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

The Open Space Authority is excited to support and participate in the 3rd Annual San Jose Cinco de Mayo Festival. Help us engage with members of our community at this fantastic annual event! OSA staff will provide a booth with Spanish language materials, give aways, activity books, and pelt to engage with visitors! Spanish speaking volunteers are desired but not required. Shift is 10:30am-2:00pm on Sunday May 3, 2026.

Note, due to street closures and high volume of traffic, this popular event usually requires volunteers to deal with traffic around entry, plus some walking to get to the booth. Dirt parking lot off Knox Road will be available for public parking on first come first serve basis, which quickly fills up, so please plan accordingly. We highly recommend that you be dropped off or take public transit to Emma Prusch Farm Park.

Materials will be dropped off beforehand and volunteers will need to arrive on time, help set up the booth, and be ready to engage with guests starting at 11:00am. VETs staff will arrive between 1:00-1:30pm to work afternoon shift.

There will be Drumming and dance and a band with live horse performances during the beginning portion of this event. Loud noise, high volume foot traffic and excellent guest interactions are the norm. We look forward to your support at this event that we're helping sponsor.

We are seeking five volunteer ambassadors to help represent us by walking in the 3rd Annual Cinco de Mayo Parade in San Jose on Sunday May 3, 2026. The parade begins at 10am on Alum Rock and King Road. It travels from the Mexican Heritage Plaza down towards Story Rd & Kind Rd. to the festival location at Emma Prusch Farm Park. Route is approximately 1.5 miles long. Shift time will be approximately 8:30 am-11:30am with goal to bring extra fun and excitement to the parade! We will have an OSA vehicle and walkers participating in the parade, with walkers handing out giveaways. 

Please plan to bring the following items with you:
-Water
-Hat and sunglasses
-Sunscreen
-Comfortable walking shoes
-Wear your Volunteer OSA shirt.

As details around parade participant logistics and meet up location are shared, this event will be updated. For now, what we know is represented here and we hope to identify volunteers to join us for the fun and excitement. The event is well attended and having a team ensures we can meet the level of interest we anticipate. Thank you in advance for joining us and for helping to make this parade a success!

Our Natural Resources staff is now seeking volunteer help for irrigation work and TLC for the native planting sites installed last fall. This help will unfold over 3 return trips to the recently restored Rancho ponds. This is the first of 3 weekday visits to the site.

Join Open Space Authority Staff as we tend native vegetation around some newly restored ponds at Rancho Cañada del Oro! Last fall, staff and volunteers completed plantings at three ponds that had undergone restoration to ensure that they could hold water longer into the dry season and better serve native species. We replanted native vegetation that serves as important habitat for red-legged frogs, western pond turtles and other species around the ponds. 

We will provide clean gloves, tools, and project-related supplies for the day, as well as training and instructions.  We require that volunteers wear close-toed shoes, long sleeves and pants, as well as bring their own sun-protection, snacks and water. If you have gloves from previous events then please bring them, otherwise new gloves will be provided on-site. Work will involve stooping, kneeling, using hand tools and walking 20-30 min to the work-site. Since this work will be done in a non-public part of the preserve, all volunteers will need to arrive on time (8:30 a.m.) since we will be carpooling to the site; meet-up location will be at the Rancho Cañada del Oro overflow lot. Please note that in case of extreme heat over 94 degrees, we may cancel an event.

Please note that youth (14-17) are allowed to participate with the supervision and accompaniment of an adult guardian. If you plan to bring a guest (youth or adult) please have them create a volunteer portal account, submit release of liability (and parental permission form, if they are a youth) and sign up for the opportunity through the portal. 

Our Natural Resources staff is now seeking volunteer help for irrigation work and TLC for the native planting sites installed last fall. This help will unfold over 3 return trips to the recently restored Rancho ponds. This is the first of 3 weekday visits to the site.

Join Open Space Authority Staff as we tend native vegetation around some newly restored ponds at Rancho Cañada del Oro! Last fall, staff and volunteers completed plantings at three ponds that had undergone restoration to ensure that they could hold water longer into the dry season and better serve native species. We replanted native vegetation that serves as important habitat for red-legged frogs, western pond turtles and other species around the ponds. 

We will provide clean gloves, tools, and project-related supplies for the day, as well as training and instructions.  We require that volunteers wear close-toed shoes, long sleeves and pants, as well as bring their own sun-protection, snacks and water. If you have gloves from previous events then please bring them, otherwise new gloves will be provided on-site. Work will involve stooping, kneeling, using hand tools and walking 20-30 min to the work-site. Since this work will be done in a non-public part of the preserve, all volunteers will need to arrive on time (8:30 a.m.) since we will be carpooling to the site; meet-up location will be at the Rancho Cañada del Oro overflow lot. Please note that in case of extreme heat over 94 degrees, we may cancel an event.

Please note that youth (14-17) are allowed to participate with the supervision and accompaniment of an adult guardian. If you plan to bring a guest (youth or adult) please have them create a volunteer portal account, submit release of liability (and parental permission form, if they are a youth) and sign up for the opportunity through the portal. 

Our Natural Resources staff is now seeking volunteer help for irrigation work and TLC for the native planting sites installed last fall. This help will unfold over 3 return trips to the recently restored Rancho ponds. This is the first of 3 weekday visits to the site.

Join Open Space Authority Staff as we tend native vegetation around some newly restored ponds at Rancho Cañada del Oro! Last fall, staff and volunteers completed plantings at three ponds that had undergone restoration to ensure that they could hold water longer into the dry season and better serve native species. We replanted native vegetation that serves as important habitat for red-legged frogs, western pond turtles and other species around the ponds. 

We will provide clean gloves, tools, and project-related supplies for the day, as well as training and instructions.  We require that volunteers wear close-toed shoes, long sleeves and pants, as well as bring their own sun-protection, snacks and water. If you have gloves from previous events then please bring them, otherwise new gloves will be provided on-site. Work will involve stooping, kneeling, using hand tools and walking 20-30 min to the work-site. Since this work will be done in a non-public part of the preserve, all volunteers will need to arrive on time (8:30 a.m.) since we will be carpooling to the site; meet-up location will be at the Rancho Cañada del Oro overflow lot. Please note that in case of extreme heat over 94 degrees, we may cancel an event.

Please note that youth (14-17) are allowed to participate with the supervision and accompaniment of an adult guardian. If you plan to bring a guest (youth or adult) please have them create a volunteer portal account, submit release of liability (and parental permission form, if they are a youth) and sign up for the opportunity through the portal. 

Another TM Volunteer support request for weed eating at Blair Barn. Our first day was so great we want to do it again! Please arrive no later than 9:00 a.m. and park at the Barn.

The turn off of Uvas Rd onto the gravel drive will be marked with one of our white tear drop OSA flags.

Space for up to 8 volunteers. Volunteer Trail Masters should bring all PPE provided.

Volunteer Trail Masters bring all needed water and calories for a safe day with the team.

We are seeking four amazing volunteers to represent the Authority at the Scout-O-Rama Family Adventure Festival, which occurs on May 9 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. We will need two volunteers from 8:30 am-12:30 pm. Second shift of two volunteers from 12:30 pm to 4:30 pm.

We hope to have a fun interactive engaging activity at our booth that will help draw in a crowd. Morning shift volunteers will need to arrive on time, help set up the booth by 9:00am for inspection, and engage with guests during their shift. Afternoon shift volunteers will engage with guests during their shift and then help break the booth down before leaving. We look forward to your help as we connect with and share our mission of open space, connectivity and healthy communities through the "World of Scouting".

Here is a description of the event on History Park's website:

Scout-O-Rama is the best of local Scouting on display for the whole community in the heart of San Jose at History Park. This family friendly day of discovery includes 100+ hands on activities for all ages. Families may enjoy archery, shooting water rockets, tomahawk throwing, exploring firetrucks, racing pinewood derby cars, slacklining, crafts, life size mazes, and more. Several food trucks are onsite to provide a variety of cuisines or enjoy your own picnic lunch.

TM Volunteer support request for grounds cleanup at the Pajaro River Agricultural Preserve (PRAP). We will address areas around the structures on site as well as the vegetation around the grounds. We will use weed whips and pole saws.

TM Volunteers need to bring their PPE. Meet at the property off of Frazier Lake Rd at 9am. Turn off Frazier Lake Rd into the gate and park where directed by staff. TM volunteers will depart from there with staff for the day.

If this is your first time going to PRAP, prepare yourself for the navigation before embarking on the route. The address provided below will work perfect with your navigation system. Parking will be through a gate and vehicles will likely be somewhat obscured from view from the road. We will mark the gate with a sign indicating Trail Masters are present with the Open Space Authority logo. 

Pass through the gate and keep your speed under 10mph. Park where directed near the barn. Bring all PPE.

TM Volunteer support request for Integrated Pest Management (IPM) at Máyyan 'Ooyákma Coyote Ridge Open Space Preserve. We have been working to manage and reduce the yellow star thistle plant population at this preserve.This event will access MOCR from Malech Road entrance (the main gate). Weed whips will be in use. 

Volunteer Trail Masters should bring all PPE, adequate water and calories to the event. Arrive on time, communicate cancellations in advance. 

TM Volunteer support request for Integrated Pest Management (IPM) at Máyyan 'Ooyákma Coyote Ridge Open Space Preserve. We have been working to manage and reduce the yellow star thistle plant population at this preserve. This event will access MOCR from Malech Road entrance (the main gate). Weed whips will be in use. 

Volunteer Trail Masters should bring all PPE, adequate water and calories to the event. Arrive on time, communicate cancellations in advance. 

Return to Kuzia! TM Volunteer support request for this day of invasive species maintenance. Our first work days at this location were productive and we hope to continue our success. Our attention this day will be on addressing invasive mustard plant populations. Meet up location is the same as previous events. 

For context, there are 10 native planting areas within a larger enclosure along ¾ miles of Fisher's Creek at the Kuzia property's restoration site, shown below. To maintain the site OSA will weed-eat the inside of the enclosure with staff and volunteers. There are oak and willow seedlings scattered throughout the enclosure in their own plant cages to look out for, but other than that the whole area is in need of attention. 

The site can be accessed by heading south on Santa Teresa Boulevard and turning right on to Scheller Avenue, where we will park our vehicles. Scheller Avenue is just north of Palm Avenue. OSA staff will be there to meet you inside the gate to guide you to the work site! Meeting point: https://maps.app.goo.gl/uAFq8G3gdYK4dnxN6

TM Volunteer support request for this day of weed eating in Sierra Vista OSP. Please arrive no later than 9:00 a.m. and park in the staging area. TM Volunteers will depart from there with staff for the day. Location of trail work will be needs dependent.  

Volunteer Trail Masters should bring all PPE for Weedeating. Volunteer Trail Masters bring all needed water and calories for a safe day with the team. Please hydrate the day before joining, anticipate higher temps and arrive ready.

TM Volunteer support request for the Furtado Barn restoration site Sierra Vista OSP. We will be using weed whips around the Furtado Barn to address seasonal maintenance. If time and group size allow we might do some selective removal of Coyote Brush in the restoration site. 

Space for 8 volunteers. Volunteer Trail Masters should bring all PPE. Please bring all needed water and calories for a safe day with the team.

Please arrive no later than 9:00 a.m. and park in the main staging area. TM Volunteers will depart from there with staff in vehicles for work at the Furtado Barn.

TM Volunteer support request for weed eating work in Rancho Cañada del Oro Open Space Preserve.

Lead OST 2 Greg Rosselli and the field team set aside the entire Bald Peaks Trail as a Trail Master led effort. We hope to complete the needed maintenance on May 6 and 7. Sign up and help us meet the goal! 

9:00 a.m. meet up in the main staging area parking zone. Volunteer TM's will depart from there with staff for the day. 

Volunteers should bring adequate water and calories for the day. Capacity is set at 8 volunteers for this event. 

TM Volunteer support request for weed eating work in Rancho Cañada del Oro Open Space Preserve.

Lead OST 2 Greg Rosselli and the field team set aside the entire Bald Peaks Trail as a Trail Master led effort. We hope to complete the needed maintenance on May 6 and 7. Sign up and help us meet the goal! 

9:00 a.m. meet up in the main staging area parking zone. Volunteer TM's will depart from there with staff for the day. 

Volunteers should bring adequate water and calories for the day. Capacity is set at 8 volunteers for this event. 

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. 

Fresh Air and Flowers Hikes at Máyyan 'Ooyákma! 

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 volunteer-led hike to access the Bay Checkerspot trail, the Tule Elk Trail, and the Serpentine Spring Trail.

The hikes below are the shifts/hikes that we are offering to the public. In addition to our educational/interpretive 'Habitat Protection Hikes' we are offering 'Fresh Air and Flowers' Hikes. These are intended to be less educational,  have minimal stops, while still giving the public guided access on the ridge.

Since these hikes are not interpretive, preserve stewards are welcome to sign up if they would like to guide a group in the preserve on one of these hikes.

Please note that shifts follow the format below.

Official Hike Timing

Docent/Sweep Shift

Route Taken

10:30 AM to 2:30 PM

10:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Sat, Full Loop

10:30 AM to 12:30 PM

10:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Sun, BCB and back

Further information will be sent to docents upon sign-up; while there are two slots for each hike, both docents should be prepared to lead.

Below is the Info We Provide to Public Attendees:

These guided hikes up the Bay Checkerspot Trail will have over 500 ft of elevation gain. The loop hike has steep ascents and descents. Comfortable hiking shoes and hiking poles are recommended. 

CANCELLATIONS: For public safety, rain and red flag warnings will cancel hikes.

IF YOU CANNOT ATTEND AFTER REGISTERING PLEASE cancel your reservation so others may attend

PARKING: Each ticket is for one parking spot, you will only need one ticket per car. Feel free to bring as many people in your car as you can safely fit. You may also choose to use alternative transportation and get dropped off at the front gate, walk, or ride a bicycle. If you choose to arrive this way, you will not be permitted to park at the preserve.

SPRING HIKE DETAILS: 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. 'Fresh Air and Flowers' Hikes have minimal educational stops and are prime opportunity to get to see the preserve with minimal interruption while still providing docent guidance. 

HOW TO PREPARE: Please wear comfortable shoes, bring water, and come prepared to hike in the outdoors with appropriate clothing and sun protection. Hiking poles are recommended.

Fresh Air and Flowers at Máyyan ‘Ooyákma - Coyote Ridge Open Space Preserve- Hike Sweeps Needed!

Please note shifts are listed below. 

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 volunteer-led hike to access the Bay Checkerspot trail, the Tule Elk Trail, and the Serpentine Spring Trail. The hikes below are the shifts/hikes that we are offering to the public. In addition to our educational/interpretive 'Habitat Protection Hikes' we are offering 'Fresh Air and Flowers' Hikes. These are intended to be less educational,  have minimal stops, while still giving the public guided access on the ridge.

Further information will be sent to preserve steward sweeps upon sign-up.

Official Hike Timing

Docent/Sweep Shift

Route Taken

10:30 AM to 2:30 PM

10:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Sat, Full Loop

10:30 AM to 12:30 PM

10:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Sun, BCB and back

Below is the Info We Provide to Public Attendees:

These guided hikes up the Bay Checkerspot Trail will have over 500 ft of elevation gain. The loop hike has steep ascents and descents. Comfortable hiking shoes and hiking poles are recommended. 

CANCELLATIONS: For public safety, rain and red flag warnings will cancel hikes. IF YOU CANNOT ATTEND AFTER REGISTERING PLEASE cancel your reservation so others may attend

PARKING: Each ticket is for one parking spot, you will only need one ticket per car. Feel free to bring as many people in your car as you can safely fit. You may also choose to use alternative transportation and get dropped off at the front gate, walk, or ride a bicycle. If you choose to arrive this way, you will not be permitted to park at the preserve.

SPRING HIKE DETAILS: 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. 'Fresh Air and Flowers' Hikes have minimal educational stops and are prime opportunity to get to see the preserve with minimal interruption while still providing docent guidance. 

HOW TO PREPARE: Please wear comfortable shoes, bring water, and come prepared to hike in the outdoors with appropriate clothing and sun protection. Hiking poles are recommended.

We are seeking two volunteer Preserve Stewards each Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday in spring to support operations at MOCR. In addition, we will need preserve stewards to welcome the public on the holiday Monday, May 25. 

These volunteers will provide public engagement support in the gateway property using the welcome booth, beginning at 9:45 a.m. each day.

Welcome Booth Preserve Stewards – shifts begin at 15 minutes to the hour.  We need two Preserve Stewards serving in the gateway property to respond to visitor questions, help them obtain butterfly passes when needed, and ensure guests learn how to appropriately enjoy the trails found in the Habitat Protection Zone. 

Welcome Booth Preserve Stewards shifts are from 9:45 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. and 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. All supporting materials needed for this role will be staged each morning at the central gathering area. Volunteers are expected to set up the welcome booth, engage guests to the preserve, keep track of visitor interactions using the welcome booth end of day form, and enter all data into the Survey123 app at the end of their shift.  Volunteers will also take down all welcome booth items at the end of their shift and hand off to staff. Please mention you served in the welcome booth in your hours report and select project name ‘Habitat Protection Team’.

Weekday volunteers will be supported by staff supplying the welcome booth kit, table, antler and OSA devices. Staff will stage these items at the central gathering area. Inside the welcome booth kit will be three patrol hip-bags each containing an OSA wifi-enabled device, QR code for obtaining a butterfly pass, paper passes and receipts, contact info for field staff, a pen and small notebook.

Volunteers at Máyyan 'Ooyákma should arrive with OSA branded volunteer shirt or orange vest, nametag, appropriate layers, sun protection, and plenty of snacks and water for their shift.  

Please reach out to Kat Hill at khill@openspaceauthority.org if you have any additional questions about this role. 

We are seeking three volunteer Preserve Stewards each Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday in spring to support operations at MOCR. In addition we will be seeking patrols on the holiday Monday, May 25. These volunteers will perform patrols in the Habitat Protection Zone starting at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., and 12:00 p.m.
Preserve Steward Solo Patrols - shifts begin on the half hour. 

We need three patrols each Wednesday, Thursday and Friday in the Habitat Protection Zone.  

The goals of patrols are to check butterfly passes of visitors on trail, to observe and report the condition of trails and interpretive infrastructure, and to report observed violations of preserve rules. We expect volunteers to engage visitors to check butterfly passes. In your hours report, please input direction (clockwise/counterclockwise) and length (full/partial) of the patrol. Please select project name: 'Habitat Protection Team'. 

Weekday volunteers will be supported by field staff supplying the welcome booth kit, table, antler and OSA devices. Field staff will stage these items at the central gathering area. Inside the welcome booth kit will be three patrol hip-bags each containing an OSA wifi-enabled device, QR code for obtaining a butterfly pass, paper passes and receipts, contact info for field staff, a pen and small notebook. When you have completed your patrol, please make sure you have submitted all observations, you have turned off the OSA device, and return the bag to the OSA Field tech stationed at the preserve so that they can return it to the knack box to be charged. VET’s staff will not be present on weekdays, but there will be field staff on site for support should the need arise.  

Volunteers at Máyyan 'Ooyákma should arrive with OSA branded volunteer shirt or orange vest, nametag, appropriate layers, sun protection, and plenty of snacks and water for their shift.  

Please reach out to Kat Hill at khill@openspaceauthority.org if you have any additional questions about this role. 

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" with one other docent. Sweeps will join the hike to help keep the group together, and possibly walk community members back if they are unable to complete the walk.

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.

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

We are seeking 4 volunteers to come help us welcome and engage the public at Laguna Seca Discovery Day. This is an Open Access format event where members of the public can come hike on the Laguna Seca property and learn all about CVCAMP planning efforts. 

We need volunteers to come help us with parking, way-finding, greeting and signing in the public and engagement. Here is the description offered to the public:

Take the opportunity to explore Laguna Seca during this open access day. Once one of the largest freshwater wetlands in Santa Clara County, this special place remains an exceptional spot for birdwatching and connecting with nature. Imagine the future of this dynamic landscape and view plans for habitat restoration, public access and local agriculture in Coyote Valley. This event is part of Coyote Valley Discovery Days!

TM Volunteer support request for this day of weed eating in the Aokie Property in north county. What's an Aokie? Good question. Show up and find out! 

9AM meetup at the address provided below. *Special note on meeting point for this event. The address provided is for the San Jose Country Club located on Alum Rock Ave. The image below shows the intersection of Alum Rock Ave and Mt Hamilton Rd, located just south of the SJ Country Club. The red squiggly line is the location where our Open Space Authority vehicle will be staged. All participants will meet our Open Space Tech at this point and then follow them in their own vehicles to the work site, a short distance away on Mt Hamilton Rd.

We welcome Open Space Authority Volunteers to respond to this request for ongoing support in our preserves. Trail Patrol Volunteers serve as agency ambassadors, greeting all members of the public in our preserves. Volunteers should complete these activities between the hours of sunrise and sunset in one of three preserves: Sierra Vista OSP, Coyote Valley OSP, and Rancho Cañada del Oro OSP. Please wear an Open Space Authority branded volunteer shirt, a name tag, and appropriate footwear.

The goal is to engage other guests and improve their experience, we do not need volunteers to enforce rules. Rather, please report activities that are outside the guidelines for visitation in your hours reports so that staff will be able to review and respond appropriately. For staff contacts and guidelines on engagement, please see the Volunteer Resource Guide linked on the Volunteer Resource Page in the sidebar menu. 

Trail Patrol 'reports' are submitted under the hours report for this opportunity. You only need to sign up for this opportunity once per year and the system will allow you to submit reports on your own time rather than at pre-selected patrols. In your hours report please note damage to trails or infrastructure (plus locations), as well as interactions with preserve visitors and any feedback they have about  their experience. 

Trail Patrol volunteers should not go to Máyyan Òoyákma Open Space Preserve to complete patrols, as we have a distinct volunteer role in that preserve to support this function, called 'Preserve Steward support at Máyyan Òoyákma'. If you are interested in supporting that effort, please contact Mel Sarmento.

Please note that trail patrol opportunities expire on a yearly basis, this one will expire on Dec. 31 2026. 

Join VET's staff from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on May 9, 2026 to learn all about how to use interpretive techniques for engaging our preserve audiences! We will go over our mission and resources, engagement techniques for all roles and for all attendees. We hope you can make it to this training date so that you will be prepared for volunteering with us.

We will be hosting our training at the Tilton Ranch Complex-- a great place to bird, learn about agriculture and local history! If weather is uncooperative, we will train at our offices at 33 Las Colinas Lane. 

This training is a qualification for representing the Authority as a Community Outreach Volunteer, supporting large scale public events such as Open Access events as a Preserve Steward, or for participating in trail patrol. This training is also required for volunteers who wish to help out as a part of the Habitat Protection Team at Máyyan 'Ooyákma. We want all volunteers to be well-versed in our mission, values and resources so please take this opportunity to come learn with us!

Please sign up before May 5 to ensure staff have time to prepare you a name-tag, volunteer shirt and send out directions. Please email gcomstock@openspaceauthority.org directly if you are trying to sign up after May 5.

The Basics

Volunteer shift date & time: Varies - specific times shown in YELLOW below

Program Time: Varies - shown below in white

Location: Rancho Cañada del Oro Open Space Preserve:

Project code (when recording your well-deserved volunteer hours): Starry Nights

Volunteer Shift time (shown in YELLOW below)

Tell me more!

⭐Description: Join us to help with Starry Nights at Rancho Cañada del Oro Open Space Preserve! Assist us and our partners from San Jose Astronomical Association (SJAA) to bring the excitement of our glittery skies to the community - and learn some stuff while you're at it! Don't know stars? No problem! That's why we got the pros.

What we'll need help with is ensuring the event runs smoothly and efficiently - we hope you'll sign up and join us for one of our most popular events.

What we're asking YOU to help with:

What should I bring? Let us know if you have questions or concerns.

More information:

Notes: 

What we told the public:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Dates (pick one or all!):

Shift time: 9:00 PM - 11:30 PM

Program Run Time (when the public is there): 9:30 PM - 11:00 PM

What you'll be doing: We will need volunteers to help with set up, tear down, parking, check in guests, and make sure guests have an enjoyable night stargazing.

The actual event goes from 9:30 PM - 11:00 PM. By about 10:00pm most guests will have arrived, and you can enjoy the rest of the night stargazing! At 11:00pm we will start cleaning up and we should be all wrapped up by 11:30 PM.

Where: Binocular Stargazing will be held at Coyote Valley Open Space Preserve: 599 Palm Ave, Morgan Hill, CA 95037

What to bring: Volunteer shirt, high-vis-vest, flashlight with a red-light option, comfortable walking shoes, light layers, a camp chair, and some binoculars!

About the event: We run this event in partnership with the San Jose Astronomical Association (SJAA). SJAA does the educational astronomy and we run the parking and check in. When guests arrive, we will get the checked in and then they will make their way over to the astronomers. There will be about 10 astronomers. Each astronomer will walk their group through the night sky, pointing out what can be seen with just binoculars! There are usually about 40 guests who come and join us for these events!

When submitting hours please use Project Code: Starry Nights