As a fourth-generation farmer from a renowned saffron-producing family in Kashmir, India, Wasim Sahibzada carries a legacy of passion and expertise in saffron cultivation. This deep-rooted connection inspired him to continue his family's proud tradition when he immigrated to California, aiming to introduce this prized spice to his new community. As a public agency that protects working lands and supports local farmers, the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority was eager to help Wasim embark on his saffron farming journey by leasing him a one-acre plot of land. With this opportunity, Wasim seeks to bring the rich heritage of saffron cultivation to the Santa Clara Valley and share its unique value with the region.

Each year on February 11, the world celebrates the contributions of women and girls in science and technology fields while encouraging more females to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Education and Math (STEM). In honor of this day, the Open Space Authority is highlighting female-identifying staff who have past and current experience in the STEM fields. Keep reading to learn more about the amazing Open Space Authority staff members who have pursued these fields!

Ileana Culcea and Peter Takács are proof that nature can bring people together in the most beautiful way. After first meeting at an Open Space Authority volunteer event, their connection grew into a friendship and eventually blossomed into a romantic relationship. Keep reading to learn more about Ileana and Peter’s love story and how the Open Space Authority plays an important role in their foundation.

Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year or the Spring Festival, is a two-week celebration that kicks off the start of the new year which is based on the lunisolar calendar. Each new year is symbolized by one of 12 Chinese zodiac signs which were used as the initial method to count years, months, days and hours in the calendar. 2025 is represented by the snake, a creature that is commonly found at Open Space Authority preserves and known to be a strong protector and, at times, untrustworthy. Keep reading to learn more about snakes and, in particular, red snakes that are native to California!

Garnetta Annable has been a strong regional leader for parks, trails, and open space since the 1980’s, and was active in formation and leadership of the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority over the past several decades. In December 2024, Garnetta stepped down from her role on the Open Space Authority's Board of Directors.

This holiday season, the Open Space Authority is taking the liberty of putting a wish list together for the wildlife that call your open spaces home.

Andrea Mackenzie, the general manager for the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority, shares a reflective and hopeful message about the future of the agency as well as our commitment to caring for nature to benefit the people and wildlife who live in the Santa Clara Valley.

The summer sun was shining against the rolling golden hills of San José as a group of eight high school students worked together over five days to dig holes, insert fence posts into the ground and string wire across a half-mile piece of protected land - all in the name of conservation. This hardworking group from the Student Conservation Association (SCA) completed an impressive fence project where they learned about nature, local wildlife and land management techniques while connecting with their peers.