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

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Rancho Cañada del Oro
Bay Area Ridge Trail Dedication_Janet McBride - Senator Cortese - Andrea Mackenzie - Todd Lofgren
Left to right: Janet McBride, Executive Director of Ridge Trail Council, Senator Dave Cortese, Andrea Mackenzie, General Manager of the Open Space Authority and Todd Lofgren, Director Santa Clara County Parks.

WHAT: 
Elected officials and leaders from the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority (The Authority), Bay Area Ridge Trail Council, and Santa Clara County Parks dedicated a section of trail that connects Rancho Cañada del Oro Open Space Preserve to Calero County Park, which and is now officially a part of the Bay Area Ridge Trail network. This addition to Bay Area Ridge Trail enhances regional connectivity -- linking parks, trails, waterways and natural areas across this geographic region for outdoor recreation enthusiasts and the Bay Area Ridge Trail closer to becoming a continuous 550-mile ridge trail encircling the Bay Area. Read more about the event here or click here for photos and BROLL. 

WHEN: 
The dedication was May 30, 2025.
 

WHERE:  
Rancho Cañada del Oro Open Space Preserve 

4289 Casa Loma Road, Morgan Hill, CA 95037 

WHO:  

Confirmed speakers and key attendees: 

WHY: 
This dedication highlights the updated Countywide Trails Master Plan and ongoing efforts to enhance and expand the Bay Area Ridge Trail. Both efforts improve access to nature for local communities and foster regional collaboration in land conservation. 

ABOUT BAY AREA RIDGE TRAIL: 

The Bay Area Ridge Trail is a visionary effort to create a continuous 550-mile multi-use trail along the ridgelines surrounding the San Francisco Bay. Established in 1987, the Ridge Trail Council works with partners to close gaps, advocate for sustainable trail development, host outings and provide resources for outdoor enthusiasts. To date, over 400 miles of the Ridge Trail are open for hiking, cycling, and equestrian use. Learn more at ridgetrail.org. 

ABOUT THE SANTA CLARA VALLEY OPEN SPACE AUTHORITY   

The Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority conserves the natural environment, supports agriculture, and connects people to nature, by protecting open spaces, natural areas, and working farms and ranches for future generations. Since 1993, the Authority has protected almost 30,000 acres of open space including Rancho Cañada del Oro ​Open Space ​preserve, natural areas and working lands, watersheds, and wildlife habitat – providing ecologically friendly outdoor recreation and preserving the natural beauty and environmental health of the Santa Clara Valley. For more information, please visit openspaceauthority.org.   

ABOUT SANTA CLARA COUNTY PARKS: 

Founded in 1956, the Santa Clara County Parks and Recreation Department has provided recreational opportunities, beautiful parks, and precious natural resources for Santa Clara County residents for more than 65 years. The department’s mission is to provide, protect, and preserve regional parklands for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations. This golden legacy has resulted in one of the largest regional park systems in the State of California featuring over 55,000 acres and 28 parks. Visit parkhere.org to learn more. 

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