Santa Clara County Open Space Authority 6980 Santa Teresa Blvd.

, Ste 100 San Jose, CA 95119

OSA is working to protect sensitive lands, preserve natural communities, and manage open space in ways that promote agriculture and compatible recreation.
Summer is an invitation to get outside and enjoy nature. It also means being wise about intense sun and high temperatures. When you visit the preserves for a hike or ride, be sure to bring plenty of water, wear loose clothing and cover up with a hat and sun screen. Both OSA preserves open around sunrise, so the cool of the morning is yours to enjoy.

INSIDE

3 Docent-led hikes on a multitude of subjects The winter and spring rains filled Baldy Ryan Creek on Rancho Caada del Oro Open Space Preserve, making a walk along the creekside portion of the Mayfair Ranch Trail rich with the sound of rushing water.
photo by Lark Burkhart

2 Childrens nature programs and starry nights

2 Albertson Parkway project earns recognition

1 New land acquisitions at Rancho and in the western foothills of Coyote Valley

OSA OUTLOOK

Summer 2010 Vol. 4 No. 2

Albertson Parkway wins an award

Activities for the Whole Family

Sizzlin S
This urban trail, funded in part by OSA, received Honorable Mention at the recent California Trails & Greenways Conference. The City of San Jose project turned a littleused utility corridor into a pleasant walk featuring native plants, interpretive signs and natural water retention basins.

Toddler Trek
Explore nature with your little one at Rancho Caada del Oro in this docent-led activity. A safe and gentle walk in a world of flowers, insects, birds and other wonders that will intrigue and delight children. The program is designed for toddlers ages 1 to 3, but babies and older children are welcome. Parents and caregivers should bring water, snacks, sun protection and dress your child in closedtoe shoes. No pets please. A restroom is available but plan to pack out your trash. Meet at the main parking lot. Saturday, June 5 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Thursday, June 10 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

A hearty cheer for hike volunteers

This years Coyote Spring docents led 23 hikes. They were a diverse, creative, knowledgeable and above all friendly and lively group. Together they blended their specialties, offering the public a rich and multi-faceted interpretive experience. OSA is extremely grateful for the hard work of these outstanding volunteers. Our hats are off to Jay Aruta, Paul Billig, Kevin Bryant, David Chapman, Bob Cicisly, Tom Cochrane, Angie Costa, Craige Edgerton, Judy Fenerty, Doug Greer, Rick Herder, Cait Hutnik, Rick Mandel, VIcki Silvas-Young, Carolyn Tucker and Michelle Valdez.

Starry Nights
Join OSA staff and docents for an evening out under the stars. See the constellations through our telescopes or set up your own. Stargazers of all stripes from experienced astronomers to the simply curious are invited to take advantage of Rancho Caada del Oros dark skies. Bring binoculars, beach chairs, warm clothes and flashlights with red cellophane to protect your night vision. Pets and alcohol are prohibited. Meet at the main parking lot. Saturday, June 12 8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Saturday, July 10 8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Coyote Spr ng

photos by Lark Burkhart

Saturday, August 7 8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Santa Clara County Open Space Authority 6980 Santa Teresa Blvd., Ste 100 San Jose, CA 95119 tel 408.224.7476 fax 408.224.7548 www.openspaceauthority.org

Summertime!
Springs Late Bloomers
This docent-led hike will focus on flowers that bloom at the end of spring, including 3 species of dudleya that grow on Rancho Caada del Oro. Part of the hike will offer visitors a chance to see areas of the preserve that are closed to general public use. The 6-mile hike is a good workout that is suitable for teenagers and adults. Bring water, a snack and sun protection. Meet in the Casa Loma Road parking lot. Saturday, June 12 1 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Solstice Here and Now

A mindful experience of the suns highest point as summer begins. Join OSA docents on Sierra Vistas Boccardo Trail to focus your senses, get in touch with your environment and learn about the significance of the Solstice in different cultures. This 5.6-mile hike is for adults and children 8 and older. The trail involves a 1,250-foot elevation gain. Wear sun protection, bring water and a snack and consider hiking poles. Meet at Alum Rock Park across from YSI. $6 parking fee. Sunday, June 20 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Special Access Activity

The Californios
Step back into history with Wendell Dexter, a colorful character from the past who can tell you plenty about the unique culture of Californias early settlers. Hell meet the Hot Springs Stage at the Palassou water stop (and so will you). From there its a great ramble through artifacts and stories that bring to life the era begun by Colonel Anzas exploration. All ages are welcome on this living-history interpretive walk. Dress for warm weather and meet at the Palassou House. Saturday, June 19 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Big Flying Bugs!

A special opportunity to explore Blair Ranch on a docent-led nature hike that will focus on dragonflies, butterflies and other kinds of flying insects. The 3.5-mile hike covers some steep terrain and uneven footing and is suitable for adults and children 12 years and older. Bring water, a snack and sun protection. Hiking poles are recommended. Reservations for this hike are required. Call Teri at 408-224-7476 or email trogoway@openspaceauthority.org. Sunday, August 22 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Special Access Activity

Special Access Activity

Visit the web for directions and late-breaking listings:

www.openspaceauthority.org

Coyote Valley Scenic Lands

101

Calero County Park

Santa Cruz County

Rancho Caada del Oro Open Space Preserve Mt. Chual

Morgan Hill

Santa Clara County

Uvas
Uvas Canyon County Park

OSA Lands

New Acquisitions

Other Protected Lands

production in recent years. The Authority must clear the land of agricultural debris, conduct a comprehensive resource inventory, and plan and build access improvements before the property can be opened for general public use.

n April the Open Space Authority purchased 348 acres on the western edge of Coyote Valley, an acquisition that preserves wooded foothills, seasonal streams and grasslands. Visible from the valley floor, the property also protects an important viewshed and contributes to the greenbelt between Morgan Hill and San Jose. Both are preservation goals the Authority has long pursued. A number of special-status species are known to occur on the property, including bay checkerspot butterflies, Oplers longhorn moth, golden eagles, Santa Clara Valley dudleya, smooth lessingia, and most beautiful jewelflower. Purchase price for the acquisition was $3,481,000. The land has been used for cattle grazing and hay

Addition to Rancho Caada del Oro

Another purchase this spring added 32.5 acres along the southern boundary of OSAs largest preserve. This acquisition brings Rancho Caada del Oro Open Space Preserve to a total of 4,106 acres. The oak woodlands, chaparral-covered hillsides and grassy slopes that are so popular with visitors to the preserve characterize this new property as well. Edson and Twin Fall canyons cross the parcel, and Twin Fall Creek flows through the southern portion, providing valuable riparian habitat. The purchase price for the parcel was $175,000. Together, Rancho Caada del Oro, Calero County Park and Rancho San Vicente now protect more than 8,500 contiguous acres of vital plant and animal habitat.