Opportunities From: Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority

Join us for upcoming opportunities to enhance your knowledge as a docent or volunteer with the Open Space Authority. These sessions are designed to provide knowledge and practical experience to help enhance our programs for the public. 

Come learn with us!

You need not be a docent to come join us for one of these fun learning sessions; we hope that this inspires new volunteers to want to join us for docent training in winter 2027. 

Please note that some of these sessions are in-person at our office at 33 Las Colinas, virtually through Zoom and in the field. When you sign up for a session, please note date, location and time below as it may not correspond to the automatically generated calendar reminder through the volunteer portal. Reminders will be sent 2 days in advance from Kat, at khill@openspaceauthority.org

Interested in presenting or offering a topic? 

Please email Kat to choose an open date and finalize curricula. If you have thoughts on what you'd like to learn as a docent, please also email Kat to see if we can find a lead to offer training

We are seeking volunteers to come assist with this fun nature journaling program for the public. We will need volunteers to assist with signing folks in, getting materials ready and with pointing out interesting natural phenomenon for writing about and doodling on site. No drawing experience necessary. 

Please bring close-toed shoes, layers, snacks and water, your own journal if you wish and your enthusiasm for looking at and documenting nature. 

Here is the link for Ulistac Natural Area, an urban open space that has been funded by the Open Space Authority.

https://www.ulistac.org/

Please use project name Educational Activity for your hours report.

Here are the public program details:

Nature Journal at Ulistac!

Ulistac Natural Area

May 1,2026 -  6:30 PM – 8:00 PM

Join the Open Space Authority and our volunteers for a fun workshop on nature journaling! We will be sharing some techniques for enhanced observations in nature. Come join us to look for native bees, watch hummingbird antics and document the wandering of wildlife nearby. The Open Space Authority will provide blank journals, coloring pencils and crayons for documenting your observations. No drawing experience necessary. 

Our docent, Karen, will be leading a "Beginning Birding Walk at Rancho Cañada del Oro" and is seeking another docent who can support her. Ideally, this docent will have knowledge about identifying birds. 

Shift time: 8:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Program run time (when the public will be there): 8:30 AM - 11:00 AM

Details below.

Join Kat to help lead a search for soap plant at Coyote Valley OSP! Sweeps will help keep the group together, point out soap plant, share information about the Authority and escort guests back if they need to leave early.

Here is what has been shared with attendees:

As spring turns to summer, the soaproot plant prepares to bloom when evening comes. Join Open Space Authority staff and docents on a late afternoon hike along the Arrowhead Loop to witness these flowers coming to life! There will be frequent stops to look at and learn more about this beautiful plant as well as other late spring wildflowers. The 4.0-mile round trip hike will have a gentle 500-foot gain. Ensure that you have sufficient water for this hike, especially if the weather is warm. Park and meet at the staging area. The hike will be canceled if temperatures are above 90F.

Mike H. is leading this awesome full loop hike on Coyote Ridge to share his knowledge all about tule elk! We are seeking at least two hike sweeps to help manage the group, share knowledge and escort guests back if they need to leave early for any reason. 

Here is what has been shared with the public:

Did you know we have elk just 15 minutes south of San Jose? Come join us for a hike at Máyyan ‘Ooyákma to learn all about the recovery of this incredible species, their habitat, home range and specific habits during this time of year. You will get to hold an elk antler, search for elk scat and hear their mating call-- the bugle! This hike will cover the full 5.5 mile loop in the preserve, which features over 1000 ft. of elevation gain. Come prepared with close-toed shoes, hiking poles, layers, snacks, sun protection and plenty of water for this walk and talk!

To help protect this sensitive and unique ecosystem, in March, April, and May the trails will be open by reservation ONLY on Saturdays and Sundays. During this time, the public must sign up here for a docent-led hike to access the Bay Checkerspot trail, the Tule Elk Trail, and the Serpentine Spring Trail.

Specific Hike Information These hikes include FREQUENT STOPS and groups will STAY TOGETHER. The hike is considered rigorous for many hikers. For public safety, rain and red flag warnings will cancel hikes.

HIKE DETAILS Time: 10:30a - approximately 3:30pm - 5 miles Note: the end time is an approximation, and will vary on the individual group and hiking speed.

Location: Máyyan ‘Ooyákma - Coyote Ridge Open Space Preserve located at https://maps.app.goo.gl/hAJ4Ki69KcLLf7RRA More location details will be sent the week before your hike. Please be sure to check your email.

What to expect This guided hike will have 1,000 elevation feet change as we hike a full loop along various trails. A docent will lead the group, and the group must stay together. There will be frequent stops along the trail to discuss tule elk and look for evidence of their presence.

What to bring

Comfortable hiking shoes

Hiking poles are recommended

Water

Snacks

Sun protection

Appropriate clothing

Important notes - Please review before registering: CANCELLATIONS: For public safety, rain and red flag warnings will cancel hikes.IF YOU CANNOT ATTEND AFTER BOOKING PLEASE cancel your reservation so others may attend