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Open Space Authority Acquires 52 Acres in Santa Teresa Foothills

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Other Protected Land

Historic Greystone Quarry Site and Beloved Almaden Valley Parcel to be Preserved 

May 9, 2017, San Jose CA: The Open Space Authority has purchased a historic 51.78-acre open space property in the Santa Teresa Foothills from the Pfeiffer family, who settled on the land 146 years ago.  The Santa Teresa Ridge parcel, marked by unique rock outcroppings and extensive valley views, sits on the southern edge of the Santa Teresa Foothills in the City of San José. 

Located above the Greystone neighborhood near the Boulder Ridge Golf Course, the former agricultural parcel is rich in Santa Clara Valley history including the Greystone Quarry site. “The Open Space Authority is excited to protect this history-rich land in the Santa Teresa Foothills,” said Andrea Mackenzie, General Manager. “This acquisition brings us another step closer to creating an interconnected system of open space, parks, and trails and will provide new opportunities to connect communities with nature.” 

“It has a very colorful history,” said Norbert Pfeiffer, Jr. of the family property where he was raised. “We were all over the hills, hiking and biking as kids. It will be an added value to the community. It’s time to let someone else enjoy it.” His cousin Kevin O’Day agreed, stating “seldom do you see what will be a public park so close to an urban area; what a wonderful trail connection that will be. It really puts nature in people’s backyards.” 

As a long-term goal, the land will be key to a growing network of parks, open space, and trails linking the County’s Calero, Santa Teresa, and Almaden Quicksilver Parks with the Authority’s Rancho Cañada del Oro and Coyote Valley Open Space Preserves. The property has prominent sandstone rock outcroppings along the ridge and provides outstanding views across the Almaden Valley towards Mt. Umunhum. 

The Open Space Authority’s Santa Clara Valley Greenprint identifies the Santa Teresa Ridge as an important location for open space protection and as habitat for Bay Checkerspot Butterfly and Santa Clara Valley Dudleya, among other species. The property holds significant historical value as it was once part of the old Greystone Quarry, which operated from the late 1800s until 1906. Stone excavated from the quarry was used to construct the current San José Museum of Art, Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph, and buildings on the Stanford University campus. The family’s connection with the land began with Jacob Pfeiffer who worked at the quarries until 1904. 

The Pfeiffers purchased the property in the 1940s as part of a larger acquisition and worked the land as farmers and ranchers for many years. The Open Space Authority is working with the City of San José and Santa Clara County to assemble a connected system of parks and open space in the Santa Teresa Foothills between Almaden Lake and Santa Teresa County Park. 

Authority staff will manage the property with routine patrols and partner with volunteers from the Graystone of Almaden Neighborhood Association, Santa Teresa Foothills Neighborhood Association, and other local community groups on land management and stewardship activities. Until the property is open to public access, volunteer activities and docent-led tours will provide visitors access to the unique site to learn more about the property’s cultural and historic values. 

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