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Our Work

PLANNING AND MANAGING A SUSTAINABLE NETWORK OF OPEN SPACE Lands

PRESERVING NATURE FOR ALL

Santa Clara County’s rich natural heritage paired with a vibrant economy make it the fastest growing county in the Bay Area. However, a growing population and steady development pressures, along with a changing climate, pose new threats to the health and sustainability of the region. These challenges require the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority to be resourceful, innovative, and effective in the protection of open space. 

Clean air and water
We protect and restore precious water resources to benefit local communities and the environment, prioritizing conservation projects that link protection of water resources to flood control, water quality, groundwater recharge, and climate resilience.
Wildlife habitat
We protect and manage an interconnected system of wildlands and natural areas to support native habitats and species and to ensure their long-term viability in response to a changing environment.
recreation
We work to protect and manage a network of open space lands that offer nature-based recreation and education for all residents. Open space preserves are free to visit, open year-round, and provide great opportunities for everyone to enjoy the outdoors.
Public Health
We support healthy communities where people and nature can coexist and thrive. Natural lands and other open spaces help give us clean air, drinkable water, and fresh produce that keep our communities healthy and enhance the wellbeing of residents in Santa Clara Valley.
Climate resilience
By protecting large, interconnected landscapes, focusing on water resources, and planning for extremes, we can help build resilience to help natural and human communities adapt to changing climate.
Agriculture
We conserve farms, ranches, and other working landscapes to sustain the economic and environmental viability of local agriculture. In collaboration with farmers and ranchers, agricultural organizations, natural resource agencies, and local, regional, and state initiatives, we identify ways to best support and preserve the County’s agriculture.

our impact

The Authority has efficiently and effectively invested in high-priority, high-impact projects to improve our quality of life.

25

rare, endangered, or threatened species protected

28,000

acres protected and managed

1.4M

People served across our jurisdiction

our approach

The Open Space Authority is guided by the Santa Clara Valley Greenprint, a 30-year roadmap that identifies goals, priorities, and strategies for land conservation – and highlights opportunities for partnerships and funding to support these efforts.

Santa Clara Valley Greenprint report cover
A 30-year roadmap for conservation
Santa Clara Valley Greenprint
Coyote Valley Landscape Linkage report cover
A vision for restoring Coyote Valley
Coyote Valley Landscape Linkage
Understanding our Community report cover
Creating partnerships to serve all communities
Understanding our Community
Healthy Lands Healthy Economies report cover
Identifying the value of nature’s benefits
Healthy Lands Healthy Economies
Santa Clara Valley Agricultural Plan report cover
An innovative approach to preserving Ag
Santa Clara Valley Agricultural Plan

current projects

1
Coyote Valley Open Space Preserve Expanded Public Access
Looking across a lush green meadow towards large oak trees and rolling green hills under a blue sky with fluffy white clouds
2
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan
3
Rancho Cañada del Oro Open Space Preserve Expanded Public Access
Two mountain bikers on trail winding around golden hills covered with green trees extending into the hazy distance under a blue sky
4
Máyyan 'Ooyákma – Coyote Ridge Open Space Preserve
5
Coyote Valley Conservation Areas Master Plan
Looking down from grassy hill across green Laguna Seca basin with some pools of water, trees and golden hillsides in the distance under a blue sky
6
Integrated Pest Management Program
Seven volunteers with jackets and hoes clearing weeds on a green hillside under an overcast sky
7
Coyote Valley Water Resource Investment Strategy
Green reeds and plants surrounding the Laguna Seca wetland full of water, trees and green hills in the distance under a blue sky
8
Climate Smart San Jose
Looking down from green Sierra Vista hillsides across urban San Jose to the Santa Cruz Mountains in the hazy distance
9
Santa Clara Valley Agricultural Plan
Looking down from a rock-covered hilltop at an expansive view of Coyote Valley agricultural fields, the Santa Cruz foothills and mountains in the distance
10
Regional Conservation Investment Strategy
Male tule elk with antlers walking across a hillside under a dark sunset sky

LAND PROTECTION

We take pride in working collaboratively with willing landowners to permanently protect open spaces. The Open Space Authority can purchase a property outright, accept donations of land, or place a conservation easement on a property, which allows the landowner to retain ownership and enjoyment of the land while limiting development on it forever.

Land Stewardship

The Open Space Authority works diligently to take care of your beautiful open space lands. By utilizing adaptive management strategies, we keep the preserves in pristine condition for the enjoyment of visitors, while allowing for our conservation approach to be adjusted based on current and anticipated future conditions.