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Three horseback riders on a dirt trail through brown hills: one adult in front with two children behind. They are riding towards the camera and smiling, all are on brown horses and wearing helmets.

15 Tips for Trail Riding with Your Horse

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For equestrians, riding on the trail is a joyful and freeing experience. Spending time on horseback is a lot of fun, and trail rides can help strengthen your bond and build trust with your equine companion. Whether you are riding to a nearby trail, or trailering your horse to a new location, be sure to prepare to make it a safe, comfortable and enjoyable experience for all.
A clump of light pink fungi that resembles a coral with dozens of upturned "branches", growing out of a moss-colored area

Must-See Mushrooms

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Fungi, in addition to having plenty of pun-potential, serves very important purposes in ecosystems. Keep reading to learn about the variety of mushrooms found in the Santa Clara Valley.
Volunteers pose for a picture in a field of stinkwort

2023 Summer Volunteer Recap: The Season of Stinkwort

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Over the 2023 summer season, volunteer Land Stewards made fantastic progress on the Open Space Authority's goal to reduce targeted populations of invasive plants throughout our managed lands. Among the many things that require persistent attention in the summertime, is an invasive plant known as stinkwort, one of the most prevalent invasive species in the region.
Two Tule elk head butt each other on a grassy hill

White Butts and Elk Ruts

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Bordering Santa Clara Valley to the east is the Diablo Range, which is home to a rare population of tule elk that roam the hillsides. And August through November is a critical time for these animals, because it’s breeding, or rut season!
A child wearing pink with a blue hat and her father in gray behind her bend down to look at orange and yellow wildflowers on a dirt trail. Behind them are green hills and other people on the trail

A Visitor's Guide to Máyyan 'Ooyákma - Coyote Ridge

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Whether you're spending a wonderful day with your loved ones or enjoying some quality time alone with nature, the Open Space Authority is excited for visitors to experience the beauty of Máyyan 'Ooyákma – Coyote Ridge Open Space Preserve.
A line of hikers walking along a green ridge top with grass and rocks in front of a beautiful view of a green valley with green hills on the horizon

The Stories Told at Máyyan ‘Ooyákma - Coyote Ridge

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Máyyan ‘Ooyákma - Coyote Ridge offers a truly one-of-a-kind preserve experience. With its cultural significance, crucial role in preserving endangered habitats, and remarkably diverse ecosystem, it holds countless captivating stories to share – tales of people and their connection to the land, a continuing journey of habitat restoration and stories of resilience.
A herd of 8 brown tule elk stand on a green hillside staring at the camera. Behind them and out of focus is the white Lick Observatory on top of a far-away hill.

Wildlife of the Ridge

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Máyyan 'Ooyákma – Coyote Ridge Open Space Preserve is home to a diverse array of wildlife specialized to thrive in this unique landscape, many of which are endemic, or found nowhere else. So, which animals call this landscape home?