The Open Space Authority is a small agency with a big mission and we need to work with other like-minded organizations to accomplish our goals. We work with community partners to conserve land, restore landscapes, connect people to nature, provide outdoor education, and sustain our natural resources for future generations.
The Authority works with public and private partners to identify, prioritize, and fund the acquisition and management of connected and accessible open space lands and trails. These partnerships include:
Working with willing landowners to purchase land or establish easements on farmlands
Developing and implementing funding strategies for land acquisition and management in coordination with conservation partners
Promoting use of transit to access parks, open space, and trails such as through the Bay Area Open Space Council’s Transit and Trails program
Developing and expanding the Authority’s Urban Open Space Program to implement projects that connect urban residents to local trails and open spaces
Prioritizing local trail projects that link to transit-oriented development or close gaps in established trail networks
Partnering with the County and cities in their efforts to build out their network of planned parks and trail systems
The Authority collaborates with education providers and partners to provide a hands-on experience of nature through a wide variety of programs and projects throughout the Authority's juridiction, including the Authority’s open space preserves and urban parks.
Environmental education programs are also funded through the Urban Grant Program. One category within this competitive grant program aims to advance environmental literacy and nature-oriented experiences for children, adults, and families free of charge.
The Authority partners with West Valley College in a Parks Management Intern Program that gives participants real project experience, such as helping to build the Mayfair Ranch Trail at Rancho Cañada del Oro Open Space Preserve.
Read more about Environmental Education or contact us to inquire.
The Open Space Authority is a member of the following organizations:
