Opportunities From: Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority

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 two volunteer Preserve Stewards each Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday in spring to support operations at MOCR. These volunteers will provide public engagement support in the gateway property using the welcome booth, beginning at 9:45 a.m. each day. Please note that shifts for April 10, 11, and 12 have been canceled due to inclement weather. 

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. 

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

Habitat Protection Hikes at Máyyan 'Ooyákma! 

Please note that April 11 and 12 Hikes have been canceled due to inclement weather

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.

Please note that April 19 and April 26 will be Open Access Days and therefore will not have guided hike access. If you would like to help on Open Access Days, please see the Preserve Steward Hike Patrols Opportunity and you can sign up for a shift to patrol the preserve during open access. 

The hikes below are the shifts/hikes that we are offering to the public; these hikes are intended to be educational and interpretive. There will be an additional hike called 'Fresh Air and Flowers' that is purely hiking and sightseeing focused; this will be added under a different opportunity. 

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.

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. 

Shifts for April 11 have been cancelled due to inclement weather

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.

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.

Habitat Protection Hikes at Máyyan ‘Ooyákma - Coyote Ridge Open Space Preserve- Hike Sweeps Needed!

Please note that shifts for April 11 and 12 have been canceled due to inclement weather

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. Please note that there are no guided hikes on April 19 and April 26 because those days are designated as Open Access Days.

If you are interested in helping on those days you may sign up for a patrol under the Preserve Stewards Patrol Opportunity. 

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. More details will be sent out to preserve stewards as we get closer to the dates!

Preserve Steward Sweep Role

With preserve stewards as occasional sweeps, we can offer many  more docent led programs  because our numbers will stretch farther. If there is an emergency or if someone needs to leave a hike early on the weekend, you can help us take care of that.

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 at Máyyan 'Ooyákma! 

Please note that shifts for April 11 have been canceled due to inclement weather

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.

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.

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.

We would like to have 2 volunteers to come help with this easy casual walk at Little Uvas. Please plan to arrive a little bit early so that you can help people park and close the gate. Plan to bring your volunteer uniform, a light source, food, water, close-toed shoes and layers. 

Here is the description offered to the public:

Join Open Space Authority Staff for a relaxing evening stroll through the oak woodlandsof Little Uvas Preserve. We will listen to wetland wildlife, look at serpentine wildflowers and enjoy the serenity of a post-work walk. Please bring close-toed shoes, long pants and layers and plenty of water and snacks for yourself. The walk is less than 2 miles and we will stay at a fairly even elevation. Please note that the trails at this preserve are rough and unmaintained. Please plan to arrive on time. There are horses on the property so we must watch the gate.

This is a No Worries Amigos Hike- and it will officially start at 6 p.m. and end at 10 p.m.  As a sweep, your job will be to keep the group together and answer questions about OSA as well as help close/lock up when the hike is finished.  There is a special presentation about CVCAMP happening right before the hike so staff and volunteers will be arriving at around 5 p.m. for that. 

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!

We are seeking 3-4 docents to come help us with an exciting Earth Day event that we will be hosting at MOCR. We will be engaging with visitors with games, partner tables, crafts and exploration as a part of our Open Access Day!

As a part of the celebration we will have a giant butterfly garland, sun-printing bracelet making, butterfly crafts, wiggly wooden snakes as well as some engaging interpretive stations and games for families. 

Please plan to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your shift so that you can get a debrief and be assigned to a station.

We are seeking one enthusiastic volunteers to join a VET's team staff member at the SJ Kaiser Earth Day celebration!  The celebration is scheduled for Tuesday, April 21, 2026 from 10:00 AM until 2:30 PM at the Kaiser Permanente San Jose Medical Center. Shift time will be from 10:00am-2:30pm.

Among other things, our booth will feature materials promoting Coyote Valley Discovery Days. Staff and volunteers are there to encourage visitors to attend an upcoming Coyote Valley Discovery Days event and complete a survey on the future of the roughly 1600 acres of protected land in Coyote Valley. 

Volunteer will engage with visitors until 2:30pm and then 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 as well as the ongoing spring wildflower programming for the public.

As details around parking and other logistics are shared, this event will be updated. For now, what we know is represented here and we hope to identify volunteer support to help us see it through. The event is well attended and having a team ensures we can meet the level of interest we anticipate. 

We are seeking one enthusiastic volunteers to join a VET's team staff member at the San Jose State University's Earth Day celebration!  The celebration is scheduled for Thursday, April 23, 2026 from 10:00 AM until 2:00 PM at the SJSU on the Tower Lawn in front of Tower Hall. Shift time will be 9:30am-2:00pm on April 23rd. Volunteer will need to arrive on time, help set up the booth and engage with guests during their shift and then break the booth down before leaving.
This event continues the tradition of SJSU alumnus Gaylord Nelson ('39), the co-founder of the original Earth Day in 1970, which ignited a passion in sustainability for 20 million people on college campuses across the nation. Several on-campus partners and invited vendors participate in our on-campus resource fair.

As details around parking and other logistics are shared, this event will be updated. For now, what we know is represented here and we hope to identify volunteer support to help us see it through. We look forward to your help as we connect with and share our mission of open space, connectivity and healthy communities as well as the upcoming spring wildflower programming for the public.

We are seeking two enthusiastic volunteers to join a OSA VET's team staff member at the Celebrate Santa Clara STEM Zone event! This event is scheduled for Sunday, April 19, 2026 from 10:00 AM until 4:00 PM at the Santa Clara Convention Center. Shifts are from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 12:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday April 19 with one volunteer per shift. All shifts will be supported and accompanied by VET's team staff.

The STEM Zone brings Santa Clara’s identity as the heart of Silicon Valley into the spotlight. It’s more than just an event — it’s a platform where our students, innovators, and local companies can showcase technology, sustainability, and creativity alongside the global excitement of major sports. That is where we come in, help us engage with members of our community at fantastic event!

Volunteer will need to arrive on time, help set up the booth and engage with guests during their shift. Afternoon volunteers will engage with visitors until 4pm and then 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 as well as the ongoing spring wildflower programming for the public.

Help us engage our communities at Viva Calle SJ which is an open streets program that connects communities by temporarily closing streets to motorized vehicles allowing for non-motorized activities like walking, running and skating!

Among other things, our booth will feature materials promoting Coyote Valley Discovery Days. Staff and volunteers are there to encourage visitors to attend an upcoming Coyote Valley Discovery Days event and complete a survey on the future of the roughly 1600 acres of protected land in Coyote Valley. 

Viva Calle will be shutting down streets between four hubs of activity + a Youth Empowerment Zone - Mexican Heritage Plaza, Fernish Park, the Alum Rock Village & Cimarrón Park. The Authority's booth will be at the Alum Rock Village!

The event runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 19. We would like volunteers to get there at 9:30 a.m. and stay for the entire event, including taking materials down to move back to the Authority vehicle. We will recruit two volunteers to assist our one staff member with this effort so that breaks can be taken throughout the day and lunch (from one of the local vendors) is on us!

Details regarding set-up, take-down and parking will be communicated as we get more details about the event and will be updated on this page. Staff will be in attendance for the duration of the event and to bring materials and take materials back at the end of the event.  Please note that our booth will include a table, chairs, booth kit, and canopy with weights (plus wagon).

We are seeking two enthusiastic volunteers to join an OSA VET's team staff member at the Celebrate Earth Day at Santana Row event! This event is scheduled for Sunday, April 19, 2026 from 11:00 AM until 3:00 PM at Santana Row. Volunteer shift is from 10:30am to 3:00pm. 

Among other things, our booth will feature materials promoting Coyote Valley Discovery Days nearby exhibit. Staff and volunteers are there to encourage visitors to go see that setup and complete a survey on the future of the roughly 1600 acres of protected land in Coyote Valley. 

Volunteers will need to arrive on time, help set up the booth and engage with guests during their shift, and then 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 as well as the upcoming spring wildflower programming for the public.

We are seeking four enthusiastic volunteers to join an OSA VET's team staff member at the California Native Plant Society (CNPS) Wildflower Show! This event is scheduled for Saturday, April 25, 2026 from 9:30 AM until 4:00 PM at West Valley College. The show will feature hundreds of species of wildflowers and native plants from Santa Clara, San Mateo and surrounding counties gathered and identified by their volunteer collectors. Shifts are from 9:00am to 1:00pm and 12:30pm to 4:30pm on Sunday April 25 with two volunteers per shift.

Among other things, our booth will feature materials promoting Coyote Valley Discovery Days. Staff and volunteers are there to encourage visitors to attend an upcoming Coyote Valley Discovery Days event and complete a survey on the future of the roughly 1600 acres of protected land in Coyote Valley. 

Morning shift volunteers will need to arrive on time, help set up the booth 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 as well as the ongoing spring wildflower programming for the public.

As details around parking and other logistics are shared, this event will be updated. For now, what we know is represented here and we hope to identify volunteer support to help us see it through. The event is well attended and having a team ensures we can meet the level of interest we anticipate.

We are seeking two enthusiastic volunteers to join an OSA VET's team staff member at the Celebrate Earth Day event in Morgan Hill. This event is scheduled for Saturday, April 25, 2026 from 9:00 AM until 2:00 PM. Shifts are 8:30am to 12:00pm and 11:30am to 2:30pm on Saturday April 25 with one volunteer per shift. 

Morning shift volunteer will need to arrive on time, help set up the booth and engage with guests during their shift. Afternoon shift volunteer 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 as well as the ongoing spring wildflower programming for the public.

Among other things, our booth will feature materials promoting Coyote Valley Discovery Days nearby exhibit. Staff and volunteers are there to encourage visitors to go see that setup and complete a survey on the future of the roughly 1600 acres of protected land in Coyote Valley. 

We are seeking two enthusiastic volunteers to join OSA VET's team staff member at the Spring Garden Fair at Martial Cottle Park. This event is scheduled for Saturday, April 11, 2026 from 9:00 AM until 2:00 PM. Shifts are 8:30am to 12:00pm and 11:30am to 2:30pm on Saturday April 11 with one volunteer per shift. 

The Spring Garden Fair is the Master Gardeners annual spring extravaganza that you do not want to miss! It's a huge plant sale with educational talks and information tables. The event is on, rain or shine!

Morning shift volunteer will need to arrive on time, help set up the booth and engage with guests during their shift. Afternoon shift volunteer 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 as well as the upcoming spring wildflower programming for the public.

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.

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. The exact location of our work this day has been left open so that field staff can evaluate and direct our support where it is most needed. 

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 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. The exact location of our work this day has been left open so that field staff can evaluate and direct our support where it is most needed. 

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 this day of invasive species maintenance. 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 invasive species maintenance. 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. Our goal is to weedeat the Upper Penitencia Trail of Sierra Vista OSP.

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.

HOT Weather Protocols are in effect, temperatures over 94 degrees during work window will cancel this event. Monitor communications with staff in advance of event to stay informed. 

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. Our goal is to weedeat the Aquila Loop, one of the most accessible and used trails of Sierra Vista OSP.

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.

HOT Weather Protocols are in effect, temperatures over 94 degrees during work window will cancel this event. Monitor communications with staff in advance of event to stay informed. 

We are seeking an enthusiastic volunteer to represent our team alongside OSA staff at the City of Milpitas annual Earth Day celebration! This year, we will be hosting an exciting presentation for the public on our recent work on the American Badger in Santa Clara Valley. Volunteer support will be built around this centerpiece. Two Open Space Authority staff will also be present in the booth to engage the public, answer questions, and channel interest towards our exciting work.

This event is from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. We are seeking a volunteer to support booth set-up in advance as well as break down when the event has ended. This volunteer shift is from 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Authority staff will transport all booth materials and meet volunteer support on site.

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. 

We are hosting a brief training for Starry Nights Preserve Stewards (or aspiring Starry Nights Preserve Stewards) in order to get everyone on the same page regarding the set-up and protocols for our incredibly popular Starry Nights program!

You will learn:

We hope that by taking this training any Starry Nights preserve steward can help us maintain a high-quality and consistent experience for the public. 

Location: Rancho Cañada del Oro Open Space Preserve:

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

More information About Starry Nights:

Notes: 

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We are seeking three volunteer Preserve Stewards each Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday (in addition to Open Access Days, April 19 & April 26) in spring to support operations at MOCR. 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. 

Ed Rooks is leading.  He needs at least 1 sweep to help with the walk. 

We are seeking 3-4 docents to come help us with an exciting Earth Day event that we will be hosting at Santana Row! We will be engaging our neighbors with a wide suite of activities including tables from CVCAMP and partners, face-painting, live music and family friendly crafts and activities. 

CVCAMP will be sharing the alternative concepts for the Coyote Valley planning efforts and we will be there to draw in the crowds and engage families around the importance of wildlife. We will be located at Park Valencia, and will have bracelet making, butterfly crafts, wiggly wooden snakes as well as some engaging interpretive stations with pelts, bones skulls and microscopes.

Please plan to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your shift so that you can get a debrief and be assigned to a station. Save all receipts so that you can be reimbursed for parking after the event.

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:

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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