Every two years, the Open Space Authority Urban Grants program awards public agencies, schools and school districts and 501c3 nonprofits funding that encourages residents to explore the outdoors and offers environmental education programs to the local community.

Keep reading to learn about Urban Grants program recipients, their projects which took place in 2024 and the strides they are making to bridge the gap between local communities and nature. 

SAN JOSÉ, Calif. – July 31, 2024 – United States Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) and the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority (Authority), a 30-year-old regional public land conservation agency that protects open space and connects people to nature, today announced $800,000 in community project funding for accessibility improvements to the Heart’s Delight Trail and other facilities at Coyote Valley Open Space Preserve. Anticipated construction to begin summer 2025 with anticipated project completion 2026.

Chatting with a friend or family member on a trail, hiking with a group of people and listening to music can all take our attention away from the beauty and sense of peace that nature can bring into our lives. To help you have a serene and robust experience in nature, consider experimenting with “quiet recreation,” which suggests making a minimal amount of noise while engaging in outdoor activities.

As athletes from around the world start to arrive in Paris to compete in the 2024 Summer Olympics, we’re choosing our own Olympic team consisting of local wildlife that populates your beautiful preserves!
 
The strength, agility and tenacity of the insects, mammals and amphibians within our community’s ecosystem remind us of the amazing athletes competing in this summer’s games. Check out our list of wildlife gold-medal “athletes” below and cheer on all the competing athletes when the Olympics begin on July 26!

Loren Lewis is the district 5 representative of the Open Space Authority's Citizens' Advisory Committee (CAC). CAC members are appointed by the Board to serve two-year terms, and the purpose of the committee is to provide many avenues of input to and from the Open Space Authority's diverse communities.

Understanding Coyote Valley documents history and existing conditions across 10 topic areas that correspond to the goals of Coyote Valley Conservation Areas Master Plan (CVCAMP)/ CVCAMP will address needs for protected “last chance” valley floor that is critical to climate resilience of the region. Public process continues with community open houses starting in August.

June 17, 2024 – The Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority (Authority), a 30-yearold regional public land conservation agency that protects open space and connects people to nature, today announced openings for new members of the Authority’s Citizens’ Advisory Committee (CAC) and Expenditure Plan Oversight Committee (EPOC). The open call for applicants follows the ratification on June 13 by the Authority’s elected Board of the agency’s 2024-25 fiscal year work plan and annual budget.

The new accessible Hidden Meadow Trail at Rancho Cañada del Oro Open Space Preserve is now open for all to enjoy. On June 8, 2024, the Open Space Authority's ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the opening of the new bridge and trail, bringing together Bay Area Older Adults, dedicated volunteers and excited visitors.