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.

It's estimated that approximately 5,700 tule elk are living in herds throughout California, including populations that roam the open spaces of the Diablo Mountain Range. Averaging 7 feet in length and weighing between 400 and 800 lbs, these large animals need space to roam as they seek food, water, and shelter to survive and rear their young. Over the years, many questions about the movement and health of tule elk populations have gone unanswered. Now, thanks to a new research initiative involving Global Positioning Systems (GPS) collars, scientists may soon unlock the mysteries surrounding the secret lives of tule elk herds in the Santa Clara Valley - including places like Máyyan ‘Ooyákma – Coyote Ridge Open Space Preserve.

In October 2024, the Open Space Authority made history in the hiring of the agency’s first Agricultural Specialist, Anna Regalado. Through this new position, Anna plays an integral role in the expansion and support of regional agriculture as well as relationship building among current and future agricultural tenants to build and maintain productive working lands in Santa Clara Valley.