Fall 2011 Outlook, Santa Clara County Open Space Authority Newsletter
Fall 2011 Outlook, Santa Clara County Open Space Authority Newsletter
Fall 2011 Outlook, Santa Clara County Open Space Authority Newsletter
INSIDE
New! Sierra
Vista Trails Celebration Oct. 22
Special! Open Space in a Quiet Place library presentations Training for OSA at fall
new Trail Patrol Volunteers festivals near you
Volunteering with OSA is a fun and rewarding way to enjoy, protect, and preserve the beauty of Santa Clara Valley. For more information about the variety of volunteer opportunities at OSA, contact Dana Litwin, Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator, at (408) 224-7476 or volunteer@openspaceauthority.org.
Saturday 10/22
Featuring special tours of the new trails, fun games and prizes, VIP speakers and more.
Sunday 9/25
Chinese Moon Festival Overfelt Gardens, SJ Youth Science Institute Wildlife Day Alum Rock Park, SJ
Saturday 11/5
sunday 10/2
Join REI employees in putting the finishing touches on brand new trail sections. Lunch provided courtesy of Chipotle restaurant.
CALENDAR
What will you do at the OSA today?
Ulistac NatUre area
returning the Flood to the Flood Plain
Fall actiVities
sierra Vista
Nature Explorations
september 3 9:00am
All waterways in Santa Clara Valley have been channelized. There is a plan afoot at Ulistac Nature Area to return a vernal pool and a 240 foot seasonal creek to a piece of land that hasnt flooded in 60 years! Come learn all this with Docent Dennis and discover the wonder of natures flood plains. Meet at the south gate nearest Hope Road.
Do you like to hike but need someone friendly to hike with? Are you curious about nature and want to learn more? Are you looking for exercise and a beautiful view from the top of a hill? Then these are the hikes for you. Join Docent Vince for a friendly and energetic walk up to the top of the Sierra Vista trails and see breathtaking views of the Valley. Bring water and a snack and your sense of adventure. Meet in the innermost parking lot of Alum Rock Park. Bring $6 for parking.
september 17 9:00am
In the past, fire was a regular part of ecological restoration. Fire was once used by Native Americans to encourage the growth of desired plants for food and materials and as a tool to restore nutrients to the soil. Come learn about modern day techniques with Docent Dennis and discover the value of controlled burns in shaping a healthy landscape. Meet at the Ulistac Nature Area south gate nearest Hope Road.
Fall is here, the kids are back in school, and its time to come enjoy an engaging hike through the hills of Rancho Caada del Oro. Walk the trails with Docents and learn all about the plants and animals that live in our park. See how the park begins to get ready for fall. Bring water and a light snack. Wear layers and bring your sense of adventure and appreciation for the outdoors. Rain cancels. Meet at the picnic table in the parking lot.
October 1 9:00am
Are you curious about how the areas near creeks get to be so healthy and lush? Would you like to do this near your home? Bring your ideas and come walk with us as we learn all about seasonal water and how the flow of it will allow native shrubs in the Ulistac Nature Area to outcompete invasive weeds. Meet at the south gate nearest Hope Road.
Have you ever seen Jupiters Moons? Would you like to? Come on out and join Docent Chris Kelly in his exploration of the night sky. photo courtesy of Yosemite National Park Have a telescope you dont remember how to use? Bring it with you, come early, and we will help you set up and get started. This is a family friendly event where everyone is welcome. Meet in the parking lot. Bring warm clothes, blankets, beach chairs and some binoculars and we will guide you through an adventure in the night sky. No astronomy experience required. Rain and cloudy skies cancel.
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
Tarantula Trek
OPEN SPACE
{ IN A QUIET PLACE }
outreach to the outdoors
Do you love to take the kids to your local library? Nows your chance to meet us there and learn all about open space and the wonderful treasures we have in store for you on our lands. Come see these programs and get a sneak peek at what you could experience in our preserves. Willow Glen Library, September 14 6:30pm
Are you an afternoon hiker or a tarantula enthusiast? Come hike with Docent Paul and look for these fascinating creatures that live wild in our grassy meadows and rolling hills. Learn how spiders sense their environment. Discover how they defend themselves. Come search for the real thing with us as we hike the trails in search of tarantulas. Meet at the picnic table in the parking lot of Rancho Caada del Oro.
Did you know that ants can carry several times their body weight? Did you know they have a secret handshake? Have you ever seen the fancy dancing GPS that bees use to give directions? Come join us in the library as we learn all about the fascinating bugs and creepy crawlies that live right here in your open space. Meet at the Willow Glen Library at 1157 Minnesota Ave in Willow Glen. King Library, September 23 4:00pm
Fall colors
Do you love being outside in the morning? Join our Docents for a gently paced exploration of Rancho caada del Oro as it winds down the year to get ready for winter. Take a peek at which plants are staying late and which are changing with the season. Take advantage of the photography expertise of Docent cait and capture some amazing nature shots on this hike. Bring some water and wear layers for this peaceful 4-5 mile hike along the Mayfair Trail. Rain cancels. Meet at the picnic table in the parking lot.