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.

One of the best spots for birdwatching in Santa Clara County is the Coyote Valley. The open spaces in and around Coyote Valley Open Space Preserve include important habitat for wildlife including more than 220 species of resident and migratory birds. We’ve put together a list of birds you might spot on a visit there!

¡Feliz Mes de la Herencia Hispana! In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, the Open Space Authority sought to better understand how various Hispanic cultural symbols connect back to nature and, in particular, the nature of Santa Clara Valley.

Will Rand, a Seattle-based composer who was inspired by his visit to Coyote Valley in the Spring of 2025, composed five chamber movements that represent the unique landscape. Listen to them now!

New placemaking and educational signs installed in Coyote Valley act as symbolic and physical reminders of the conservation work of the past and the work that still lies ahead.

Learn how the Open Space Authority leverages public funding to deliver results that build long-term resilience across the Santa Clara Valley.