When it comes to invasive species, the best time to address the problem is as soon as you realize you have one. Invasive plants can quickly start outcompeting native species and spread to unmanageable levels, which has harmful effects on native wildlife populations. By addressing invasive plants when populations remain small, the Open Space Authority can improve the likelihood of successfully eradicating unwanted plants and using cost-effective treatments. To address these undesirable plant species at their initial stages of invasion, the Open Space Authority launched a pilot program for Early Detection and Rapid Response (EDRR) in 2022, starting a process that will occur in yearly cycle.

As human kiddos are returning to school, quail babies (or chicks) are getting ready to leave the nest. Keep reading to learn more about California's official state bird found here in the Santa Clara Valley.

Nature photography is an awesome pastime – it gets you outside, it helps you appreciate and learn about your local environment and it can even help the conservation movement. Here are some tips and tricks for getting out there and finding your inner photographer.

Spade & Plow, a family-owned organic farm, has announced an exciting new partnership with Van Dyke Ranch in Gilroy. Keep reading to learn how this benefits local communities and helps with the implementation of the Santa Clara Valley Agricultural Plan, a joint strategy of Santa Clara County and the Open Space Authority to protect farmland from development and reduce greenhouse gas emissions which directly contribute to climate change.

For years, delicate riparian habitat at Furtado Barn became overtaken by invasive white horehound, mustard, thistles, and poison hemlock, making it difficult for native plants to survive. Starting in 2017, Open Space Authority field staff and volunteers gradually started pulling weeds as time allowed to help the native species grow. But in 2020, staff officially launched the Furtado Barn Restoration Area with field staff and volunteers providing a dedicated effort to address invasive plants and restore the natural ecosystem.

It all began when a French geographer discovered a parallel between the importance of preserving agricultural and natural lands on the Plateau de Saclay in France, and in Silicon Valley. Keep reading to learn more about this exciting information and idea exchange as the Open Space Authority continues working to address climate change using nature-based solutions to serve local communities in Santa Clara Valley. 

The Santa Clara Valley is home to a variety of snakes. Like them or not, snakes are vital to their ecosystems! Keep reading to learn why it's important for us to respect and protect snakes.

When you shop for locally grown produce, you help support local farmers, your health, and you also reduce your carbon footprint -so everyone wins!