vietnam. The two-week celebration, which begins on February 17, 2026, commemorates the start of the new year for those who follow the lunar calendar. On a rotating basis, an animal from the Chinese Zodiac as well as a natural element (wood, fire, earth, metal or water) are assigned to the new year, setting the tone for what’s to come over the next 12 months.