Opportunities From: Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority

We will have a gentle walk sharing stories, advice, and general kindness and comfort for those who are grieving. We will be at North Coyote Valley Hilltop in July. 

This month we will host one program, only.

While the walk will be from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. the shift includes 30 min before and afterwards. 

Joe H. will be the lead, but we are looking for at least two more helpers. 

Description shared with the public about this program:

Whether you lost someone yesterday or years ago, sometimes the best thing to do is just be with people who understand. Come take a gentle walk with us and begin to heal in nature at this beautiful neighborhood park. Each month we will choose a new location and you are welcome to join us. Dress for the weather. Talking about your loss is optional and everyone is welcome.

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

Nicole J  will be leading a Silent Hike at Ulistac Natural Area.

We would like to have 3 volunteers to come help with this easy walk Ulistac. Plan to bring your volunteer uniform, sun protection, food, water, close-toed shoes and layers. As a sweep you will help keep the group together and answer questions about the Authority.  Your shift will start at 6:30 p.m. and end at 9:30 p.m. The program starts at 7 p.m. and ends at 9:00 p.m.

This is what has been sent to the attendees: 

Join us for a silent hike at Ulistac Natural Area, a 40 acre natural space in the middle of Santa Clara! The silent hike is a mindful outdoor activity where participants will intentionally refrain from speaking and using technology, instead focusing on sensory awareness, introspection, and a deeper connection with the natural environment. We will tune into the subtle sounds, sights, smells, and sensations of the trail, fostering a unique form of meditation in motion. Activities will be focused on heightening our sensory awareness and stillness.

Participants will meet up at the main entrance to Ulistac Natural Area. Parking is free along Lick Mill Blvd. Please note that there is no restroom at this location, however the closest public restroom is located across the road at Lick Mill Park. Trails are even dirt paths surrounded by lush native plants and wildlife. Come with layers, good walking shoes, quiet snacks and water.

Kat will be at Sierra Vista to open the gate for sunrise viewing and would love to have your help!  We would like to have 3 volunteers to come help park folks and set them up for a peaceful morning. . Please plan to arrive at 5:15 a.m.

Plan to bring your volunteer uniform, sun protection, food, water, close-toed shoes and layers (and your warm beverage!)

The program starts at 5:30 a.m. and ends at 6:30 a.m. We'd like vols to come a little early to tidy up the parking lot and set up hot water for tea and hot chocolate. 

This is what has been sent to the attendees: 

Are you a morning person? Grab your cup of coffee or tea and come watch the sunrise from the parking area at Sierra Vista Open Space Preserve. Beyond welcoming you, this will be a silent experience, allowing you to take in the views over the city while enjoying your morning beverage. Have layers on hand and be aware there are no restrooms at this location. Come watch the sunrise in peace and quiet as a wonderful way to start your day! Each ticket is for one parking spot, you will only need one ticket per car. Feel free to bring as many friends in your car as you can legally and safely fit. ***If you unable to attend this event, please cancel your registration so others may attend***

Bill D., Nicole J. and Philip K. will be leading two independent Geology Hikes at MOCR.

Details:

We will need volunteers to come sweep for these hikes. Sweeps will:
1. Ensure participants are following MOCR Preserve rules, which includes not harming any wildlife or plant life, staying on trail and following a "Leave No Trace" policy (i.e. leaving trails intact & not leaving litter behind).

2. Keep participants together! If possible, we recommend having one Sweep at the
front and the back respectively, which you may coordinate among yourselves during the tour. If there is only one Sweep attending the hike they must stay at the back of the group to ensure all participants stay with the group. During non-butterfly season, participants are allowed to leave to hike back on their own. A sweep must go back with them if they are unsure of how to get back.

3. Check in with the leading Docent(s) regularly. Create a positive environment for
participants by answering their questions and bringing a positive attitude.

4. Return any borrowed materials back to the Welcome Table at the end of the hike (devices, QR code sheets, hiking poles, etc.)

Here are the details that have been sent to the public:

Come join OSA docents for a hike to the top of Máyyan 'Ooyákma/Coyote Ridge and learn about our state rock, serpentinite, and the tectonic forces that have shaped our California landscape. If you've taken a wildflower hike at Máyyan 'Ooyákma you've seen the serpentine soil that is host to a number of rare and endangered species -- but how did it get here? And what exactly is serpentine?

In addition to learning about the CA state rock, we will also glimpse the layering of earth strata, faultlines and other features that make this ridge, and California Geology incredibly unique.

Come prepared with close-toed shoes, hiking poles, layers, snacks, sun protection and plenty of water for one of two geology programs.

We will be offering two programs; both start at 10:30 a.m. Details:

Geology Hike, 5.5 mile full loop hike with 1,000 ft elevation gain. 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Serpentine Saunter, 3.2 mile out and back on Bay Checkerspot Trail (500 ft. elevation gain). 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.  Specific Hike Information These hikes include FREQUENT STOPS and groups will STAY TOGETHER. For public safety, rain and red flag warnings will cancel hikes.

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 There will be frequent stops along the trail to look at different rocks and geological features of the trail. Tickets are per person, not per vehicle. 

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