The Open Space Authority recently welcomed two new members to its Board of Directors: Margie Matthews and Lisanna Dominguez. Lisanna will serve the remaining term of Mike Potter of District 6 and Margie Matthews is set to serve the remaining term of the late David "Mike" Flaugher of District 2.

This June, the Open Space Authority partnered with Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST), Alnus Ecological and Nature's Engineers to build two beaver dam analogs (BDAs) in Coyote Valley’s Laguna Seca. This process-based restoration project aims to keep more water in this seasonal wetland, restore some of its natural hydrology, and benefit the plants and animals who rely on this important landscape.

Local officials, outdoor agencies and community members gathered on Friday, May 30, at Rancho Cañada del Oro Open Space Preserve to celebrate the official dedication of new segments of the Bay Area Ridge Trail. This momentous occasion marks a step forward in enhancing public access to Rancho Cañada del Oro Open Space Preserve and Calero County Park, thanks to recent updates to the Countywide Trails Master Plan and the ongoing efforts of conservation partners.

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.

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. ​​