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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 at 7:00 pm in the upper clubhouse at the Santa Teresa Golf Course. 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. 

Upcoming events:
Santa Teresa Community Fest at George Page Park on Sept. 18, 11 am to 5 pm.

There will be no meeting in September. You are invited to our next general meeting at the Santa Teresa Golf Club upper clubhouse/banquet room at 260 Bernal Road, San Jose, on Thursday October 7, 2010 at 7:00 pm. (The banquet room is on top of the little hill overlooking the golf course.) 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.



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 


News
  • We have been awarded a CAP Grant for 2010-2011 of $1000, which is what we asked for.
  • 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.
   Old News

Newsletters
 New Pictures!
Yahoo Group Pictures
Recent pictures for FOSTP Yahoo Group members only (anyone can apply to join, but you need a Yahoo ID, which is free):

Park Events for 2010
  • County Parks' Calendar of Outdoor Activities
  • Play Here Brochure for May-August 2010
  • Play Here Brochure for Fall-Winter 2010
  • County Parks' Volunteer Opportunities.
  • Winter/Spring 2009 Volunteers Newsletter
  • Fall/Winter 2009-2010 Volunteers Newsletter
  • Saturday April 17, Outdoor Photography & Wildflower Hike, Rancho San Vicente, 9:30am-12:00pm. Join Docents Ron Horii and Cait Hutnik to learn the basics of outdoor photography while weaving through a colorful display of wildflowers. Meet at the Calero Reservoir parking lot to caravan. Bring sun protection, water and sturdy hiking shoes. This hike is in a “closed area” not yet open for public access. No restroom available except at meeting location. Pre-registration required, limit 20 people. (408) 355-2240
  • Saturday April 17, Healthy Trails Challenge Hike, Santa Teresa County Park, 11:00am-3:00pm. Join Docent Bob Cicisly on a strenuous but gratifying 3.5-mile hike along the Hidden Springs, Coyote Peak, Rocky Ridge and Mine Loop Trails. See beautiful views of the nearby hills and valleys. Meet at the Pueblo day use area. Bring sun protection, water, snacks, sturdy hiking shoes and a camera. (408) 355-2240
  • Saturday April 24, Power to the Petal Wildflower Hike, Santa Teresa County Park, 11:00am-1:00pm. Hike with a Park Ranger to explore the bounty of wildflowers dotting the Santa Teresa foothills. Discover why the unique environment here contributes to a colorful display and provides critical habitat for several endangered species. Bring water, sun protection and sturdy hiking shoes. Meet at the Pueblo Group area. (408) 225-225
  • Wednesday, April 28, Santa Teresa County Park, Rare Plant Treasure Hunt (Western side), 10 am to 2 pm. Santa Clara County Parks and the Santa Clara Valley Chapter of the Native Plant Society (CNPS) invite you on a treasure hunt for our rare plants at Santa Teresa County Park. Volunteers will spread out across the park in search of our rare or endangered plants. Teams will be provided with a GPS unit (or bring your own GPS unit or GPS-enabled mobile phone) and there will be enough experts around to insure accurate identification of the plants. You don't need to have plant keying skills. All that is required is a desire to help and the fitness to walk one to three miles in somewhat hilly terrain. Different dates will focus on different areas of the parks. Data collected will be submitted to the California Natural Diversity Data Base, a joint project of CNPS and the California Department of Fish & Game. To pre-register call Karen at 408-629-7229.
  • Sunday, May 2, Healthy Trails Pre-Mother's Day Hike, Santa Teresa County Park, 10:00-3:00pm. Bring your mom and the whole family out on a 2.5-mile spring wildflower hike led by Docent Mike Boulland and the Friends of Santa Teresa County Park. Play games and explore the park's geology and history along the way. Meet at the Fortini Rd. trailhead with sun protection, water and sturdy hiking shoes. (408) 355-2240.
  • Sunday, May 2, Santa Teresa County Park, Santa Teresa Rare Plant Treasure Hunt (North and Eastern sides), 10 am to 2 pm. Santa Clara County Parks and the Santa Clara Valley Chapter of the Native Plant Society invite you on a treasure hunt for our rare plants at Santa Teresa County Park. Volunteers will spread out across the park in search of our rare or endangered plants. Teams will be provided with a GPS unit (or bring your own GPS unit or GPS-enabled mobile phone) and there will be enough experts around to insure accurate identification of the plants. You don't need to have plant keying skills. All that is required is a desire to help and the fitness to walk one to three miles in somewhat hilly terrain. Different dates will focus on different areas of the parks. Data collected will be submitted to the California Natural Diversity Data Base, a joint project of CNPS and the California Department of Fish & Game. To pre-register call Karen at 408-629-7229.
  • Sunday, May 2, Wash Day and Old Time Games, Santa Teresa County Park's Historic Bernal Ranch, 1:00-3:30pm. Come out for a fun-filled afternoon at the ranch. Experience what granny called her "weekly affliction" and play games from 100 years ago. The ranch is located at the corner of Camino Verde and Manila Dr. in San Jose. (408) 226-5453.
  • Saturday, May 8, Healthy Trails 2nd Edition Celebration and Hike, Coyote Lake-Harvey Bear Ranch County Park, 11:00 am - 2:00 pm. Come celebrate and sign up for Healthy Trails 2nd Edition! There will be exhibitors, giveaways and lots of fun. Join partners, dignitaries and park staff on an easy 2-mile walk on the Martin Murphy Trail. Meet at the San Martin Ave. entrance. (408) 355-2240.
  • Saturday, May 15, Intro to Geocaching Class, Coyote Lake-Harvey Bear Ranch County Park, 8:45am-12:00pm. Join Docent Sam Drake on a beginner’s geocaching adventure to find 6-7 hidden caches in the park. GPS units provided. Meet at the Mendoza park entrance on Roop Rd. Bring sun protection, water, snacks and sturdy hiking shoes. Reservations required. (408) 355-2240.
  • Saturday, June 5, Raptors Over the Rancho, Rancho San Vicente, 4:00pm – 6:00pm. Take a hike with a Park Ranger in this future County Park. Learn to identify our local sky-hunting hawks, eagles and other raptors. Participate in an activity that demonstrates hunting practices of these magnificent birds. Meet at Calero Reservoir, then caravan to the site nearby. Bring sturdy hiking shoes, sun protection and water. Note: This hike is in a “closed area” not yet open for public access. Restrooms not available except at meeting location. (408) 268-3883.
  • Saturday, June 12, Wash Day and Old Time Games, Santa Teresa County Park’s Historic Bernal Ranch, 1:00pm-3:30pm. Come out for a fun-filled afternoon at the ranch. Experience what granny called her “weekly affliction” and play games from 100 years ago. The ranch is located at the corner of Camino Verde and Manila Dr. in San Jose. (408) 226-5453.
  • Saturday, June 12, Carnivorous Plants Night, Santa Teresa County Park’s Historic Bernal Ranch, 7:30-10:30pm. Explore the world of carnivorous plants with experts. Meet some real meat-eating flora up close and take home your own Venus Fly Trap. End the night by munching on popcorn and watching “Little Shop of Horrors” in the historic barn. Reservations required. (408) 226-5453.
  • Friday, June 18, Exploring Local Wildlife Hike, Rancho San Vicente, 5:30pm-8:00pm. Learn about local wildlife and tracking skills on this strenuous 2-mile hike in a beautiful future County Park. Meet at the Calero Reservoir parking lot to caravan to the tour location nearby. Bring sturdy hiking shoes, water, flashlight and binoculars (optional). Reservations required prior to 6/17. Note: This hike is in a “closed area” not yet open for public access. Restrooms not available except at meeting location. Pre-registration required. (408) 323-1107.
  • Saturday, June 26, Festival in the Park – Where Wellness Meets FUN! Hellyer County Park, 11:00am – 4:00pm. This 4th annual event’s goal is to help families take charge of their health, learn how to eat nutritiously, make healthy life choices and get physically fit. FREE admission, information, health and recreation opportunities, food, entertainment and FUN! (408) 355-2240.
  • Saturday, July 10, Wash Day and Old Time Games, Santa Teresa County Park’s Historic Bernal Ranch, 1:00pm-3:30pm. Come out for a fun-filled afternoon at the ranch. Experience what granny called her “weekly affliction” and play games from 100 years ago. The ranch is located at the corner of Camino Verde and Manila Dr. in San Jose. (408) 226-5453.
  • Saturday, July 10, Bug Out Night -Ants, Santa Teresa County Park’s Historic Bernal Ranch, 7:30pm-10:30pm. Explore the fascinating world of ants, try a unique chocolate covered treat and munch on popcorn while watching the classic big-bug movie “Them”. Reservations required. (408) 226-5453.
  • Saturday, July 10, Chitactac Family Day, Chitactac-Adams Heritage County Park, 10:00am-2:00pm. Families and friends are invited to a special day of hands-on activities, demonstrations, traditional crafts at this celebration of the native Ohlone People who once lived at this ancient village site. (408) 323-0107.
  • Saturday, July 17, Ranger-led Hike, Rancho San Vicente, 9:00am-11:00am. Take a strenuous 2-mile hike with at Park Ranger to explore this neighbor to Calero and future County Park. Learn about the history of the rancho property and explore plants and wildlife living here. Meet at Calero Reservoir to caravan to tour site nearby. Bring sturdy hiking shoes, sun protection and water. Note: This hike is in a “closed area” not yet open for public access. Restrooms not available except at meeting location. (408) 268-3883.
  • Saturday, July 17, Raptors in the Wind Hike, Santa Teresa County Park, 10:00am-12:00pm. Join a Park Ranger on a 2-mile hike to explore our local winged hunters in the sky. Learn about a raptor’s role in the environment and how to easily identify these hawks, falcons and eagles. Bring water, sun protection and sturdy hiking shoes. Field guides and binoculars recommended. Meet at the Pueblo Group Area. (408) 225-0225.
  • Saturday, August 14, Lost in Space Night, Santa Teresa County Park’s Historic Bernal Ranch, 7:30pm-10:30pm. Join park staff and astronomers from the San Jose Astronomical Society to explore the night sky through computer-guided telescopes. Munch on popcorn while watching old TV episodes of “Lost in Space” – Danger Will Robinson, Danger! Reservations required. (408) 226-5453.
  • Saturday, August 21, Family Fandango, Santa Teresa County Park’s Historic Bernal Ranch, 5:00pm-8:00pm. Come celebrate the contributions and accomplishments of the Muwekma Ohlone Tribe of the San Francisco Bay, early Spanish-speaking colonists, and English-speaking ranch families who all settled in this area over time. The evening’s focus is family fun through demonstrations and activities that highlight 1770-1870 California. The Ranch is located at 372 Manila Dr., San Jose. (408) 846-5632.
  • Friday, August 27, Tragedy of the Berryessas Hike, Rancho San Vicente, 6:00pm-8:00pm. Take a hike into the past in this future County Park. Learn of the tragedies that befell the Berryessa family and their rancho. Explore historic connections to the New Almaden Mines and take in spectacular views of New Almaden and Ranchos San Vicente and Los Capintancillos. Meet at the Calero Reservoir parking lot to caravan to the nearby tour location. Bring sturdy hiking shoes, water, flashlight and binoculars (optional). Reservations required prior to 8/23. Note: This hike is in a “closed area” not yet open for public access. Restrooms not available except at meeting location. Pre-registration required, space limited. (408) 323-1107.
  • Saturday, Sept. 11, Ranger-led Habitat Hike, Calero County Park’s Rancho San Vicente, 8:30am -10:30am. Come on a moderate 2-mile hike to explore the grassland and serpentine surroundings of this future parkland. Meet at the Calero Reservoir parking lot, then caravan together to the adjacent Rancho San Vicente property. Bring sturdy hiking shoes, sun protection and water. Note: This hike is in a “closed area” not yet open for public access. Restrooms not available except at meeting location. (408) 268-3883.
  • Saturday, Sept. 11, Bug Out Night,Santa Teresa County Park’s Historic Bernal Ranch, 7:30pm-10:30pm. Join experts for a show and tell about orthoptera (grasshoppers and crickets). Taste an exotic treat from central Mexico and hear interesting stories about these strange looking creatures. Afterwards, munch on popcorn while watching the big-bug classic movie “The Beginning of the End”. Reservations required. (408) 226-5453.
  • Saturday, September 18, Santa Teresa Community Fest at George Page Park, 11 am to 5 pm.
  • Saturday, September 18, Raptors in the Wind Hike, Santa Teresa County Park, 4:00pm-6:00pm. Join a Park Ranger on a 2-mile hike to explore our local winged hunters in the sky. Learn about a raptor’s role in the environment and how to easily identify these hawks, falcons and eagles. Bring water, sun protection and sturdy hiking shoes. Field guides and binoculars recommended. Meet at the Pueblo Group Area. (408) 225-0225.
  • Saturday, September 25, Healthy Trails Hike, Santa Teresa County Park, 9:00am-11:00am. Join Docent Cait Hutnik on a moderately challenging 2.5-mile hike along the Fortini Trail. See beautiful views of the Santa Teresa Hills, Calero Reservoir and the Almaden Valley. Meet at the Fortini Trailhead parking lot. Bring comfortable shoes, a hat, sunscreen, water, snack, and camera. (408) 355-2240.
  • Saturday, October 2, Introduction to Photography Class, Santa Teresa County Park’s Historic Bernal Ranch, 9:30am – 12:30pm. Join Docent Ron Horii for a free outdoor photography workshop. Learn how to choose and use a camera, take better outdoor pictures, compose a photo, plus more! Class begins with an indoor slideshow, then goes outside for demonstrations and a walk around the historic area to take pictures. Bring a camera - any kind will do! Open to ages 14 and up - limit 20 participants. Meet at the Bernal Ranch barn on Manila Drive at Camino Verde in San Jose. Reservations required. Call or register online (408) 355-2240.
  • Saturday October 9th, 2010, Grand Re-Dedication -- Casa Grande and Pioneer Day, Open House from 11 am to 3 pm, Almaden Quicksilver Mining Museum 21350 Almaden Road New Almaden, CA 95042 (408) 323-1107. Festivities begin at noon. Activities, children’s games, entertainment, speeches, and special recognition of descendents of those who lived in the Casa Grande will be part of celebration. See the “Original Wells Fargo Stage Coach” and take rides on horse driven wagons from the parking lot to the Casa Grande.
  • Saturday, October 9, Ranger-led Hike, Calero County Park’s Rancho San Vicente, 9:00 am-11:00am. Take a strenuous 2-mile hike with a Park Ranger to explore this future parkland. Learn about the history of the rancho property and explore plants and wildlife living here. Meet at the Calero Reservoir parking lot, then caravan together to the adjacent Rancho San Vicente property. Bring sturdy hiking shoes, sun protection and water. Note: This hike is in a “closed area” not yet open for public access. Restrooms not available except at meeting location. (408) 268-3883.
  • Saturday, October 9, Nighttime Photography Class, Almaden Quicksilver County Park, 6:30pm-9:30pm. Bring your camera, tripod, shutter release and curiosity for an adventure into the night with Docent Marty Reinders and a Park Ranger. Learn about long exposure, star photography, lighting tricks and more! Meet at the Hacienda parking lot, then take a van ride up to English Camp. Bring comfortable shoes, insect repellent, and flashlight. Reservations required. Call or register online (408) 355-2240.
  • Thursday, October 21, Healthy Trails Toddler Trek, Santa Teresa  County Park, 4:30pm-6:00pm. Join Strollerhikes.com's Debbie Frazier on a moderate 2.5-mile hike geared towards families with young children. Enjoy historical sites along the way. Meet at the Fortini Trailhead Parking Lot. Bring sun protection, water, snacks and sturdy hiking shoes. (408) 355-2240.
  • Saturday, October 30, Spider Night, Santa Teresa County Park’s Historic Bernal Ranch, 7:30pm-10:30pm. Reserve your space for this annual crowd-pleaser and learn everything you need to know about arachnids, including our local California brown tarantula. View cages and cages of creepy crawlers and handle if you dare. Hear spider poems and folklore followed by popcorn, lemonade and the classic big-bug movie “Tarantula”. Reservations required. (408) 226-5453.
  • Saturday, November 6, REI Ridge Trail Service Day Volunteer Project, Santa Teresa County Park, 9:00am-1:00pm. This annual event includes projects to improve the Bay Area Ridge Trail. The Stiles Ranch at Santa Teresa Park is part of this year's efforts. Gloves, tools, water and snacks will be provided. Bring a refillable water bottle, hiking shoes, long pants, long-sleeve shirt and sun protection. 40 volunteers are needed for this project – rain or shine. Parking is limited-carpooling encouraged. Pre-registration required. (408) 355-2254.
  • Saturday, November 13, Introduction to Geocaching Class, Santa Teresa County Park, 8:45am-12:00pm. Join Docent Sam Drake on an adventure to learn about geocaching and seek out several caches along the Fortini, Mine and Stile Ranch Trails. GPS units provided. Meet at the Fortini Trailhead off of San Vicente Ave. Wear comfortable shoes and bring sun protection and water. Reservations required. Call or register online (408) 355-2240.
  • Saturday, November 13, Lost in Space Night, Santa Teresa County Park’s Historic Bernal Ranch, 7:30pm-10:30pm. Join park staff and astronomers from the San Jose Astronomical Society to explore the night sky through computer-guided telescopes. Munch on popcorn while watching old TV episodes of “Lost in Space” – Danger Will Robinson, Danger! Reservations required. (408) 226-5453.
  • Friday, November 26- Friday, December 31, Fantasy of Lights, Vasona County Park, 6:00pm-10:00pm nightly. Come celebrate our 12th Anniversary of this drive-through holiday family favorite. See thousands of colorful twinkling lights and have loads of holiday fun. Admission fee required. For more information and pricing, go to www.parkhere.org. (408) 355-2201. Volunteers are needed nightly to help at the back gate providing visitor hospitality and safety services. Call (408) 355-2254 to sign up as a volunteer!
  • Friday, December 10 – Sunday, January 2, Yuletide Festivities at the Casa Grande, 12:00pm-4:00pm (Fridays-Sundays except Christmas Day). Take a visit back in time for a real holiday treat at the Casa Grande. Enjoy the afternoon in a beautiful Victorian setting while learning about local history in the Quicksilver Museum. Purchase holiday gifts and local crafts from our unique gift shop. Sip hot spiced cider, munch on delicious cookies and enjoy the holiday décor in this exquisite historic building. (408) 323-1107.
  • Saturday December 11, Visit Santa at the Ranch, Santa Teresa County Park’s Historic Bernal Ranch, 1:30pm-3:00pm. For the 6th year in a row Santa will bring his “Ho, Ho, Ho” to the ranch to hear Christmas wishes inside the 19th century parlor decorated for an old fashioned Victorian Christmas. Parents can get that perfect photo of their kids sitting on Santa’s knee without waiting in mall lines. (408) 226-5453.

See our News and Pictures Archive pages for information from 2001 to 2006, 2007 to 2008, 2009

Friends of Santa Teresa Park Meetings and Minutes:

 

Links 

Links on the Friends of Santa Teresa Park:


Volunteers working on Stile Ranch Trail

Links on Santa Teresa Park:

Hidden Springs Trail to Coyote PeakSeasonal waterfall in laurel Canyon below the Hidden Springs TrailOld barn at the Joice-Bernal Rancho

Parks and Trail Links: Community Links: Government Links: Historical Links

For more information on the Friends of Santa Teresa Park, contact Mike Boulland.

We welcome community contributions to our Website. If you have pictures, stories, announcements, questions, concerns, news, etc., please send them to Ronald Horii.

Legal disclaimer: as an organization, the Friends of Santa Teresa Park does not take an official group position on political candidates or ballot measures. Members or officers are free to take a position, but as private individuals only. If they list membership in the group, it should be construed as being for credential purposes only, not as an implication of group endorsement.

Created 6/2000, updated 8/25/2010 by Ronald Horii, secretary of the Friends of Santa Teresa Park