In honor of World Bee Day, the Open Space Authority sat down with Steve Demkowski, a local beekeeper, who shared all about his passion for these small creatures who make a big impact on the environment.

Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority is accepting proposals for its 2025 Urban Grant Program, which funds local projects that connect people in urban communities to nature. Grants from $30,000 to $75,000 are available to nonprofits, schools and public agencies for projects such as environmental education, outdoor events, classes and programs.

On this episode of KQED Perspectives, Andrea Mackenzie shares about the wonders of oak trees.

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.

An Earth Day Op-Ed by Andrea Mackenzie, General Manager of the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority.

The budget upheaval in Washington is triggering concern among environmental planners here in the Bay Area.