working to protect sensitive lands from development, preserve natural communities, and manage open space in ways that

also promote agriculture and compatible recreation

OSA OUTLOOK
Summer 2007 Vol. 1 No. 2

INSIDE
1 OSA Buys Doan and Nielsen Ranches in South County 2 New Trails Dedicated at Rancho Caada del Oro Open Space Preserve 3 New Summer Day Camp & Senior Walks 3 Schedule Moonlit Hikes & Starry Nights 3 Interpretive Program Partners with Schools
photo by Cait Hutnik

Santa Clara County Open Space Authority 6830 Via del Oro, Ste 200 San Jose, CA 95119

In June OSA completed the purchase of 702 acres of ranch lands in the eastern foothills of south county.

702 acres added to OSA lands

The addition of the Doan and Nielsen ranches brings to 13,061 the total number of acres of open space protected since OSA acquired its rst parcel in 1999.

The new 3.1-mile Mayfair Ranch Trail on Rancho Caada del Oro Open Space Preserve connects the preserves staging area directly to the existing Longwall Canyon and Bald Peaks trails. All trails on the preserve are multi-use and welcome hikers, bicyclists and equestrians.

Rancho Caada del Oro Open Space Preserve Trails Dedicated

he recent opening of more than ve miles of new trails has created access to Rancho Caada del Oro Open Space Preserve for many new visitors. Dozens of bicyclists attended OSAs dedication event June 2 for their rst chance to explore the Mayfair Ranch and Catamount trails. Prior to construction of the new trails, the only access to the preserves existing trails was through Calero County Park where bicycles are prohibited. Now cyclists as well as equestrians and hikers can begin their visit at the staging area on Casa Loma Road. Mayfair Ranch Trail runs from the parking lot, across the road and up the hill into chaparral and oak woodlands where views of the

On June 2 Open Space Authority directors and members of the Citizens Advisory Committee cut the ribbon officially opening three new trails on Rancho Caada del Oro Open Space Preserve. valley and distant ridges quickly become visible. The preserves trail system of more than eight miles covers a range of elevation from approximately 800 to 1800 feet above sea level. Some stretches are steep and have little shade, which can make them challenging in the summer months. Drinking water is not available at the staging area so visitors are encouraged to bring their own as well as protection from the sun. Though mountain lion sightings are rare, hiking or biking with a partner is also recommended. Visitors looking for a shorter or less strenuous trail experience can enjoy the Llagas Creek Loop Trail. The nearly half-mile paved nature trail circles the meadow next to the staging area. Its a great place for exercise, whether walking, jogging, roller blading or cycling. Parents with strollers, children on tricycles, and visitors using wheelchairs will feel comfortable here.

One of the things to look out for on the Mayfair Ranch Trail is poison oak. Many of the 3-leaf clusters are bright red at this time.

NEW MULTI-USE TRAILS: Llagas Creek Loop Trail .46 miles Catamount Trail 1.7 miles Mayfair Ranch Trail 3.1 miles

photo by Cait Hutnik

photos by Lark Burkhart

Santa Clara County Open Space Authority

6830 Via del Oro, Ste 200 San Jose, CA 95119 tel 408.224.7476 fax 408.224.7548

www.openspaceauthority.org

photo by Cait Hutnik

Moonlit Hikes & Starry Nights

OSA Auditions Day Camp and Senior Walks

session. The rst session is July 23 through July 27 and the second session is August 6 through August 10.

The second new program provides an opportunity for senior citizens to get out for a walk and enjoy nature his summer OSA will offer two in the company of others. Every public programs that introduce Saturday in August staff will be on new activities to its roster of site at Rancho Caada del Oro from community services. 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. The rst is Discovering Nature Summer Day Camp, a free event for kids that will also help staff develop future programs for children with special needs. Two week-long sessions will offer activities, hikes, arts and crafts and daily nature programs for children entering second through fourth grades. The camps will run from 9 a.m. till noon Monday through Friday at Rancho Caada del Oro and are limited to 15 students per An interpreter-led nature walk on a half-mile paved trail will begin at 8 a.m. Walking and visiting continue all morning. There are picnic tables, parking, and a restroom at the staging area. The trail and all facilities are wheelchair accessible. For more information about these activities visit the web at www. openspaceauthority.org or contact Teri Rogoway at 408.224.7476 or trogoway@openspaceauthority.org.

Cat Around Night Hike Saturday, July 28, 9 p.m. Rancho Caada del Oro Mountain lions, bobcats and house cats all have some things in common. Learn what on a night hike with OSA staff. Meet at the staging area and bring a flashlight. Ohlone Indian Starry Night Saturday, August 11, 7:45 p.m. Rancho Caada del Oro Learn about the regions rich cultural history as you wait for the stars to come out. Then enjoy an evening of stargazing with local astronomers. Bring a flashlight. Night Hike with the Pioneers Saturday, August 25, 7:30 p.m. Rancho Caada del Oro Learn about the pioneers and farmers who took care of this land as you hike to the top of the ridge with OSA staff. Meet at the staging area and bring a flashlight. Special Spider Starry Night Saturday, September 8, 7:45 p.m. Rancho Caada del Oro Its almost tarantula mating season and the tarantulas are migrating. Learn about them as you wait for the stars to come out for an evening of stargazing. Bring a flashlight. Tarantula Night Hike Saturday, September 29, 6:30 p.m. Rancho Caada del Oro Learn about the secret life of tarantulas as you hike to the top of the ridge to view the city lights with OSA staff. Meet in the staging area. Bring warm clothing and a flashlight.

Interpretive Program Into Nature

photo by Lark Burkhart

Puts Kids

Students from Eva Swopes fourth grade class at Morgan Hill Charter School learn the impacts of climate change on plants and animals during a recent visit to Rancho Caada del Oro with OSA interpreter Teri Rogoway. The interpretive activities complemented their classroom studies. Teri can tailor a variety of free programs to meet curriculum needs.

OSA Protects Valuable Ranch Land

the Santa Clara Valley oor and the Diablo Range. ith the recent purchase of the Doan and Nielsen ranches the Open Space Authority has protected their oakstudded rolling hills, a landscape characteristic of the region, for all time. The two properties totalling 702 acres were acquired in two separate transactions in January and June of this year at a cost of $7.1 million. The ranches have been active cattle operations for a number of years and grazing will continue to be a signicant part of OSAs grassland management program. The lands are home to a wide range of wildlife including bobcats, grey foxes, golden eagles and mountain lions. They also preserve an important corridor for animals moving between

Several ponds are located on the ranches and San Ysidro Creek ows through both properties. They front Caada Road north of Highway 152 and are located just a few miles west of Henry Coe State Parks southern tip. OSA eld staff have begun the process of surveying and mapping the natural and cultural resources

Ponds provide aquatic habitat for plants and wildlife. The ranches also support grasslands, oak woodlands and mixed stands of walnut, sycamore, bay and willow trees.

photos by Lark Burkhart

Approximately 10 miles of old ranch fencing cross the land where cattle graze. OSAs grassland management will require repairing, replacing or removing fences as appropriate to meet open space goals. found on the land. When funding becomes available, the planning of improvements such as trails and parking can begin, and community input will be invited. Preserving the land from development was the rst step; the second step of creating public access is expected to take a number of years.

Santa Clara County

Acres: 702 Acquired: January and June, 2007 Cost: $7,116,935 Location: North of Highway 152

Preservation Goals: Habitat Viewshed Ranch Land