Search
Menu
Home/Our Work/Land Stewardship
Arrowhead Loop trail marker in foreground, out of focus in the background are two Open Space Technicians in tan uniforms shoveling gravel onto the trail

Stewardship

Taking care of nature

The Open Space Authority works diligently to take care of its beautiful open space lands. By utilizing adaptive management strategies, the Authority is able to keep the preserves in pristine condition for the enjoyment of visitors.

WHAT is adaptive management?

Five Technicians in yellow safety vests standing on bridge and smiling at camera

The Open Space Authority uses an adaptive management approach to maintaining open space lands. Adaptive management is a dynamic, structured process of iterative decision-making that incorporates feedback, new information and environment changes (Greenprint).

The Authority's Land Management team gathers data and continually monitors environmental changes in climate, vegetation, and local and invasive species.

OUR APPROACH

The Open Space Authority's adaptive management strategies are flexible, which allow for our conservation approach to be adjusted as needed based on current and anticipated future conditions.

Strategies include:

  1. Building and managing trails, by identifying routes to avoid sensitive areas, armoring trails with rock, and removing plants to keep paths clear.
  2. Removing invasive plants and dead vegetation to prevent wildfires and keep local ecosystems healthy. Learn more about California's invasive plants at CAL-IPC.
  3. Maintaining facilities care in order to provide a clean and safe environment for visitors.
  4. Acting as ambassadors to Opens Space visitors, interacting with the public and teaching about proper trail use and safety.
  5. Installing wildlife friendly fencing designed to allow animals to travel between territories.
  6. Monitoring wildlife movement through trail cameras in order to track wildlife patterns.