At least $60 million in federal funding for climate projects across the Bay Area is at risk, stalling efforts on wildfire prevention and other critical projects across the region amid the uncertainty, according to a new survey by Together Bay Area, which represents dozens of nonprofits, tribes and public agencies.

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.

When a group of women environmentalists from Point Blue Conservation Science and Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority get together to plant native flora along a creek bank in Coyote Valley, the conversation turns to the role of women in conservation. Hear how they excel in nurturing and caring for the planet! For more information visit https://www.openspaceauthority.org and https://www.pointblue.org

Mike Flaugher, a longtime Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority director who represented Milpitas on the board, died on Saturday, Feb. 22. As director of District 2, Flaugher also represented communities from North San José and Berryessa. He first joined the authority as a member of the Citizen Advisory Committee in 2012 before being elected to the board in 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.

Amid a push by local leaders to conserve farmlands and open spaces in the Bay Area from future development, state senator David Cortese has introduced a bill that would shore up funding to preserve agricultural land throughout the state despite the measure’s uncertain financial outlook.

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.