Open Space Authority Volunteer Training Opportunities Winter 2026 

If you are thinking of joining the Open Space Authority volunteer community, you are in the right place! Anyone who wants to become a volunteer with us needs to complete the following  steps:  

1. Create a complete profile on our volunteer portal. Your profile includes name, email, cell phone, date of birth, emergency contact and phone, and signed Release of Liability. Click here to complete. This will take around 3 to 5 minutes. 

2. Register to take Interpretive Host Training, by clicking here.  

3. If you know you want to be trained to be a Docent who leads hikes, please also sign up for Docent Training. Click here to sign up for training.  

Scroll to the end of this resource page to learn more about Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority, our volunteer program and overviews of our volunteer roles. 











Join Us! Open Space Authority volunteers at our 2024 appreciation event. photo: D Mauk

Roles and Training

Understanding the Training Elements

Interpretive Host Training (click here)

Interpretive Host Training (IHT) is our foundation for all volunteers. This training provides an introduction to theories of personal interpretation, our mission and vision, and how to connect with an audience to share information. All volunteers are required to attend IHT if they wish to partake in any of the following roles: Trail Patrol, Community Outreach and Preserve Stewards.

Training Dates Overview
IHT consists of two parts during winter. Trainees need to attend both. Please see details below.

Part One - Introduction to personal interpretation, mission and vision, volunteer roles and opportunities.

January 10, 2026

9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Tilton Ranch

Part Two - Introduction to Máyyan 'Ooyákma Coyote Ridge preserve operations, volunteer duties, Survey123.

February 22, 2026

10:00 a.m. to 4:00 pm.

Máyyan 'Ooyákma Coyote Ridge

Interpretive Docent Training (click here)

Starting Wednesday, January 14.

Interpretive Docent training will introduce you to a new method and style of communication that will allow you to connect people to the nature that you love. This training will take place on select dates and times during January to the first week of March (see schedule below). This is the training volunteers need to complete if they want to lead interpretive hikes for the public. All training resources are provided to interested volunteers.

This training requires a multi-week commitment and docents must meet additional certain requirements, such as capstone presentations and leading a spring hike in order to successfully complete the training.

Training Dates Overview


VOLUNTEERING WITH THE OPEN SPACE AUTHORITY 

Open Space Authority volunteersengagethe public in the preservation and appreciation of open space. Our volunteers offer guided educational experiences, support stewardship projects, and represent our agency at community events. Open Space Authority volunteers invite our community to share in theOpen Space Authority’sgoals, values,and mission through stewarding vibrant and sustainably managed open spaces. Our volunteer community is inclusive, welcoming, and motivated to pass on this legacy of open space to future generations.  

Who We Are 

The Open Space Authority conserves the natural environment, supports agriculture, and connects people to nature, by protecting open spaces, natural areas, and working farms and ranches for future generations. We manage approximately 30,000 acres of land throughout southern Santa Clara County. We offer hiking, biking, and horse back riding opportunities in our Open Space Preserves which are open sunrise to sunset, every day of the year. Volunteers help us steward these lands and share them with the public. Volunteers are a central part of our team through which we connect with the public. 

What do our Volunteers Do?  

Volunteers bring the mission of the Open Space Authority to life through a number of public facing roles. Those roles are:  

  1. 1. Land Stewards Volunteers assist Open Space Authority staff with trail maintenance, habitat restoration, fencing and cleanup projects on open space lands. Land Steward projects occur regularly on Saturdays, nearly year-round. 

  1. 2. Outreach Volunteers are agency ambassadors who represent the Open Space Authority at community festivals and other public events throughout Santa Clara Valley. They help build relationships amongst all members of the community and raise awareness of the agency's mission, campaigns and opportunities. 

  1. 3. Trail Patrol Volunteers engage all members of the public that visit our preserves. They help visitors understand what each preserve has to offer and share the rules and guidelines. Trail Patrol Volunteers submit observations from their patrols and report hazards to staff. 

  1. 4. Preserve Stewards Volunteers serve the public at open space preserves. These volunteers greet visitors, orient them to the opportunities available and help guests go out and come back safely. 

  1. 5. Interpretive Docents Volunteers enjoy sharing their love of nature with others. They share information about the natural environment, lead groups on fun, informational hikes and receive special training on how to effectively lead groups. Docents commit to participating in at least one program per quarter. 

  1. 6. Trail Master Volunteers complete trail maintenance and field work alongside Open Space Authority staff. Trail Master opportunities are scheduled on Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday weekly as needed throughout the year. Trail Masters complete a specialized training which is offered annually in order to perform in this role.