Santa
Teresa
Park


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Park
Page


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Greetings


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Events


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caching


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Hours


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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. 

Note that we will not have a regular meeting in January. Instead, we will have a potluck dinner at Mike Boulland's house. Contact Mike for details.

You are invited to our next general meeting, on Thursday February 6 at 7:00 pm.  It will be 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 


News

  • We received $400 from the Cycle 26 CAP (Community Action and Pride) Grant from the City of San Jose for 2012-2013.
  • 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 2013.
  • The Healthy Trails 3rd Edition guide has been published. It includes 2 trail routes in Santa Teresa Park.
    •

   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.

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 2013
  • County Parks' Calendar of Outdoor Activities
  • List of County Parks Outdoor Activities Calendar, Spring-Summer 2013
  • Fall/Winter 2013 Play Here Guide
  • 2013 Calendar of Volunteer Activities (see here for more details on volunteer activities marked below with '*')
  • Saturday, January 19, Introduction to Geocaching, Almaden Quicksilver, 8:45am-12:00pm. Join a Docent on a beginner’s geocaching adventure to find 6-7 hidden caches in the park. GPS units provided.  Meet at the Wood Rd. parking lot. Bring sun protection, water, snacks and sturdy hiking shoes. Reservations required. Register online or call (408) 355-2240.
  • Saturday, January 19: MLK Service Trail Day - Santa Teresa *
  • Saturday, February 2: Trail Watch Academy – Hellyer Park *
  • Saturday, February 2, 2013, The History of Almaden Air Force Station atop Historic Mt. Umunhum. Come learn about the history of this fascinating site, see actual key artifacts from the site, and enjoy a slide show of amazing historic photos of the radar station when it was in operation between 1958 and 1980. Presented by Basim Jaber (Historian/Archivist and founder of the USAF 682nd Radar Squadron Veterans Association). 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. Location: Casa Grande, New Almaden, 21350 Almaden Rd, San Jose, CA 95120. Please RSVP to Heidi McFarland (Heidi.McFarland@PRK.SCCGOV.ORG), 408-918-7774.
  • Saturday, February 9, Living History Day, Casa Grande/New Almaden Quicksilver Mining Museum, 11:00am-3:00pm. Come visit Casa Grande, once the magnificent home of New Almaden Mine Managers. Costumed Docents & Staff will be on hand to guide you through Victorian period rooms and museum exhibits. Children will be able to participate in a valentine craft activity to take home. (408) 918-7774.
  • Saturday, February 16, Take a Liking to Some Lichen, Santa Teresa Park, 9:00am-Noon. Enjoy an invigorating 2.5 mile loop hike over the Stile Ranch/Fortini Trails with a park docent. Learn about the life cycle of lichen, those colorful patches found on rocks and trees trunks. Along the way enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding foothills. Meet at the Fortini Trail entrance parking lot, junction of Fortini and San Vicente road. Dress in layers, bring a camera, carry water and wear sturdy shoes.Register Online (408)355-2240.
  • Saturday, February 16: Gardening at Casa Grande Museum *
  • Saturday, February 23, Healthy Trails Hike, Montalvo, 10:00am-12:00pm. Join a Park Interpreter for a 2.0-mile hike in the scenic redwoods of Villa Montalvo. We will hike to Lookout Point, where on a clear day you can see out to the San Francisco Bay. Please bring hiking shoes, water, snacks, and sun/rain protection. (408) 918-7774.
  • Sunday, February 24, Calling all Citizen Scientists! – California Phenology Project, Casa Granda/New Almaden Quicksilver Museum, 1:30pm-3:30pm. Become a scientist and contribute to a project studying the timing of plant life cycles throughout the seasons. Are plants responding to climate variability? Come learn about projects being set up in the South Bay and how you can participate. We will begin with an indoor presentation followed by practicing plant monitoring outside, weather permitting. For more information about the California Phenology Project, see http://www.usanpn.org/cpp/about/. This project is appropriate for adults and families. Flyer.
  • Saturday, March 2, The History of Almaden Air Force Station atop Historic Mt. Umunhum. See Feb. 2 listing above.
  • Saturday, March 16, Living History Day, Casa Grande/New Almaden Quicksilver Mining Museum, 11:00am-3:00pm. Come visit Casa Grande, once the magnificent home of New Almaden Mine Managers. Costumed Docents & Staff will be on hand to guide you through Victorian period rooms and museum exhibits. Children will be able to participate in a St. Patrick’s Day craft activity to take home. (408) 918-7774.
  • Saturday, March 16, What's a Watershed?, Calero-Rancho San Vicente Park, 9:00am-1:30pm. Join a park docent for a Moderate 5-mile loop hike to see how water from winter storms finds its way to the valley below. Meet at the Calero Reservoir boat launch on McKean Rd, $6 parking fee. Dress in layers, carry water, and wear a hat and sturdy shoes. Note: This is a guided hike in a “closed area” not yet open for public access, group stays together, some steep sections. Restrooms not available, except at boat launch. Register Online or call (408)355-2240.
  • Saturday, March 23, Nature Journaling Hike, Santa Teresa, 1:00pm-4:00pm. Come enjoy the spring wildflowers while learning the basics of keeping a nature journal. Journaling is a great way to study and remember the things you see and experience during your outdoor adventures. This is a parent-child participation class geared for families with small children. Meet at the Fortini Trailhead. Bring snacks, sketch book or paper, clipboard and a few pencils. Reservations required. Register online or call (408)355-2240.
  • Sunday, March 24, Healthy Trails Hike, Calero, 9:30am-12:30pm. Join park staff on a challenging 3.5-mile hike on the Los Cerritos and Pena Trails. Enjoy sweeping views of Calero reservoir and check out the beautiful Los Cerritos Pond. Meet at the park entrance off of McKean Rd. (south of reservoir entrance) with sturdy hiking shoes, sun protection, snacks and water. (408) 355-2240
  • Sunday, March 31, History Through a Changed Landscape, Almaden Quicksilver, 10:00am-2:00pm. Take a 4-mile moderately challenging hike and travel through time with a Park Interpreter. Learn about the mining history as well as more current events that have helped shape the landscape of this historic park. Meet at the Wood R. entrance off Hicks Rd. Please bring a bag lunch, water, sun/rain protection, and sturdy hiking shoes. Not recommended for children under 5. (408) 918-7774.
  • Sunday, April 7. Wildflower Rambles, Calero/Rancho San Vicente, 9am-1:30pm. Take a Moderate 5-mile loop hike with a park docent from valley floor to ridge top to enjoy spring wildflowers in a variety of habitats. Meet at the Calero Reservoir boat launch on McKean Rd. Dress in layers with sturdy hiking shoes, sun protection and drinking water. Note: This is a guided hike in a “closed area” not yet open for public access, group stays together, some steep sections. Restrooms not available, except at boat launch. Register online​ or call (408) 355-2240.
  • Saturday, April 13: Park Beautification Day - Almaden Quicksilver *
  • Saturday, April 13. Our Local Star-The Sun, Santa Teresa, 10am-12pm. Come explore our celestial centerpiece and discover how it affects all life on Earth, from plants and animals to our technological society. Meet at the Pueblo group area. Reservation required. (408) 225-0225.
  • Sunday, April 14. Wildflowers, Birds & Butterflies! Rancho San Vicente 9:00am-1:30pm. Enjoy a leisurely 3-miles total, out-and-back hike with a park docent to enjoy spring wildflowers. Learn how these rolling serpentine grasslands provide critical habitat for endangered species. Dress in  layers, bring a camera, carry water, wear a hat and sturdy shoes. Meet at the Calero Reservoir boat launch on McKean Rd. $6 parking fee. Note: This is a guided hike in a “closed area” not yet open for public access, group stays together, some steep sections. Restrooms not available, except at boat launch. Register online or call (408)355-2240.
  • Saturday, April 20. Wildflowers, Birds & Butterflies, Calero/Rancho San Vicente, 9am-1:30pm. Enjoy a leisurely 3-mile out-and-back hike with a park docent to enjoy spring wildflowers. Learn how these rolling serpentine grasslands provide critical habitat for endangered species. Dress in layers, bring a camera, carry water, and wear a hat and sturdy shoes. Meet at the Calero Reservoir boat launch on McKean Rd. Note: This is a guided hike in a “closed area” not yet open for public access, group stays together, some steep sections. Restrooms not available, except at boat launch. Register online or call (408) 355-2240.
  • Sunday, April 21. Wildflowers, Birds & Butterflies, Calero/Rancho San Vicente, 9am-1:30pm. Enjoy a leisurely 3-mile out-and-back hike with a park docent to enjoy spring wildflowers. Learn how these rolling serpentine grasslands provide critical habitat for endangered species. Meet at the Calero Reservoir boat launch on McKean Rd. Dress in layers with sturdy hiking shoes, sun protection and drinking water. Note: This is a guided hike in a “closed area” not yet open for public access, group stays together, some steep sections. Restrooms not available, except at boat launch. Register online or call (408) 355-2240.
  • Tuesday, April 23. See It With Wildflowers, Calero/Rancho San Vicente, 9am-1:30pm. Enjoy a leisurely 3-mile out-and-back hike with a park docent to enjoy spring wildflowers. Meet at the Calero Reservoir boat launch on McKean Rd. Dress in layers with sturdy hiking shoes, sun protection and drinking water. Note: This is a guided hike in a “closed area” not yet open for public access, group stays together, some steep sections. Restrooms not available, except at boat launch. Register online​ or call (408) 355-2240.
  • Saturday, April 27. Healthy Trails Hike, Santa Teresa, 9am-12pm. Join a park interpreter on a 3-mile strenuous hike on the Hidden Springs, Boundary and Coyote Peak Trails. Hike through diverse habitats and enjoy spectacular views from Coyote Peak. Meet at the Hidden Springs trail head with sturdy hiking shoes, sun protection, water, snacks, and a camera. (408) 918-7772.
  • Saturday, April 27. Wildflower Drawing Class, Santa Teresa, 11am–12:30pm. Increase your confidence in drawing and learn some skills to help you draw what you see during wildflower season. Materials are provided, but if you have a sketch pad, pencil, and a set of colored pencils or watercolors, bring them along. Instruction appropriate for ages 8-adult. Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. All skill levels welcome. Hat and sunscreen recommended. Rain cancels. Meet at the Fortini Trailhead. Note: There is no restroom at this location. Register online​ or call (408) 355-2240.
  • Saturday, May 4. Introduction to Photography, Coyote Lake-Harvey Bear Ranch, 10am-1pm. Join a Docent for a 3.7-mile photography hike. Learn outdoor photography techniques and take pictures of the wildflowers, sunny meadows, shady forests, unusual rock formations, and breathtaking views. Bring a camera, sturdy hiking shoes, snacks, water, and sun protection. Register online, or call (408) 355-2240.
  • Saturday, May 4. Power to the Petal, Calero/Rancho San Vicente, 11am-2pm. Hike with a Park Ranger to explore a bounty of wildflowers and discover why this unique environment provides critical habitat for endangered species. Meet at Calero Reservoir, then carpool to the trail nearby. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and sun protection. Bring lunch and water. Note: This is a guided hike in a “closed area”, not normally open to the public. Restrooms not available except at reservoir. (408) 268-3883.
  • Saturday, May 11. Last Chance Wildflower Hike, Santa Teresa, 10am-12pm. Discover why certain soils and rocky mixtures produce the most beautiful and abundant wildflowers, and learn which endangered species thrive in these serpentine habitats. Meet at the Stiles Trailhead on Fortini Rd. with sturdy hiking shoes, water, snacks, and sun protection. (408) 225-0225.
  • Saturday, May 11. Wash Day and Old Time Games, Santa Teresa Park’s Historic Bernal Ranch, 3pm-5pm. 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 11. Carnivorous Plant Night, Santa Teresa Park’s Historic Bernal Ranch, 7:30pm-10pm. Join experts for a show and tell about carnivorous pants. Learn about fascinating meat-eating flora and take home a Venus fly trap, sundew or pitcher plant for your very own study! Afterward munch on popcorn while watching the man-eating-plant, sci-fi movie “Day of the Triffids.” Reservations required. (408) 226-5453.
  • Thursday, May 30. Healthy Trails Stroller Hike & Toddler Trek, Santa Teresa, 4:30pm-6pm. Join a docent from strollerhikes.com for a 1.8-mile outing along the Joice/Norred Trails. This trail has a short steep section (100 yards) to start that we can bypass for strollers (joggers recommended). The remainder of the hike is flat and sunny. Meet at the Bernal-Gulnac-Joice Ranch parking lot with comfortable walking shoes, snacks, water, and a camera. (408) 355-2240.
  • Saturday, June 8. Healthy Trails Walk, Santa Teresa, 3pm-4pm. Join a park interpreter on a 1.8-mile easy walk on the Norred Trail. Hike along this mostly flat trail through serpentine habitat with excellent views of South San Jose. Meet at the historic Bernal-Gulnac-Joice ranch parking lot with sturdy hiking shoes, sun protection, water, snacks, and a camera. (408) 226-5453.
  • Saturday, June 8. Frog and Lizard Night, Santa Teresa’s Historic Bernal Ranch, 7:30pm-10pm. Join aquarium experts and herpetologists to learn about local salamanders, frogs, lizards, and how to set up successful pollywog aquariums. First families to make reservations can take home a tadpole with small tank. After the program, stay for popcorn, lemonade and the campy horror movie “Creature from the Black Lagoon.” Reservations required. (408) 226-5453.
  • Friday, June 21. Moon Blooms, Calero/Rancho San Vicente, 5:30pm-7:30pm. Take a moderate 3-mile hike to see soap root in bloom. This “evening bloomer’s” exquisite white flowers attract hummingbirds and a variety of insects to aid in pollination. Learn the many ways native Ohlone used the versatile plant. Meet at Calero Reservoir. Dress in layers with sturdy hiking shoes and drinking water. Note: This is a guided hike in a “closed area” not yet open for public access, group stays together, some steep sections. Restrooms not available except at boat launch. Register online or call (408) 355-2240.
  • Saturday, June 21 & 22: Festival In The Park – Hellyer County Park *
  • Saturday, June 22. Festival in the Park, Hellyer, 11am-4pm. FREE admission, information, health and recreation opportunities, entertainment and FUN! This year’s annual and very popular event will focus on Heart Health. Free CPR classes with giveaways all afternoon (limited supplies). Food available for purchase. (408) 355-2240.
  • Saturday, June 29: Shoreline Clean-up Day - Calero *
  • Saturday, July 6. Healthy Trails Walk, Santa Teresa Park’s Historic Bernal Ranch, 9am-11am. Take an easy 2-mile walk to explore local history and nature with a guide. Reap the added benefits of breathing fresh air and being active outdoors. Meet at the chicken coop with sturdy walking shoes, sun protection, water and healthy snacks. (408) 846-5632.
  • Saturday, July 13. Chitactac Family Day, Chitactac-Adams, 10am-2pm. Families and friends are invited to a special day of hands-on activities, demonstrations and traditional crafts at this celebration of the native Ohlone People who once lived at this ancient village site. (408) 918-7772.
  • Saturday, July 13. Micro-Zoology Night, Santa Teresa Park’s Historic Bernal Ranch, 7:30pm-10pm. 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 microbe gone mad movie “The Blob.” Reservations required. (408) 226-5453.
  • Saturday, July 27. Geocache Adventures, Anderson Lake, 8am-11am. Explore the hills above Anderson Lake as you search out hidden geocaches in the park. Bring a hand-held GPS unit, sturdy hiking shoes, layered clothing, water, and snacks. Cache exchange items welcome. Reservations required. (408) 779-3634.
  • Saturday, July 27. Water, Wildlife and Working Lands Series, Santa Teresa/Bernal Ranch, 12pm-2pm. Join staff from the Santa Clara County Open Space Authority and Parks Department on a family-friendly, 1.5-mile walk to explore food production and farming from past to present. Meet at the ranch barn, 372 Manila Dr., San Jose. (408) 225-0225.
  • Saturday, August 10. Meteor Shower Campout, Santa Teresa, 7pm. Join us for a fun, family overnight adventure to view the Perseid meteor shower at its peak. Around the campfire we’ll discuss many features in the night sky, then take a 2-mile night hike to Coyote Peak to view the meteor shower and other celestial objects before returning to camp. Bring tents, camping supplies, and food. Reservations required. (408) 225-0225.
  • Saturday, August 24. Family Fandango, Santa Teresa Park’s Historic Bernal Ranch, 5pm-8pm. 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 the corner of Camino Verde and Manila Dr. in San Jose. (408) 846-5632.
  • Saturday, August 31. Water, Wildlife and Working Lands Series - Wildlife, Santa Teresa, 7pm-8:30pm. Join staff from the Santa Clara County Open Space Authority and Parks Department on a family-friendly, easy, 1-mile walk to learn about our local wildlife neighbors and how agencies work together to manage and protect their homes. Meet at the Pueblo group area. (408) 225-0225.
  • Saturday, August 31. In The Park After Dark Movie Night, Santa Teresa, 8pm-11pm. Meet at the Corral parking lot to enjoy a free movie night under the stars with family and friends. Bring low chairs or blankets and a flashlight. Donations for Second Harvest Food Bank gladly accepted. Food available for purchase. (408) 225-0225.
  • Saturday, September 7. In the Park After Dark Movie Night, Santa Teresa, 8pm-11pm. Meet at the Corral parking lot to enjoy a free movie night under the stars with family and friends. Bring low chairs or blankets and a flashlight. Donations for Second Harvest Food Bank gladly accepted. Food available for purchase. (408) 225-0225
  • Sunday, September 8. A Taste of Archery, Santa Teresa, 9am-2pm. Drop in with the Black Mountain Bowmen and learn how to shoot a compound or recurve bow, fletch arrows, and make a bow string. A mandatory safety class will be given prior to shooting a bow. Please bring snacks, water, and sun protection. Equipment provided by Predator’s Archery in Gilroy. Meet at the Santa Teresa Archery Range on Avenida Espana. Families welcome, ages 6-up. Registration required online or by calling 408-355-2240.
  • Sunday, September 29. Healthy Trails Hike, Santa Teresa, 10am-12pm. Join a Park Interpreter on an easy 1.8-mile hike along the Norred Trail. Enjoy the view of the valley below as you meander through beautiful grassland habitat. Meet at the historic Bernal Ranch at the end of Camino Verde Dr. with sturdy hiking shoes, water, snacks, and a camera. (408) 918-7772.
  • Saturday, October 5. Introduction to Photography, Santa Teresa’s Historic Bernal Ranch, 10am-1pm. 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 Bernal Ranch barn, 372 Manila Dr., San Jose. Registration required online or by calling (408) 355-2240.
  • Saturday, October 5. Nature Drawing Class, Santa Teresa, 10am-11:30am. Come hone your drawing skills while enjoying a pleasant morning at the park. We will focus on drawing plants, rocks, birds, and animals. Materials provided or bring your own. Appropriate for ages 8 to adult. Children must be accompanied by an adult. All skill levels welcome. Meet at the Pueblo Group Picnic Area. Registration required online or by calling (408) 355-2240.
  • Saturday, October 19. Spider Night, Santa Teresa Park’s Historic Bernal Ranch, 7:30pm-10pm. 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 some if you dare. Hear spider poems and folklore followed by popcorn, lemonade and the classic big-bug movie “Tarantula.” For reservations call (408) 226-5453.
  • Saturday, December 21, 2014, Santa Teresa Park's Historic Bernal Ranch, 1:30-3:30pm. Santa Claus Comes to the Bernal Ranch. Where: "Picture perfect" Victorian parlor at the historic ranch house, Santa Teresa Park. It is decorated for an 1800's Christmas. Bring yourself, your kids, and their wish list. Don't forget your camera.
Park Events for 2014
  • Saturday, March 29. Trickles to Torrents, Calero/Rancho San Vicente, 9am-1:30pm. Join a park docent for a moderate 5.5-mile loop hike to see how water from winter storms finds its way to the valley below. Meet at the Calero Park office off of McKean Rd. (south of reservoir), then carpool to the trailhead. This is a guided hike in an area not yet open for public access; group stays together; some steep sections; restrooms not available except at meeting location. Dress in layers with sturdy shoes, hat, and water. Registration required online or by calling (408) 355-2240.
  • Sunday, April 6 Photographers Day, Calero/Rancho San Vicente, 9am-3pm. Enjoy a wealth of photo opportunities as you join a park docent for a leisurely 3.5-mile out-and-back hike through rolling serpentine grasslands with a focus on the park’s natural beauty. Meet at the Calero Park office off of McKean Rd. (south of reservoir), then carpool to the trailhead. This is a guided hike in an area not yet open for public access; group stays together; some steep sections; restrooms not available except at meeting location. Pack a lunch, water, camera, hat, layered clothing, and sturdy shoes. Registration required online or by calling (408) 355-2240.
  • Saturday, April 12. Wildflower Drawing Class, Santa Teresa, 10am-11:30am. Increase your confidence in drawing and learn some skills to help you draw what you see during wildflower season. Materials are provided, but if you have a sketch pad and set of colored pencils or watercolors, bring them along. Instruction appropriate for ages 8-adult. Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. All skill levels welcome. Hat and sunscreen recommended. Rain cancels. Meet at the Fortini Trailhead. Note: There is no restroom at this location. Registration required online or by calling (408) 355-2240.
  • Saturday, April 12. Power to the Petal, Calero/Rancho San Vicente, 11am-2pm. Take a 4-mile hike with a Ranger to explore a bounty of wildflowers and discover why this unique environment provides critical habitat for endangered species. Meet at the Calero Park office, then carpool to the trailhead. Bring sturdy hiking shoes, sun protection, lunch and water. This is a guided hike in a closed area not normally open to the public; restrooms not available except at meeting location. (408) 268-3883.
  • Saturday, April 19. Foothill Ramble, Calero/Rancho San Vicente, 9am-1:30pm. Take a moderate 5.5-mile loop hike with a park docent from valley floor to ridge-top to enjoy spring wildflowers in a variety of habitats. Meet at the Calero Park office off of McKean Rd. (south of reservoir), then carpool to the trailhead. This is a guided hike in an area not yet open for public access; group stays together; some steep sections; restrooms not available except at meeting location. Pack a lunch and dress in layers with sturdy shoes, hat, and water. Registration required online or by calling (408) 355-2240.