Cultural Competency Project

$99,984

open space authority funds contributed to project

2023

project awarded

Saved By Nature’s Cultural Competency Project engages over one thousand people of all backgrounds and abilities through three types of environmental education programs: 16 natural & culturally relevant guided nature hikes for underserved multigenerational communities and first time park users; 14 weeks of hand-on science day camp activities for 3rd - 5th graders in collaboration with seven clubhouses from the Boys & Girls Club of Silicon Valley; and two immersive 2-day, 1-night backpacking experiences for up to 30 at-promise-youth teens and their staff in partnership with Youth Alliance. The program mentors and elevates other organizations by sharing best practices of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Participants discover and explore breathtaking open spaces near home together, gain skills and confidence that will embolden them to return many times over, steward our natural areas, as well as engage in restorative practices that foster joy and healing in the open space areas of our region.
Award Date:
May 18, 2023
Program:
Urban Grant Program
Location:
Multiple Boys and Girls clubs, parks, and preserves in Santa Clara County

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Cultural Competency Project (CCP)

Cultural Competency Project (CCP)

Saved By Nature engages people of all backgrounds and abilities through 3 types of nature education programs: a series of 19 nature walks, virtual and attended, for the general public, a month of in-person summer programs in collaboration with partners for the Boys & Girls Club of Silicon Valley for children 3rd – 5th grades, and an immersive 2 days of outings followed by an overnight camping experience for teens. We will mentor and elevate other organizations through this program.

Penitencia Creek Trail and tall trees next to shady creek below

Penitencia Creek Trail

Penitencia Creek Trail

The Open Space Authority has contributed $265,284 toward Reach 1 of the Penitencia Creek Trail. This section stretches from Alum Rock Park to Noble Avenue. The trail will follow one of the few urban creeks in the county that flows through its natural channel, offering visitors a chance to observe a riparian ecosystem.

Group of smiling people standing in front of tree at Rancho Cañada del Oro Open Space Preserve

South Bay Expansion (2016)

South Bay Expansion (2016)

The Authority funded Bay Area Wilderness Training's South Bay Capacity Building Project (Getting Underserved Youth Outside). This project expanded services in Santa Clara County through hiring a new South Bay Community Outreach Coordinator, conducting a Hiking Leadership Training course, conducting two Front Country Leadership Training courses, and expanding outdoor equipment lending and trip support services through the Milpitas Gear Library. This project will increase the number of program partners and environmental educators in Santa Clara County and boost the number of outdoor trips and diverse youth visiting Authority land and other area parks, including Rancho Cañada del Oro Open Space Preserve.