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Chris Horii at Trail Day with the FOSTP sign

Friends of Santa Teresa Park

The Friends of Santa Teresa Park is a volunteer organization based in San Jose whose purpose is to support Santa Teresa County Park. The president is Mike Boulland. Meetings are normally held the first Thursday of each month. Check for schedule changes below. The public is invited. Typical meeting topics include park news, history, trail conditions, community issues, volunteer opportunities, and future plans.

Our next meeting will be held on Thursday, October 6, 2016 at 7:00 pm.

Our meetings are held at the Santa Teresa Golf Club upper clubhouse/banquet room at 260 Bernal Road, San Jose. Everyone is invited. Contact your neighbors and friends for new members. We are always looking for help in making Santa Teresa Park a better and safer place for our community.  

Minutes from past meetings are available below. See the meeting minutes for park news and upcoming events.

 See you Thursday night,
 Mike Boulland

For more information on the Friends of Santa Teresa Park, contact Mike Boulland.
See and join our Yahoo Group.
For questions on the stpfriends.org website, contact our webmaster, Ron Horii.

For County Parks volunteers, enter your volunteer hours here.



Mike Boulland greeting ranger on Stile Ranch Trail

Greetings from Mike Boulland:

The Friends of Santa Teresa Park welcome you and your family to our web page. We welcome you to participate in our service activities to make Santa Teresa Park a gem in the Santa Clara County Park system. Please use this web page to find out about our various activities. 

We invite you to explore and walk in the evening after work along the foothill trails to visit some of the most scenic sites in the entire Santa Clara Valley. Hopefully, you will visit our majestic waterfall trail and eat a snack at its base. Included, in our invitation is a walk to the upper meadows. We encourage you to sit in the shade of the Pueblo area and enjoy watching the various wildlife animals graze on the wild vegetation. Those of you who like views may take an enjoyable hike up Coyote Peak to get a vista view of the whole county. The trail’s scenic views can stretch the boundaries of your eye from San Mateo to Morgan Hill. 

We encourage you to use our web site to help you and your family gain information about our activities and events. We are a growing organization, whose members are dedicated to improving Santa Teresa County Park’s resources for the public to enjoy. 

Join us on our trail building day events, historical adventures, docent activities and other park service projects. We welcome all the volunteers we can muster. In the future we will need lots of volunteers to help us establish a docent program for the Joice-Bernal Museum site. 

Our organization is recognized with the County of Santa Clara Volunteer program and we can offer you and your family an opportunity to volunteer for fun service and be rewarded with a free County Parks parking pass. 

We meet monthly on the first Thursday night at 7:00 in the upper Santa Teresa Golf Course Clubhouse. 

Mike Boulland 
President of Friends of Santa Teresa Park

Vision Statement: Our Vision is to help protect, enhance, maintain and restore Santa Teresa Park and the surrounding neighborhood through education, volunteer involvement, coordination, and communications with the Santa Clara County Parks and Recreation Department Staff, the City of San Jose, and the greater community.


News


  • Widening Curie Drive at the Pyzak/Bonetti Ranch is in the County Parks 2016 budget. The work will be completed in 2017.
  • See our new FOSTP flyer for June 2015. See our newsletter for June-July 2015.
  • Ron Horii's pictures were used for the County Parks' "Nature is Nearby" Billboards. One of them was a picture of Santa Teresa Park. It was on Keyes St. west of 8th St., on the south side facing east, 5 blocks west of Senter. Story Road going west turns into Keyes. It showed the Coyote Peak Trail below Coyote Peak. The billboard campaign was intended to make urban residents award of the natural areas nearby. They showed County Parks, most of which are less than a half hour's drive from the billboards.
    Santa Teresa Park billboard
  • We applied for and received a City of San Jose CAP Grant (Community Action and Pride). See the August 2015 meeting minutes for details of the application.
  • Ron Horii taught a class in outdoor photography on November 14, 2015 at the Bernal Ranch in Santa Teresa Park at 10 am. See below for details. See here for pictures of the class.
  • On March 3, 2016, we had a special community meeting with representatives from the County Parks rangers, sheriffs deputies, San Jose Police, San Jose Council District 2 to discuss issues with the park. Here is a flyer for the meeting, the meeting agenda, the goals of the meeting, FOSTP board members and vision, the list of contacts, and the meeting minutes. 
  • We have 2 wildflower hikes in Santa Teresa Park that we are leading in April (here is a poster):
    • April 16 at 10:00 am on Bernal Hill, starting at the Bernal-Gulnac-Joice Ranch on Manila Drive. (See here for pictures of this hike).
    • April 30 on the Stile Ranch, Mine, and Fortini trails, starting at the Fortini/Stil Ranch Trailhead on San Vicente Avenue off Fortini Road at 9:00 am.
  • Ron Horii gave an outdoor photography class and hike at Coyote Lake/Harvey Bear Ranch County Park on May 7, 2016 at 10:00. Here's a poster for the class/hike.
  • Our members helped out at Festival in the Park at Hellyer County Park on Saturday June 4.
  • Ron Horii gave a nature photography class and hike at Coyote Valley Open Space Preserve on Saturday June 11, 2016 at 4:00 pm. He will be giving another class there at 4:00 pm on July 23. He will be giving another class at Ulistac Natural Area in Santa Clara on 8/20 on 4:00 pm. See the Open Space Authority's Activities Calendar. Ron has a class tentatively scheduled on Nov. 12 at 10 am at the Bernal Ranch in Santa Teresa Park.
  • Ron Horii was featured on an episode of the "Open Road" TV show on NBC Bay Area, hosted by Doug McConnell. Ron talked about Santa Teresa Park and other parks and about his outdoor photography classes. His pictures of the parks and classes were shown.
    Ron Horii being interviewed by Doug McConnell
  • Family Fandango is the biggest event at the Bernal Ranch. We will be helping out with the event and will have a booth there: Saturday, August 13, Family Fandango • Santa Teresa’s Historic Bernal Ranch • 5pm-8pm. "Celebrate the history of early California and its ties to the Anza Expedition and the Bernal family. The evening’s focus is family fun through song, dance, demonstrations, and activities that highlight the many contributions of our early communities. Location is Camino Verde at Manila Drive. Food available for purchase. Questions? (408) 918-7770."
  • From Assemblymember Mark Stone:
    Did you know that Santa Clara County Parks is celebrating turning 60 this year? You are invited to join me and Santa Clara County Supervisor Mike Wasserman in spending the day enjoying and celebrating a local favorite, the Almaden Quicksilver County Park. Join us for breakfast and conversation, and then stay to attend fun-filled guided tours of Casa Grande and the town of New Almaden. Saturday, August 27, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Almaden Quicksilver County Park. Parking located at Casa Grande Museum: 21350 Almaden Rd, San Jose, CA 95120.
    10  – 11 a.m.  Breakfast with Assemblymember Stone and Supervisor Wasserman at Casa Grande
    11 a.m. – Noon Walking tour of the Town of New Almaden
    Noon – 1 p.m. Tour of Casa Grande
    This event is FREE, but RSVPs are encouraged due to limited space. Please let us know if you have any special needs.  For more information and to RSVP, please call my office at (831) 425-1503 or email angela.gile@asm.ca.gov.
  • The Volunteer Recognition Banquet for Santa Clara County Park volunteers will be held on Saturday August 27 from 12:00 to 2:00 pm at Martial Cottle Park. "Volunteers who have recorded at least 5 hours of service in the last year will be invited to attend. Please submit any outstanding hours either online or to volunteer@prk.sccgov.org by June 30, 2016 to ensure we fully recognize you for your achievements! NOTE: If you would like to check how many hours you have recorded, in order to confirm your invitation, please  contact the Volunteer Program by email volunteer@prk.sccgov.org or by calling at 408-918-4930."
  • See our new Summer 2016 newsletter. It has articles about our park-community meeting, Family Fandango, Bernal Family member Dorothy Wuss, Bernal Zorros, our spring wildflower hikes, a memorial to former County Parks director Lisa Killough, Measures Q and A, Old Fashioned Wash Days, cleanup of Santa Teresa Spring, cream sac wildflowers, Ron Horii's appearance on the "Open Road" TV show, and senior park ranger Phil Hearin.
  • We submitted our application for a City of San Jose Community Action and Pride (CAP) Grant for Cycle 30, which runs from 9/1/16 to 8/31/17. We requested a grant of $1,150 to pay for our UNSCC membership, website, newsletter, PO Box, and event expenses, including Fandango and National Night Out in 2017. We will be looking at organizing a National Night Out event, which will be held on Aug. 1, 2017.
  • At our August 4, 2016 meeting, County Parks Natural Resources Program Supervisor Barry Hill and Deputy Director Don Rocha came to give us an update on cattle grazing in Santa Teresa Park. Here is Barry Hill's presentation on it.
  • The Friends of Santa Teresa Park went on a field trip to see Monterey State Historic Park, Fisherman's Wharf, and historic sites in Salinas:
  • On 8/30/16, Mike Boulland, Kitty Monahan, and Ron Horii met with County Parks Director Robb Courtney. To discuss the Santa Teresa County Park Historic Site Plan and its implementation. Here is the presentation we gave.

   Old News
  • The Santa Teresa Community Fest will be held on Saturday September 18, 2010 from 11 am to 5 pm, George Page Park, Santa Teresa Blvd. at Miyuki Drive. The Friends of Santa Teresa Park had a booth there.
  • The County Parks is hosting a series of community meetings on setting the criteria for their acquisition plans. See here for more information. See here for the flyer on the community workshops.
  • The dedication ceremony for the Albertson Parkway was held on Saturday August 29, 2009 from 10:00-10:30 am at Jaggers and Conejo.
  • The Santa Teresa County Park Site Historic Plan final plan documents are available on the website. The plan was presented to the Historic Heritage Commission on 2/19/09, which was the last forum for public input before the CEQA and environmental review process begins. A public meeting was held on August 11, 2009 to discuss the Draft Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration for the plan.
  • We had a farewell celebration at the Mounted Ranger Unit, Monday evening, June 29, 2009.
  • Our organization was featured in the June San Jose City Council District 2 newsletter. We had our picture taken at our May meeting.
  • Councilmember Ash Kalra's District 2 newsletter for March 2011 has a picture on page 3 taken by Ron Horii from the Ridge Trail in Santa Teresa Park, showing a rainbow over the Santa Teresa Golf Course.
  • We participated in the Santa Teresa Library Anniversary on Feb. 5, 2011. We had a table, where we displayed artifacts, models, and passed out literature. Mike Boulland read stories to the kids. Ron Horii showed a slideshow on Santa Teresa Park (56 MB), Sam Drake had a display and gave a slideshow and demo on geocaching.
  • We gave a presentation and crafts activity on Santa Teresa wildflowers at the Santa Teresa Library on 4/30/11.
  • We are working on a design for an interpretive plaque on Coyote Peak. Here is a picture of a mock-up design for the plaque.
  • We have applied for Cycle 25 of the City of San Jose's CAP Grant. Here is a copy of our application. We have been awarded a CAP Grant for 2011-2012 of $500, which is half of what we asked for. Our application was initially denied, but after writing a letter of appeal and making a presentation, we received funding for everything except for Fandango Entertainment.
  • Ron Horii made a slideshow on Santa Teresa Park, the Albertson Parkway, and views from La Colina Park.
  • We helped out at Festival in the Park at Hellyer County Park on Saturday June 25. It ran from 11 am to 4 pm. There were booths for County Parks volunteers and Friends groups. We provided our latest newsletter and other information. Our members helped out in various places at the Festival. Here is a web page on the festival.
  • We will be taking a guided tour of Gilroy Hot Springs on July 31. Everyone is invited. Contact Mike Boulland for more details.
  • We be participating in Family Fandango at Santa Teresa Park on August 13, 2011. We could use help manning the booths and activities. Check back for more details.
  • The new County Parks Park Here Brochure is available, which has maps, pictures, and descriptions of all the County Parks. The cover picture is of the Norred Trail in Santa Teresa Park, taken on 5/27/10 by Ron Horii. Ron also took the pictures of Alviso Marina, Chesbro Reservoir, Chitactac-Adams Park, Uvas Reservoir, Rancho San Antonio Park, Sanborn Park, and Stevens Creek Park.
  • Councilmember Ash Kalra's District 2 newsletter for June 2011 has a picture on page 3 taken by Ron Horii from the Norred Trail in Santa Teresa Park, showing the Albertson Parkway.
  • The new County Parks Fall 2011-Spring 2012 Play Here Brochure is available. The cover picture is of the Bernal-Gulnac-Joice Ranch barns taken by Ron Horii. Ron took many of the pictures inside the brochure.
  • The Santa Teresa Community Fest will not be held this year (2011). It should be returning in 2012.
  • Ron Horii has a display of Park Photography at the Santa Teresa Library in the Community Room in September 2011. It will be on display for about a month. The room is normally open only for events. The best time to see it is during the Friends of the Santa Teresa Library's book sale on Saturday September 17 from 10 am to 4 pm.
  • Ron Horii had his display of park photography to Moonbeams Coffee, across Santa Teresa Blvd. from the Santa Teresa Library, next to 24 Hour Fitness, for the month of October, 2011.
  • We, the Friends of Santa Teresa Park, celebrated our 20th anniversary at the Santa Teresa Library from 10 am to 2 pm on Saturday March 24. We had an  information table where we passed out park information. Paul Bernal loaned us pictures of the Bernal Family and Rancho Santa Teresa and costumes so kids could dress up as Spanish soldiers. There were be arts and crafts for kids. Boy Scout Troop 227 had displays of their projects at Santa Teresa Park. Ron Horii had park pictures on display and a slideshow. The Tenor Band provided musical entertainment.
  • Major construction of the East Barn at the Bernal-Gulnac-Joice Ranch has been completed. 4-H will use the barn for an animal project, most likely in 2014.
  • The Healthy Trails 3rd Edition guide has been published. It includes 2 trail routes in Santa Teresa Park.
  • Ron Horii will be teaching an introduction to outdoor photography workshop at the Bernal-Gulnac-Joice Ranch on Saturday October 4 at 10:00 am. He will show how to choose and use a camera, how to take better outdoor pictures, and photo composition. The workshop includes a slideshow, demonstration, and a walk around the historic area to take pictures. Meet at the Bernal Ranch barn. Register online or call 408-355-2201.
  • Coyote Peak Interpretive Sign Dedication Event: We designed a new interpretive sign for Coyote Peak. We had a dedication ceremony on October 25, 2014 at 10:00 am. (See the event flyer.) It was held in the covered group picnic site in the Pueblo Day Use Area of Santa Teresa Park. The event included music, refreshments, displays, information, talks, awards, and acknowledgments. Parking fees were waived. Unfortunately, due to the weather, we were not able to have our planned sign unveiling ceremony up on Coyote Peak, so we unveiled a copy of the sign in the Pueblo Area. (See the pictures from the event and of the sign.)

Newsletters
 New Pictures!

Rainbow over Santa Teresa Golf Course from the Ridge Trail


New Santa Teresa Park web pages with pictures:
Web Pages On Other Parks


Yahoo Group Pictures

Coyote Peak
Pictures for FOSTP Yahoo Group members only (anyone can apply to join, but you need a Yahoo ID, which is free):

Park Events


Pre-Mother's Day Hike, Fortini Trail

Park Events for 2016
The following activities and events are in Santa Teresa Park and/or FOSTP members are involved:

Santa Teresa Park Events:
  • Saturday, January 16, 2016, Martin Luther King Jr. Service Trail day, 9:00 am - 1:00 pm. Join the Santa Clara County Park staff in a day of service honoring Martin Luther King, Jr. Volunteers will work closely with expert park staff and learn the art and science behind trail maintenance as they make improvements to the Rocky Ridge Trail. Volunteers will meet park staff at 9:00 a.m. at the Pueblo Area Corral parking lot in Santa Teresa County Park, 260 Bernal Road, San Jose, CA. 95119. Pre-registration is required. No special skills are required, but the work may be moderately strenuous. Please wear long pants and hiking boots and bring a long-sleeved shirt, sun or rain protection and a water bottle and snack. All necessary tools and work gloves are provided. All registered volunteers will receive a confirmation notice prior to the event, including a map and final details. For more information, please email volunteer@prk.sccgov.org or call 408.918.4930.​​​​
  • Saturday, February 13, 2016, 9:00 am-1:30 pm. Lichen: ​A ​Closer ​Look. Santa ​Teresa ​-​ ​Fortini ​Trailhead.  Enjoy a moderate 2.8-mile loop hike with a park docent to discover numerous brightly colored lichen varieties that thrive in serpentine grasslands and learn ways these organisms benefit both wildlife and the environment. Meet at the Stile Ranch Trail parking lot at the end of Fortini Road. Questions? (408) 918-7770.
  • Saturday, March 19, 2016, Guided 4-mile hike along the Anza Trail, 10:30AM - 1PM, Santa Teresa County Park. Meet at the Pueblo Day Use Area. Guided 4-mile hike along the Anza Trail.In honor of the National Park Service Centennial, join Santa Clara County Parks and the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail for guided hikes to hear the story of the Anza Expedition. Learn about the first non-Native families to travel overland into California and how Anza brought hundreds of people safely across the desert to colonize the Bay Area in 1776. Families welcome. Wear good shoes and sunblock. Please bring water and a light lunch/snack. Contact: Daniel Sanchez, Juan Bautista de Anza NHT 415-623-2351 or daniel_s_sanchez@nps.gov.
  • Saturday 4/16/16, 10 am to 1 pm, Santa Teresa's Historic Bernal Ranch. Bernal Hill History and Wildflower Hike. Park docents with the Friends of Santa Teresa Park will lead a hike up to view the spectacular wildflowers on Bernal Hill. Before the hike, we will tour the historic Bernal Ranch and Santa Teresa Spring with the park's interpreter. Bring water and hiking shoes. Camera recommended. Moderate hike.
  • Friday April 22, Find Balance- Yoga Hike Meditate,  Santa Teresa's Historic Bernal Ranch 5:30 pm - 07:30 pm. ​Find Balance. Refresh your mind, body and spirit with Mother Nature. Join Chris and Parisa Shelton of Morning Crane as they lead a special two hour yoga + hike + meditation excursion in the beautiful Santa Teresa (South San Jose) hills. Participants will start with a gentle yoga stretch at the base of Bernal-Gulnac-Joice Ranch, then hike about a mile up the hill.  Once at the peak enjoy basic Qigong and yoga movements and guided meditation. Students will learn simple and effective methods for cultivating greater health, self-healing and energy enhancement by practicing gentle postures, breathing and mind intentions. The two hour class is suitable for people with average to above-average physical capabilities. Comfortable clothes and shoes are recommended. Yoga mat or blanket nice to have but not required.  Suitable for ages 13+. Pricing: $20 first time, repeat client $15, $65 for five classes.
  • Saturday 4/30/16, 10 am to 1 pm, Santa Teresa Park. Pre-Mother's Day Healthy Trails Wildflower Hike. Bring your moms and the whole family out to enjoy a 2.6-mile spring wildflower hike led by park docents from the Friends of Santa Teresa Park. Explore the park’s geology and history along the Fortini, Mine, and Stile Ranch Trails. Meet at the park’s Stile Ranch/Fortini Trailhead at the Fortini Road and San Vicente Avenue. Bring water and hiking shoes. Moderate hike.
  • Saturday, May 14, Night of the Amphibians, Santa Teresa’s Historic Bernal Ranch • 7:30pm-10:30pm. Join aquarium experts and herpetologists to learn about local salamanders, frogs, and toads. Pet one if you dare! After the program stay for popcorn, lemonade, and the campy horror classic “Creature from the Black Lagoon.” To register call (408) 226-5453.
  • Friday, May 20, Find Balance: Yoga, Hike, Meditate, Santa Teresa’s Historic Bernal Ranch • 5:30pm-7:30pm. Refresh your mind, body, and spirit with Morning Crane docents in the
    Santa Teresa hills. Begin with gentle yoga, then a 1-mile hike uphill. Finish with yoga and guided meditation at the peak. Suitable for ages 13+ in good physical condition. Meet at the Joice trailhead with comfortable clothes and yoga mat or blanket. Register online or call (408) 391-2846.
  • Thursday, June 23, Find Balance: Yoga, Hike, Meditate, Santa Teresa’s Historic Bernal Ranch • 6pm-8pm. Refresh your mind, body and spirit with Morning Crane docents in the Santa
    Teresa hills. Begin with gentle yoga, then a 1-mile hike uphill. Finish with yoga and guided meditation at the peak. Suitable for ages 13+ in good physical condition. Meet at the Joice trailhead with comfortable clothes and yoga mat or blanket. Register online or call (408) 391-2846.
  • Saturday, June 25, In the Park after Dark Movie Night • Santa Teresa • 8:30pm-11:30pm. Enjoy a night under the stars with family and friends. Come early to learn about your local County Parks and watch a FREE movie on a big screen. Meet at the Corral Parking Lot with flashlights, lawn chairs and blankets. Questions? Call (408) 225-0225. 
  • Saturday, July 9, Night of the Meat-Eating Plants, Santa Teresa Park’s Historic Bernal Ranch • 7:30pm-10pm. Join carnivorous plant experts to learn about both local and exotic meat-eating plants. Take one home if you win the drawing. Stay afterward for popcorn, lemonade, and the campy horror film “Day of the Triffids.” To register call (408) 226-5453.
  • Thursday, July 21, Find Balance: Yoga, Hike, Meditate, Santa Teresa’s Historic Bernal Ranch • 6:30pm-8:30pm. Refresh your mind, body and spirit with Morning Crane docents in the Santa Teresa hills. Begin with gentle yoga, then a 1-mile hike uphill. Finish with yoga and guided meditation at the peak. Suitable for ages 13+ in good physical condition. Meet at the Joice trailhead with comfortable clothes and yoga mat or blanket. Register online or call (408) 391-2846.
  • Saturday, July 23,  Calling Coyotes Night Hike • Santa Teresa • 7:30pm-9:30pm. The odds are high that you will hear and Maybe even see coyotes that live in the area! You will get a chance to call them out and see if they respond. Meet at the Corral Lot with warm clothes and sturdy shoes. Questions? (408) 225-0225.
  • Sunday, July 31, A Taste of Archery • Santa Teresa • 8:30am & 10:30am. Join the Black Mountain Bowmen to learn how to shoot a compound or recurve bow, fletch arrows and make a bow string. Ages 6 and up with parent. A mandatory safety class and equipment are provided by Predator’s Archery. Meet at the archery range on Avenida Espana. Choose from the 8:30-10am or 10:30-12pm class. Register online or call (408) 355-2201.
  • Saturday, August 6 thru 7, Movie, Night Hike, and Campout • Santa Teresa • 8pm-8am. Enjoy a sunset hike, outdoor movie and overnight campout in the park! Bring your own tents or recreational vehicle. Cost is $15/camping family and $6/vehicle. Restrooms available but no electricity or showers provided. Limited space available. To register call (408) 225-0225.
  • Thursday, August 11, Find Balance: Yoga, Hike, Meditate, Santa Teresa’s Historic Bernal Ranch • 6pm-8pm. Refresh your mind, body and spirit with Morning Crane docents in the Santa Teresa hills. Begin with gentle yoga, then a 1-mile hike uphill. Finish with yoga and guided meditation at the peak. Suitable for ages 13+ in good physical condition. Meet at the Joice trailhead with comfortable clothes and yoga mat or blanket. Register online or call (408) 391-2846.
  • Saturday, August 13, Family Fandango • Santa Teresa’s Historic Bernal Ranch • 5pm-8pm. Celebrate the history of early California and its ties to the Anza Expedition and the Bernal family. The evening’s focus is family fun through song, dance, demonstrations, and activities that highlight the many contributions of our early communities. Location is Camino Verde at Manila Drive. Food available for purchase. Questions? (408) 918-7770.
  • Saturday, August 20, Old Fashioned Games and Wash Days, Santa Teresa’s Historic Bernal Ranch • 12pm-3pm. Play old-fashioned games from the past. Learn how clothes were washed with scrub boards and lye soap. Try your hand at roping a saw-horse and making an animation wheel from 100 years ago. The ranch is located at the corner of Camino Verde and Manila Dr. in San Jose. Questions? (408) 226-5453.
  • Saturday, September 10, Micro ​Zoology ​Movie ​Night, 7:30 PM - 10:30 PM, Bernal-​Gulnac-​Joice ​Ranch ​(Manila ​Drive). Join experts for a show and tell about microscopic creatures. Look at life under a drop of water. Afterward, munch on popcorn while watching the old-time classic “Fantastic Voyage”. To register call (408) 226-5453.
  • Sunday, September 24, A ​Taste ​of ​Archery, 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM, Santa ​Teresa ​-​ ​Archery ​Range. ​Join the Black Mountain Bowmen to learn how to shoot a compound or recurve bow, fletch arrows and make a bow string. Ages 6 and up with parent. A mandatory safety class and equipment are provided by Predator's Archery. Meet at the archery range on Avenida Espana Drive. Choose from the 8:30-10am or 10:30-12pm class. Register online or call (408) 355-2201.
  • Saturday, October 15, Explore ​the ​Outer ​Limits: ​Stargazing 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM, Bernal-​Gulnac-​Joice ​Ranch ​(Manila ​Drive). ​Explore the cosmos with professional star gazers and their equipment. Watch old episodes of the Outer Limits while munching on popcorn and drinking lemonade. To register call (408) 226-5453.
  • Saturday, November 12, Introduction ​to ​Outdoor ​Photography, 10:00 AM - 01:00 PM, Bernal-​Gulnac-​Joice ​Ranch ​(Manila ​Drive). ​Join a docent for a FREE outdoor photography workshop. Learn how to choose and use a camera, how to take better outdoor pictures and about photo composition. Workshop begins with an indoor slideshow, followed by demonstrations and a walk around the historic area to take pictures. Meet at the ranch house with your camera. Register online or call (408) 355-2201.
Events in Other Parks:
  • Sunday, March 13, 2016, Spring Forward Nature Walk, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm, Calero. Enjoy early spring wildflowers that thrive in the Park’s serpentine grasslands on a 1.5-mile leisurely walk. Along the way observe a variety of endangered species found only in this unique environment. Meet at the Calero Park office off McKean Rd. (south of reservoir), then carpool to the trailhead. This is a guided walk in an area not yet open for public access; group stays together; no restrooms except at meeting location. Questions? (408) 918-7770.
  • Sunday, April 3, 10, 17, and 24, 2016, Spring Wildflowers Nature Walk, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm, Calero. See March 13, 2016, Calero.
  • Saturday May 7, 2016, 10 am to 2:30 pm, Coyote Lake/Harvey Bear. Join docent and Park Photographer Ron Horii for a photography class and 3.7-mile hike on the spectacular Mummy Mountain Trail at Coyote Lake/Harvey Bear Ranch County Park. Learn outdoor photography techniques and take pictures of the breathtaking scenery. Bring a camera or smartphone, sturdy hiking shoes, snacks or lunch, water, and sun protection. Meet at the Mendoza Ranch parking lot on Roop Road, bring a camera. Moderate hike.
  • Sunday, May 15 and 22, 2016, Native Plant Discovery Nature Walk, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm, Calero. See March 13, 2016, Calero.
  • Thursday, May 19, Healthy Trails Hike • Calero • 9am-11am. Hike through diverse habitats and enjoy breathtaking views of Calero Reservoir on a 3.5-mile hike on the Los Cerritos and Pena Trails. Meet at the park office (south of the reservoir) with water and snacks. Questions? (408) 918-7772.
  • May 20-22, V-O-Cal trail work days on the New Almaden Trail in Almaden Quicksilver and the new trail at Calero's Rancho San Vicente. See here for details and to register.
  • Sunday, May 22, Native Plant Discovery Nature Walk • Calero • 9am-12pm. Enjoy a leisurely 1.5-mile walk to see spring wildflowers that thrive in the Park’s serpentine grasslands. Meet at the park office (south of reservoir), then carpool to the trailhead. This is a guided walk in an area not yet open for public access; group stays together. Questions? (408) 918-7770.
  • Saturday, June 4, Festival in the Park • Hellyer • 11am-3pm. Join us for a day of family fun, health and recreation opportunities, and multicultural entertainment! Participate in CPR and nutrition classes, learn about community resources, and enjoy children’s activities and demonstrations for all ages. Free admission and parking. Food available for purchase. Questions? (408) 355-2255.
  • Saturday, June 11, 2016, 4:00 - 7:00 p.m, Nature Photography for Beginners, Coyote Valley Open Space Preserve. Join nature photographer Ron Horii for this fascinating and engaging learning experience. Bring your own camera, phone, tablet or whatever you like to take pictures with and Ron will take you on a walk to observe nature as a photographer would. Learn how to take more engaging pictures from someone who is a passionate nature and community photographer.
  • Wednesday, June 29, A Taste of Water Skiing • Calero Reservoir • 12pm-4pm. Learn how to water ski with the Santa Clara County Water Ski Club. Cost is $10 per person. All equipment, lessons and other resources will be provided. It’s a great time for ages 8-17! Bring your bathing suit, towel, sunscreen, water and snacks and be prepared to get WET! Register online or call (408) 355-2201. 
  • Friday, July 15, and Saturday, July 16, Bats over Calero • Calero • 6pm-9:30pm. Take a ride to the Bat Inn - where you can visit but cannot stay. Discover why these creatures are so important and watch as thousands of bats emerge from a good day’s sleep. Meet at the park office with a small chair or blanket, closedtoe shoes, bug spray, layered clothing and flashlight. Cost is $15 per person. Children must be at least 8 years old and 4’ 9” tall. Register online or call (408) 355-2201.
  • Friday, July 22, Healthy Trails Hike • Calero • 9am-11am. Hike through diverse habitats and enjoy breathtaking views of Calero Reservoir on a 3.5-mile hike on the Los Cerritos and Pena Trails. Meet at the park office (south of the reservoir) with water and snacks. Questions? (408) 918-7772 
  • In the Park after Dark Movie Night • Motorcycle Park • 9pm-11:30pm. Enjoy a night under the stars with family and friends. Watch a short film about the County Park system and a FREE showing of a family-friendly feature film on a giant blow up screen. Bring a flashlight and low lawn chair or blanket. Questions? (408) 226-5223.
  • Tuesday, August 16, Moonlight Paddle • Calero Reservoir • 7:30pm-10pm. Discover the natural and cultural history of the local area on a paddle tour of the reservoir. Experienced paddlers only -no instruction or equipment is provided. $4 inspection fee per vessel. Meet at the launch ramp with your kayak/canoe, life jackets and 2 glow sticks per person. To register call (408) 846-5622.
  • Saturday August 27, Volunteer Recognition Banquet, Martial Cottle Park,12:00pm-2:00 pm. Volunteers who have recorded at least 5 hours of service in the last year will be invited to attend. Please submit any outstanding hours either online or to volunteer@prk.sccgov.org by June 30, 2016 to ensure we fully recognize you for your achievements! NOTE: If you would like to check how many hours you have recorded, in order to confirm your invitation, please  contact the Volunteer Program by email volunteer@prk.sccgov.org or by calling at 408-918-4930.
  • Saturday, September 10, Coyote Valley Family Harvest Feast, 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., Coyote Valley Open Space Preserve. Free admission, music and entertainment from around the world, kids crafts, home gardening workshops and more! 
  • Saturday September 24, Chitactac ​Family ​Day, 10:00 AM - 02:00 PM, Chitactac-​Adams. Come celebrate with the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band of the Ohlone Nation. Discover the heritage of the people who once lived at this ancient village site. Participate in hands on activities, learn to make traditional crafts and watch unique demonstrations. Food available for purchase. Questions? (408) 918-7770.
  • Saturday October 1, Harvest ​Festival, 10:00 AM - 03:00 PM, Martial ​Cottle ​Park. ​Come celebrate the legacy and significance of our valley’s rich agricultural heritage at this fun day on the farm! Family friendly activities, healthy food and fresh produce for sale, music and much more. Volunteers needed, check parkhere.org/volunteers for more details. Questions? (408) 535-4060.
  • Saturday, October 9, Day ​on ​the ​Bay, 10:00 AM - 03:00 PM, Alviso ​Marina County Park. Celebrate our community’s diversity and health with fun activities, food, music and a resource fair – all for free! Special to this year’s event is Bike to the Bay, a community bike ride along the Guadalupe River Trail from downtown to Day on the Bay. Registration is now open at www.sccgov.org/dayonthebay. Questions? Visit Day on the Bay website.
  • For events at Almaden Quicksilver, see www.newalmaden.org.