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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. 

Our May meeting has been cancelled. You are invited to our next general meeting, on Thursday June 7, 2012 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.



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, the Friends of Santa Teresa Park, will be celebrating our 20th anniversary at the Santa Teresa Library from 10 am to 2 pm on Saturday March 24. We will have information table where we'll pass out park information. Paul Bernal will show pictures of the Bernal Family and Rancho Santa Teresa and will bring costumes so kids can dress up as Spanish soldiers. There will be arts and crafts for kids. Boy Scout Troop 227 will have displays of their projects at Santa Teresa Park. Ron Horii will have park pictures on display and a slideshow. The Tenor Band will provide musical entertainment.

   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.

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 2012
  • County Parks' Calendar of Outdoor Activities
  • 2012 Calendar of Volunteer Events and Trainings
  • Saturday, March 24, 2012, 10 am to 2 pm, Santa Teresa Branch Library, 290 International Circle, San Jose: Friends of Santa Teresa Park 20th Anniversary Birthday Bash. We will have historic displays, pictures, presentations, music, kids crafts, and literature.
  • Saturday March 24, 2012, Healthy Trails Hike, Santa Teresa, 9am-11am. A Park Docent will lead you on a moderate 2.5-mile hike along the Fortini Trail to see beautiful views of the Santa Teresa hills, Calero Lake and Almaden Valley. Meet at the Fortini Trailhead parking lot with sturdy hiking shoes, sun protection, water and snacks. (408) 355-2240.
  • Saturday March 24, 2012, Nature Journaling Hike, Santa Teresa, 1pm-4pm. 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.
  • Saturday, March 31, 2012 Wildflower Hike, Calero’s Rancho San Vicente, 9am-1:30pm. Join a Park Docent on a 3-mile hike to enjoy the spring wildflowers and learn how the rolling serpentine grasslands provide critical habitat for endangered species. Enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding foothills along the way. Meet at Calero Reservoir, then caravan to a gated site nearby. Bring sturdy hiking shoes, sun protection, snacks, and water. No dogs. Note: This is a guided hike in a “closed area” not yet open for public access; group travels together. Restrooms not available except at reservoir meeting location. Reservations required. Register online or call (408)355-2240.
  • Saturday, April 7, Healthy Trails Bilingual (Spanish) Challenge Hike, Santa Teresa, 10:00am-12:00pm. Join us on a moderately challenging 2.5-mile hike on the Fortini/Mine/Stile Ranch Trails (loop). See Beautiful Valley Vista views of Santa Teresa Hills, Calero Lake and Almaden Valley. Meet at the Stile Ranch entrance. (408) 355-2294.
  • Saturday, April 7, Introduction to Photography, Coyote Lake-Harvey Bear Ranch, 10:00am-1:00pm. Join Docent Ron Horii for a 3.7-mile photography hike on the spectacular Mummy Mountain Trail. 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. Meet at the Mendoza parking lot on Roop Rd. Register online http://activenet.active.com/SCCOParks/registrationmain.sdi?source=adet.sdi&activity_id=177 or call (408) 355-2240.
  • Thursday, April 12, Healthy Trails Stroller Hike and Toddler Trek, Santa Teresa, 4:30pm-6:00pm. Join a Strollerhikes.com Docent on a moderate hike geared towards families with small children. Enjoy many historical sites along the way. Meet at the Fortini Trail Head parking lot. Bring sun protection, water, snacks and sturdy hiking shoes. (408) 355-2240.
  • Saturday, April 14, Power To The Petal, Calero/Rancho San Vicente, 11:00am-1:00pm. 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, April 21: Earth Day Trail Work – Coyote Lake (opening of the Ed Wilson Trail) [more info...]
  • Sunday, April 22, Wildflowers Galore!, Santa Teresa, 10:00am-12:00pm. Take a 3-mile hike to explore endangered species of the serpentine habitat and learn why certain soils and rocky mixtures produce the most beautiful and abundant wildflower displays. Meet at the Pueblo group area with hiking shoes, sun protection and water. (408) 225-0225.
  • Sunday, May 6, Wildflower Hike, Calero/Rancho San Vicente, 9:00am-1:30pm. Join a Park Docent on a 3-mile hike to enjoy spring wildflowers and learn how the rolling serpentine grasslands provide critical habitat for endangered species. Meet at Calero Reservoir, then carpool to the trail nearby. Bring sun protection, water, camera, sturdy hiking shoes and layered clothing. Note: This is a guided hike in a “closed area” not yet open for public access, group travels together. Restrooms not available except at reservoir. Register online http://activenet.active.com/SCCOParks/registrationmain.sdi?source=adet.sdi&activity_id=181 or call (408) 355-2240.
  • Saturday, May 12: Park Beautification – Joice Bernal Ranch
  • Saturday, May 19: National River Cleanup Day – various parks
  • Saturday, May 19, 2012. South Bay Ridge Ramble. Bay Area Ridge Trail all-day event. Family Ramble: 3.5 mile loop through Santa Teresa Park. Family Geocaching Ramble with REI in Santa Teresa Park. Mining Ramble: 9 miles from Hicks Road/Jacques Ridge in Almaden Quicksilver Park with optional 3-mile loop. Extreme Scramble: 21-miles from Lexington Reservoir through Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve through Almaden Quicksilver to Santa Teresa, with optional 3-mile loop to Coyote Peak at the end. Stage at Santa Teresa Park. Hikers and cyclists on the Mining Ramble and Extreme Scramble are shuttled to the starting point and travel back to Santa Teresa. All participants enjoy snacks and drinks at rest stops along the way, and a tasty lunch. Maps, guides, and sweeps are provided so you can travel the trail at your own pace. To volunteer to help with the event, contact volunteer@ridgetrail.org
  • Saturday, May 19, Frog and Lizard Night, Santa Teresa’s Historic Bernal Ranch, 7:30pm-10:00pm. 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.
  • Saturday, May 26, Wash Day And Old Time Games – Santa Teresa’s Historic Bernal Ranch, 1:30pm-3:30pm. Come out for a fun-filled afternoon. Experience Granny’s “weekly affliction” and play games from 100 years ago. The historic ranch is located at the corner of Camino Verde and Manila Dr. in San Jose. (408) 226-5453.
  • Saturday, June 2: National Trails Day – New Almaden Trail at Almaden Quicksilver.
  • Sunday, June 3, Wildflower Hike, Calero/Rancho San Vicente, 9:00am-1:30pm. Join a Park Docent on a 3-mile hike to enjoy spring wildflowers and learn how the rolling serpentine grasslands provide critical habitat for endangered species. Meet at Calero Reservoir, then carpool to the trail nearby. Bring sun protection, water, camera, sturdy hiking shoes and layered clothing. Note: This is a guided hike in a “closed area” not yet open for public access, group travels together. Restrooms not available except at reservoir. Register online http://activenet.active.com/SCCOParks/registrationmain.sdi?source=adet.sdi&activity_id=182 or call (408) 355-2240.
  • Sunday, June 3, Introduction to Geocaching, Santa Teresa, 1:00pm-4:00pm. Join Docent Sam Drake on a beginner’s geocaching adventure to find 6-7 hidden caches on the Fortini Trail. GPS units will be provided. Meet at the Fortini Trailhead. Bring sun protection, water, snacks and sturdy hiking shoes. Reservations required. Register online http://activenet.active.com/SCCOParks/registrationmain.sdi?source=adet.sdi&activity_id=187 or call (408) 355-2240.
  • Saturday, June 23, Festival in the Park, Hellyer, 11:00am-4:00pm. Join us for this 6th annual health, wellness and safety fair! This year’s exhibits and activities will include those aimed at helping communities and families become better prepared for emergencies and natural disasters. Food available for purchase. FREE admission, information, health and recreation opportunities, entertainment and FUN! (408) 355-2240.
  • Saturday, June 30: Trail Day – Rocky Ridge Trail at Santa Teresa.
  • Saturday, July 14, Wildlife Hike, Calero/Rancho San Vicente, 4:00pm -7:30pm. Join a Park Docent for a moderate 3- mile out-and-back hike to enjoy wildlife and discover how the rolling serpentine grasslands provide critical habitat for endangered species. Meet at Calero Reservoir, then carpool to the trail nearby. Bring sun protection, water, camera, sturdy hiking shoes and layered clothing. Note: This is a guided hike in a “closed area” not yet open for public access, group travels together. Restrooms not available except at reservoir. Register online at http://activenet.active.com/SCCOParks/registrationmain.sdi?source=adet.sdi&activity_id=183 or call (408) 355-2240.
  • Saturday, July 21, August 11, Wash Day And Old Time Games, Santa Teresa’s Historic Bernal Ranch, 1:30pm-3:30pm. Come out for a fun-filled afternoon. Experience Granny’s “weekly affliction” and play games from 100 years ago. The historic ranch is located at the corner of Camino Verde and Manila Dr. in San Jose. (408) 226-5453.
  • Saturday, July 28, Family Fandango, Santa Teresa’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 the corner of Camino Verde and Manila Dr. in San Jose. (408) 846-5632.
  • Saturday, August 11, Micro-Zoology Night, Santa Teresa’s Historic Bernal Ranch, 7:30pm-10:00pm
    Join experts for a show and tell about microscopic creatures. Look at life under a drop of water. Afterwards, munch on popcorn while watching the microbe gone mad movie “The Blob.” Reservations required. (408) 226-5453.
  • Saturday, August 25, Wildlife Hike, Calero/Rancho San Vicente, 4:00pm-7:30pm
    Join a Park Docent on a 3-mile hike to enjoy panoramic views and discover how these rolling serpentine grasslands provide critical habitat for endangered species. Meet at Calero Reservoir, then carpool to the trail nearby. Bring sun protection, water, camera, sturdy hiking shoes and layered clothing. Note: This is a guided hike in a “closed area” not yet open for public access, group travels together. Restrooms not available except at reservoir. Register online http://activenet.active.com/SCCOParks/registrationmain.sdi?source=adet.sdi&activity_id=186 or call (408) 355-2240.

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