Located at the southern edge of San José, Coyote Valley is remarkable for its scenic beauty, wildlife biodiversity, prime farmland, and natural floodplains. It is also situated at the narrowest point between the Santa Cruz Mountains to the west and the Diablo Range to the east, making it a critical “landscape linkage” that allows wildlife to move between over one million acres of core habitat in the surrounding mountain ranges.
Thanks to the tireless commitment of partners and community members, over 1,600 acres of valley-floor lands are now protected forever in Coyote Valley. But land protection is just the beginning of an amazing conservation story that’s unfolding here. In partnership with Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST), City of San José, and other agencies, The Open Space Authority has embarked on a public planning process to define the future of Coyote Valley and provide more public access. We invite everyone to get involved as we plan, restore, and steward this important landscape.
Speakers and Presentations
1. Introduction to Coyote Valley and the Coyote Valley Conservation Areas Mater Plan (CVCAMP)
Jennifer Peth, Senior Open Space Planner at the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority
The Authority and its partners are currently creating the Coyote Valley Conservation Areas Master Plan (CVCAMP), a science-based and community-informed plan focused on the future restoration and use of the protected valley floor lands in Coyote Valley. CVCAMP involves multiple phases, all leading to the publication of a master plan document. So, what makes this landscape so special? And what are the benefits and considerations for conservation here?
2. Hydrology and Watershed Restoration in Coyote Valley
Rachel Clemons, Watershed Restoration Specialist at the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority
Since the early 1900s, Coyote Valley’s wetlands, creeks, ponds, and groundwater sources have been extensively modified by human development. We now have the opportunity to restore some of these features and improve ecosystem function. So, what are the specific opportunities and constraints for aquatic restoration work here?
3. Wildlife Habitat and Connectivity in Coyote Valley
Taylor Jang, Senior Land Manager at the Peninsula Open Space Trust
Meet some of our beautiful and charismatic focal species! How do we enhance their habitat and help them move safely across the valley? The ecologically rich landscape of Coyote Valley offers an unparalleled opportunity to save irreplaceable remnants of rare habitat, protect resident and migratory wildlife, and allow for adaptation to climate change.
The Zoom link will be in your confirmation email.