In honor of Black History Month, the Open Space Authority is highlighting four Black and African American leaders within the environmental, agricultural and conservation fields who have made a significant impact on the environment. While nature is for everyone, data from the U.S. Census Survey shows that less than three percent of foresters and conservation scientists are African American, leading these fields to lack an important and diverse perspective. Keep reading to learn how these four individuals, both past and present, fought the good fight for the environment, climate change and their own representation.

Megan Dreger is the Open Space Authority’s Conservation and Strategic Partnerships Manager. Over the years, her career path took many twists and turns before getting to her current role, but it led her to a place where she has certainly made a positive impact. Keep reading to learn more about Megan’s path and how her position assists in reaching the mission and goals of the agency!

Those who partake in a Valentine’s Day stroll at Edith Morley Park hosted by the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority might hear the sound of love—or at the very least, the sound of birds determining a suitable partner for mating.

In 2024, the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority continued to maximize resources to address climate change, protect wildlife and their habitats, provide equitable recreation and nature-based experiences for the public, expand the existing network of regional trails and safeguard essentials like clean air and water. The Open Space Authority’s 2024 Impact Report highlights the accomplishments of the agency as it continues to invest and care for nature and, as a result, all Santa Clara Valley residents.

On January 26, people around the world will celebrate International Environmental Education Day to bring awareness to the importance of teaching others about the environment, the benefits of nature and how we can all do our part to be kind to the earth. The Open Space Authority offers a wide variety of environmental education programming that provides opportunities to learn more about local wildlife, connect with nature, understand the importance of conserving and restoring local lands and more. Keep reading to learn more about a few of our special virtual educational videos that are FREE for the public through our YouTube.

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.

Each year on February 11, the world celebrates the contributions of women and girls in science and technology fields while encouraging more females to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Education and Math (STEM). In honor of this day, the Open Space Authority is highlighting female-identifying staff who have past and current experience in the STEM fields. Keep reading to learn more about the amazing Open Space Authority staff members who have pursued these fields!

Ileana Culcea and Peter Takács are proof that nature can bring people together in the most beautiful way. After first meeting at an Open Space Authority volunteer event, their connection grew into a friendship and eventually blossomed into a romantic relationship. Keep reading to learn more about Ileana and Peter’s love story and how the Open Space Authority plays an important role in their foundation.