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Friends of Santa Teresa Park 

Chris Horii at Trail Day with the FOSTP sign

 

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 meetings are usually held on the first Thursday of the month at 7 pm. Our meetings are normally held at the Santa Teresa Golf Club upper clubhouse/banquet room (on top of the hill) at 260 Bernal Road, San Jose.  We don't know when we'll have meetings there again. Due to the COVID-19 shutdown and until further notice, we have been having virtual meetings only, using Zoom video conferencing. Send an email request to fostp@stpfriends.org to get the Zoom meeting link. (Download and install Zoom if you haven't already.) We will not have a meeting in December. Instead, we will have a potluck dinner at Mike Boulland's house on December 2, 2021 at 6:00 pm. Our next virtual meeting will be on Thursday, January 6, 2022 at 7:00 pm.

Here are Orders from the Santa Clara County Public Health Department. These are frequently changing, so check for the latest updates.

We have been having volunteer cleanup work days at Santa Teresa Park, usually on the first Friday of each month. We meet in front of the ranch house at the Bernal-Gulnac-Joice Ranch on Manila Drive at 9:00 am. See the latest news for past work days. There will be no work day in December 2021. The next work day will tentatively be on January 7, 2022. Contact us at fostp@stpfriends.org if you're interested in helping out.

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 the latest news and updates. 

Like us on our Facebook page.
For questions on the stpfriends.org website, contact our webmaster, Ron Horii.

For County Parks volunteers, enter your volunteer hours here. This is the new Samaritan sytem. Contact the County Parks Volunteers Office for access information and instructions.



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 Upper Clubhouse/Banquet Facility. 

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 2020-2021

  • See here for archived news from 2010-2017.
  • See here for archived news from 2018-2019.
  • Jump to 2021 news
  • For the second year in a row, the Friends of Santa Teresa Park were invited to come to Oakridge Mall's Senior Resource Fair on 2/21/20. Steve Crockett and Mike Boulland staffed the table with information about FOSTP, Santa Teresa Park, and the New Almaden Ting (pavilion) project  The picture posters are by Ron Horii.
    FOSTP at Oakridge Mall Senior Fair, 2/21/20

  • On March 12, 2020, the Health Officer of Santa Clara County issued a shelter-in-place order because of COVID-19. We were planning to lead another pre-Mother's Day hike in Santa Teresa Park on the Stile Ranch, Mine, and Fortini Trails on May 9, 2020. Ron Horii was planning to teach another photography class and lead a hike in Santa Teresa Park's Bernal Ranch on May 16, 2020. Both events were cancelled due to the COVID-19 shutdown. All volunteer activities and events in the County Parks are cancelled or postponed until further notice. The volunteer recognition event that was supposed to be in April was postponed until September, but is now cancelled. Our National Night Out in Santa Teresa Park, originally scheduled for August 4, 2020 was cancelled. La Fuente/Fandango and similar events will probably not occur this year because of personnel changes in the park interpretive department.
  • During the COVID-19 shelter-in-place order, people are still allowed to go outside for exercise, such as walking, hiking, running, and biking. Trails in the County Parks are open, but users need to practice social distancing, keeping at least 6 feet apart from other people not in the same household. There are signs at the trailheads about these social distancing rules.
    COVID-19 signs

  • Social distancing is easier to practice on wide trails vs. narrow trails. Below is a Santa Teresa County Park map with the wide trails highlighted. Click on the small image below for a larger map. Note that only parts of some trails are wide. (Note that this was made by Ron Horii and is his personal opinion, not an official park map.)
    Santa Teresa Park Wide Trails Map

  • During the COVID-19 shutdown, parking fees in all County Parks, including Santa Teresa, are not being collected. Note that parking is not allowed on Bernal Road from Heaton Moor to the IBM gates. There is a small parking lot just before the IBM gates, but no parking is allowed on the road near it.
    Parking fee machine shutdown

  • While County Park trails are open, other park facilities are closed. These include visitor centers, picnic areas, playgrounds, and drinking fountains.
    Picnic table closure at the Bernal Ranch

  • During the start of the COVID-19 shutdown, the golf course and archery range in Santa Teresa Park were closed. They have since been reopened, but with significant safety protocols. Here are the safety protocols for the Santa Teresa Golf Club. Here are the protocols for the archery range.
    Santa Teresa Golf Club Clubhouse Signs

  • The Koopman Family made this gorgeous video of Santa Teresa Park. Greg Koopman did the videography and text labels. Vanessa Koopman did the video editing. Roxanne Koopman inspired the production.
  • On 6/4/20, there was a fire in the Santa Teresa Hills. It started in the hills above Colleen and Chesbro. It was named the Colleen Fire. It was allegedly caused by arson. A suspect was detained. The Greystone neighborhood in the Almaden Valley was evacuated. No houses were damaged by the fire. Part of the land that burned was owned by the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority. See this Facebook album for pictures of the aftermath of the fire.
    Colleen Fire aftermath

  • On 6/25-26/20, there was a prescribed burn in the Pueblo Area of Santa Teresa Park. This was in conjunction with the San Jose Fire Department, who used it as a training exercise. The city published this notice about it: "The purpose of this training is to instruct our recruit firefighters in wildland firefighting practices. This live-fire training is consistent with previous exercises the San José Fire Department has conducted in the park, allowing recruit firefighters to utilize specialized tools and equipment, personal protective equipment, and employ wildland suppression strategies and tactics in a controlled setting. Impacts of the training exercise on the surrounding area are expected to be minimal. Benefits to the areas being burned include removal of non-native, invasive species of plants, such as the star thistle. Park visitors are advised that the Mine Trail south of Bernal Road will be closed as well as the Pueblo Trail and the connector trail between Pueblo and Mine Trail. The Pueblo day use area and the road to the equestrian lot will also be closed." Here are Facebook albums (Facebook sign-in required) with pictures of the fire training and its aftermath: Firefighter Training, Santa Teresa Park Part 1, 6/25/20, Firefighter Training, Santa Teresa Park Part 2, 6/26/20, Aftermath of Prescribed Burn, Santa Teresa Park, 6/27/20.
    Firefighters in Pueblo Area, 6/25/20

  • While organized group events in the County Parks and open space preserves have been suspended due to COVID-19, videos and Zoom conferences are available from various organizations. Here are some examples (note: Facebook sign-in may be required):
  • On 8/19/20, there was a small vegetation fire at the corner of Curie Drive and San Ignacio Avenue along the base of the Coyote Alamitos Canal. This is part of the Santa Teresa Park Historic Site, which is not open to the public yet. It is across the street from Bernal Interemediate School. The fire came close to the historic buildings on the site, but the San Jose Fire Department brought the blaze under control before any structures could be damaged.
    Curie Fire, 8/19/20

  • New Park Interpreter Rob McDonnell, assigned to Santa Teresa Park's Bernal Ranch, made this video about the ranch, telling about its history. On 8/20/20, he gave a longer presentation called "Santa Teresa Spring Across Generations." He talked more about the history of Rancho Santa Teresa and the Bernal, Gulnac, and Joice Families that lived there.
  • Author Jenny Clendenen, who lives in the Almaden Valley, wrote a book called MINE. It's about Maria Zacarias Bernal de Berreyesa, who was the daughter of Jose Joaquin Bernal, founder of Rancho Santa Teresa. She married Jose de los Reyes Berreyesa, owner of neighboring Rancho San Vicente. Here's how Jenny describes her book: "MINE is about a Spanish matriarch of early San Jose whose family helped settle the entire Bay Area. María Zacarías Bernal de Berreyesa lost ten of eleven beloved men, the Almaden mines, and her south San José ranch to Americans after the Gold Rush. For the last thirty years her personal history and mine have shared the same league of land in the Almaden Valley, and I felt her presence there long before I 'met' her." Here's more about the book on Jenny's website. It's available on Amazon. There was an online interview with Jenny Clendenen about her book, hosted by the Peninsula Open Space Trust and the Santa Clara County Parks on October 2, 2020 from 12-1pm. You can view the interview on Youtube.
    Mine by Jenny Clenenden

  • Because of the pandemic shutdown, we have been unable to have regular in-person meetings. Starting in April, we have been having Zoom virtual meetings. In our January 7, 2021 meeting, we invited and talked with Blair Pagano (see below). She is the new Volunteer Coordinator for the County Parks' Volunteer Program. You can read about our discussion with her on volunteer opportunities and procedures in the meeting minutes.
    FOSTP Zoom meeting with Blair Pagano

  • There's a new bike repair station at the Hidden Springs Trailhead in the Pueblo Day Use Area. It's called a Fixit by Dero. The Fixit unit has hanger arms on top, which allow hanging the bike with both wheels off the ground to make it easier to do wheel repairs and adjustments. It has an air pump and attached tools. The air pump doesn't have a pressure gauge, so you'll have to bring your own gauge or guess at the air pressure by the firmness of the tire. Here are the online instructions. 
    Bike repair station

  • There is a new viewing bench along the Joice Trail, near the PG&E tower service roads. It was donated by the Hunter Family and says "Do what makes you happy." It has a panoramic view of the Bay Area and the Santa Teresa Hills.
    Viewing bench on the Joice Trail

  • There is a new trail plan in Santa Teresa Park's Historic Area that was recently approved by the Board of Supervisors. It is currently out for bid. It runs from Santa Teresa Spring to San Igacio Ave. near Curie Drive. Park Director Don Rocha described it in his report to the Park Commission: "The scope of the project will consist of the following improvements: an 8-foot wide, graded, dirt/gravel trail along Manila Drive, continuing through the historic site of the former Jacoba Bernal property, and ending at the corner of Curie Drive and San Ignacio Boulevard. Spur trails consisting of two 5-foot wide decomposed granite trails will connect the residential sidewalk along Curie Drive to the 8-foot wide trail, and another to the corner of Curie Drive and San Ignacio Boulevard. In addition to the trail construction, other amenities include security gates, split-rail fencing, wire fencing, chain-link fencing and barricades, and relocation of the Bear Tree Monument to an area along the interior trail, closer to the Bear Tree." It partially implements the original trail plan shown in the 2009 site plan. It goes closer to Curie and does not go to the back of the property. Here is a notice about the construction project that was distributed to the neighborhood. Below is a map showing the new trails. Click on it for a bigger picture:
    New Trail Plan

  • There are new signs in the County Parks. They replace the flip-down signs that say the trails are temporarily closed to equestrian and bicycle use due to wet trail conditions. The signs are posted at the entry to the park and trailheads. They are used during the rainy season. All trails are closed after measurable rain and are reopened after they dry sufficiently. This is to prevent damage to trails. Unfortunately, many bicyclists ignore the signs, don't see them, or don't read them because they are too wordy. This is what the old sign looked like:
    •
    Old trail closure sign

  • This is the new trail closure sign. It's very simple and direct, without a lot of fine print. Whether this is more effective than the old signs is yet to be seen. With the lack of rain, the signs haven't gotten much use.
    New trail closure sign

  • There are signs posted by the park entrance on Bernal Road, by the entry gate to the Pueblo Area, and by the parking meter parking lot. They announce that the $6.00 vehicle entry fees for the County Parks, which have been suspended during the pandemic, will be reinstated starting April 5, 2021. Fees are required to park in the Pueblo Day Use area, but not at other Santa Teresa Park entrances, including the tiny Mine Trail parking lot on Bernal Road. Fees are collected at County Parks that have developed facilities, like Vasona, Hellyer, Martial Cottle, Mt. Madonna, Sanborn, Grant, Ed Levin, etc. All of the ones that charge fees have much more extensive amenities than Santa Teresa. Usage of the Pueblo Area increased dramatically during the pandemic, when parking was free. How park usage will be affected by the reinstatement of the fees has yet to be seen. This is an old issue. Parking meters were installed in April, 2000. Ron Horii created a webpage about this in 2001. A lot has changed since then, such as the opening of the Open Space Authority preserves, the Rancho San Vicente entrance to Calero, and the Coyote Creek Visitor Center, all of which have free parking. The Friends of Santa Teresa Park have concerns about this issue and will be observing the impact of the parking fees on park usage.
    • Parking fee sign

  • There is a new memorial bench below Santa Teresa Spring. The plaque on the bench says, "Forever at play in Daddy's park. In loving memory Avery Willow Celaya." The area was cleared of blackberry vines and landscaped around the bench. There are decorative rocks placed, and a willow tree was planted. The outlet of Santa Teresa Spring, leading into a culvert, was lined with rocks. Picture taken 3/30/21:
    •
    Memorial bench by Santa Teresa Spring

  • On Friday, 4/2/21, FOSTP members had their first monthly work day at Santa Teresa Park. They went to the Bernal-Gulnac-Joice Ranch and cut weeds in front of the ranch house.
    • FOSTP work day at Bernal-Gulnac-Joice Ranch, 4/2/21

  • During our May 6, 2021 meeting, we had a special presentation by Teri Rogoway, Educational Programs Coordinator for the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority. She gave a presentation about the OSA, how it responded to the pandemic, and partnership opportunities. This was the flyer for the meeting. Santa Teresa Park is very close to the Coyote Valley, which has a lot of recently-purchased and preserved land (see below). There may be opportunities for FOSTP to do activities in partnership with the OSA, which has a grant program.
    •
    Coyote Valley Conserved Areas

  • In 1992, at the same time the Clampers installed the monument at the Bear Tree Lot, a time capsule was buried next to it. It was assembled by students from Mike Boulland's 4th grade class at Baldwin School. The Clampers buried it next to the monument. In anticipation of the relocation of the Bear Tree Lot monument, as part of the Curie Drive trail construction, the Friends of Santa Teresa Park unearthed the time capsule on 5/28/21. It will be unveiled and possibly re-buried when the construction project is complete and the area is re-opened.
    Time capsule recovery, Bear Tree Lot, 5/28/21

  • The Friends of Santa Teresa Park had a trail work day at Santa Teresa Spring on 6/4/21. They cut brush blocking views of the spring from the viewing platform and cut vines and removed dirt from in front of the spring's font and shrine. Here are pictures from that work day.
    Santa Teresa Spring Cleanup, 6/4/21

  • Construction of the new trails along Curie Drive has begun. This is from 6/4/21. Construction fences have been put up along the project from Curie Drive near Korhummel to San Ignacio Avenue. Crews started putting up internal fences and marking off the trail route.
    Trail construction, 6/4/21

  • On Saturday, 6/5/21, the ranch house and west barn at the Bernal-Gulnac-Joice Ranch were open to the public for the first time since March of 2020. They will also be open on Fridays and Sundays as park staff become available. There is a list of COVID-19 safety protocols posted. The doors of the house and barn are left open for ventilation. Only one household at a time can be inside. Everyone over 6 years old must wear a mask. They will go in through one door and come out the other. A wheelchair ramp is at the exit of the barn. Hand sanitizers are inside the house and barn. The east barn is still closed.
    Ranch House opening, 6/5/21

  • On 7/1-2/21, the San Jose Fire Department, in conjuction with the County Parks, held a training exercise for newly-recruited firefighters, with a controlled burn in the Pueblo Day Use Area of Santa Teresa Park. They have been doing this annually. Here are pictures from the exercise.
    •
    Firefighter training, 7/1/21

  • On 7/1/21, members of the Friends of Santa Teresa Park, Mike and Dorene Boulland, Youngmee Kim, and Ron Horii, continued cleanup work at Santa Teresa Spring. They removed mud and vines from the rocks and stone structures at the spring, and cleared dirt, leaves and vines from the cistern. Here are pictures of the cleanup.
    Santa Teresa Spring Cleanup, 7/1/21

    Santa Teresa Spring cleanup, 7/1/21

    Santa Teresa Spring cleanup, 7/1/21

  • On 8/6/21, members of the Friends of Santa Teresa Park, Mike Boulland, Youngmee Kim, Marilyn August, Joan Murphy and Ron Horii, had a work day at the Bernal-Gulnac-Joice Ranch. They removed dead plants and pulled weeds in the garden boxes, pulled weeds from around the ranch house, and trimmed the trees. Here are pictures from that event.
    Garden box cleanup, 8/6/21

    Workday group at the BGJ Ranch, 8/6/21

  • The ranch house and west barn at the Bernal-Gulnac-Joice Ranch is open. On Fridays and Saturdays, Park Interpreter Rob McDonnell is there (see 8/20/20 above). On Sundays, new staffer Katrina Semene is minding the store. Here's Katrina and the ranch hours:
    Katrina Semene at the Bernal Ranch house

    BGJ Ranch hours

  • Patrick Joice passed away on 8/18/21. He was the last of the Bernal Family descendants who owned Rancho Santa Teresa. He sold the ranch to IBM, which later sold it to Santa Clara County. The ranch he lived and worked in is now the Bernal-Gulnac-Joice Ranch. He came to many park events at the ranch. This is him at the Family Fandango on 8/1/09. The last time he came to a public event at the ranch was at La Fuente in 2018. He brought his family and memorabilia and talked to people about his life growing up on the ranch. Patrick's grandfather, also named Patrick Joice, married Susan Gulnac, who was the daughter of Carlos Gulnac and Rufina Bernal. Rufina's grandfather was Jose Joaquin Bernal, founder of Rancho Santa Teresa. Here's an interview of Patrick Joice.
    Patrick Joice at Fandango, August 1, 2009

  • This memorial bench is on the Joice Trail, just before it turns left under the Vista Loop Trail. This picture is from 8/31/21, so it was installed sometime before then. It says, "In Memory of Frank 'Carl' Ginzel, April 1, 1958-January 20, 2021, Donated Lovingly by Friends."
    Memorial bench on the Joice Trail, 8/31/21

  • On 9/10/21, Friends of Santa Teresa Park members Mike Boulland, Woody Collins, Marilyn August, Youngmee Kim, Joan Murphy, and Ron Horii had a work day at the Bernal-Gulnac-Joice Ranch. They continued weeding the garden boxes, pruned bushes, and whacked down the grass on the flagstone path in front of the ranch house. Here are pictures from that work day.
    Work Day, Bernal-Gulnac-Joice Ranch, 9/10/21

  • On 9/14/21, there was an event at the Bernal-Gulnac-Joice Ranch. Park Interpreter Rob McDonnell gave a presentation about kingsnakes, using a live snake named Morticia from Martial Cottle Park's visitor center. Rob talked about kingsnakes, their physical characteristics, life cycle, diet, how they move, how they hunt and eat prey, coloration, skin, and relation to their environment. There were over 30 people who showed up, mostly families. Rob answered lots of questions from kids. This was the first in-person interpretive event in Santa Teresa Park by park staff since the start of the pandemic shutdown last March. Here are pictures of the event.
    Rob McDonnell and Kingsnake

  • On 10/1/21, Friends of Santa Teresa Park members Mike Boulland, Youngmee Kim, Joan Murphy, and Ron Horii had a work day at the Bernal-Gulnac-Joice Ranch. They continued weeding the butterfly garden box, removed blackberry vines and other weeds from the front of the ranch house (pictured), trimmed bushes, and swept up leaves. Here are pictures of the work day.
    Cleanup in front of the ranch house, 10/1/21

  • On 11/5/21, Friends of Santa Teresa Park members Mike Boulland, Youngmee Kim, Greg Koopman, and Ron Horii had a work day at Santa Teresa Spring. They cut blackberries, repaired erosion and improved drainage on the ramp to the spring, and cleared dirt and vines from around the spring itself.  Here are pictures of the work day.
    FOSTP Work Day, Santa Teresa Spring, 11/5/21

  • On 11/6/21, there was a Bay Area Ridge Trail service day on the Stile Ranch Trail in Santa Teresa Park. Here's the description of it: "We plan to prevent erosion on the trails by creating long lasting drainage points using rock to armor eroded sections of the trail, as well as block off a shortcut trail, and remove introduced species in the area." It was a partnership between the Santa Clara County Parks, the Santa Cruz Mountains Trail Stewardship, and the Bay Area Ridge Trail Council. The County Parks Trail Crew spent several days preparing the trail. They put base rock on the lower half of the switchbacks and marked off the work areas. Here are pictures of the work day. Here's what the trail looked like afterwards.
    Stile Ranch Trail Work Day, 11/6/21

  • On 11/7/21, Mike Boulland led a history/ghost tour of Rancho Santa Teresa for a Meetup group. Mike took the group through the historic ranch house, the grounds, the barn, Santa Teresa Spring, the new trail by the Bear Tree Lot, and to the Bonetti Ranch across from Bernal School. Along the way, he talked about the history of the ranch, the people who lived there, legends, and some real ghost sightings. Here are pictures of the tour.
    History/Ghost Tour of Rancho Santa Teresa, 11/7/21

  • After months of construction, the new trail from Santa Teresa Spring to San Ignacio Avenue, was open to the public in mid-November. It was a soft opening. There was still some cleanup and finishing touches to do. Here is what the trail looked like. The Friends of Santa Teresa Park and the County Parks are planning to have a ribbon-cutting ceremony on December 11.
    New Trail, 11/20/21

Newsletters
Santa Teresa Park Pictures
Rainbow over Santa Teresa Golf Course from the Ridge Trail

Santa Teresa Park web pages & albums with pictures (newest first):
2021
2020
 2019 2018
 2017
 2016
 2015
 2014
 2013
 2012
 2011
 2010
 2009
 2008
 Pictures and Special reports: 2000 to 2007
Web Pages/Photo Albums On Other Local Parks (Newest First)


2021
2020
 2019
 2018 2017
 2016
 2015
 2014
 2013
 2012
 2011
 2010
 2009
 2008 and Earlier For more pictures of parks and trails, see Ron Horii's San Francisco Bay Area Parks, Recreation and Travel website.
Yahoo Group Pictures

Coyote Peak
These were pictures for FOSTP Yahoo Group members only (anyone can apply to join, but you need a Yahoo ID, which is free).  Below is a list of the albums that used to be there.

Note: due to policy changes by Yahoo, which is now owned by Verizon, after 12/14/19, these pictures were no longer available. Yahoo Groups will still be active, but only for email communication. All the files on the group site have been archived here (note that this is an archive only and is not formatted for easy viewing). Some of the photo albums have be re-created as Facebook albums. Facebook sign-in is required to view them.

Park Events


Pre-Mother's Day Hike, Fortini Trail

Park Events for 2019-2020

Note that starting March 16, 2020, all in-person County Park events and activities are cancelled or on hold until further notice. There are virtual programs (see links).
The following activities and events are in Santa Teresa Park and/or FOSTP members are involved:

2019-2020 Santa Teresa Park Events:
  • Friday, January 18, 2019, Lunar New Year Night Hike • Santa Teresa • 6pm-8pm. The moon brings people from all over the planet together for celebrations. Join us for a reflective night hike celebrating the moon in each of our lives.Recommended 9+ years. Meet at the chicken coop with a large mouth cup and water or tea. Reservations (408) 226-5453.
  • Saturday and Sunday March 2-3, 2019, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. Cleanup event at the Curie Drive property (see above in News). In case of rain, alternate dates are March 23-24. Meeting location is the Bear Tree Lot at Santa Teresa County Park located across from the address 279 Curie Dr., San Jose, CA 95119. Here is the flyer for the event. Sign up here on Samaritan.
  • Thursday, April 4, 2019, 7:00 pm at the Santa Teresa Golf Course Upper Clubhouse: A Taste of Santa Teresa History 2019 Speaker Series. Ranger Lisa Pappanastos will talk about the Grant Ranch and the Bernal Connection. See above in News.
  • Saturday, April 27, 2019, Intro to Outdoor Photography, 10:00 AM - 01:00 PM, Santa Teresa's Bernal Ranch. Learn how to choose and use a camera, how to take better outdoor pictures and about photo composition and lighting. The workshop begins with an indoor slideshow, followed by a moderate wildflower photo hike up in the hills. Meet inside the west barn. Bring a sunscreen, water, and sturdy shoes. For ages 14+. Bring a camera, any kind will do, including smartphones. Reservations online​ or call 408-355-2201.​
  • Saturday, May 4, 2019, Untold Stories: Asian Pacific Islander Environmentalists, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM, Santa Teresa's Bernal Ranch. Celebrate the tenacity of Asian Pacific Islander Environmentalists during API Heritage month. We'll redefine the stereotypical environmentalist and inspire one another to be truth seekers. Ages 13+ years welcome. Meet at the Bernal Ranch. Reservations (408) 226-5453.
  • Saturday, May 11, 2019, Pre-Mother’s Day Wildflower & History Hike, 10:00 AM - 01:00 PM, Santa Teresa Park Stile Ranch/Fortini Trail Trailhead. Join the Friends of Santa Teresa Park for a moderate 2.5-mile hike on the Stile Ranch, Mine and Fortini Trails. View spectacular wildflower displays, take in the gorgeous views, and learn about the rich history of the area. Meet at the Stile Ranch Trailhead  with sturdy shoes, snacks and water.  Questions? (408) 355-2240.
  • Saturday, May 18, 2019, Origami for Kids, 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM, Santa Teresa's Bernal Ranch. Celebrate API Heritage month through origami. Learn to fold recycled paper into toys. This family event includes story telling and origami instruction. 3 + years recommended. All youth must be accompanied by an adult. Meet at the Bernal Ranch. Questions? (408) 226-5453. 
  • Saturday, June 15, 2019, Santa Teresa: In The Park After Dark Movie Night, 8:45 PM - 10:30 PM, Santa Teresa's Pueblo Group Area. Enjoy a FREE feature-length movie ("Madagascar 3") under the stars with family and friends. Come early to learn about the park and talk to a Ranger. Meet in the Pueblo Group Area parking lot with a chair or blanket, flashlight and snacks. No dogs please. Questions? (408) 225-0225
  • Thursdays, June 20, 27, & July 18, Youth Volunteer days, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM, Bernal-Gulnac-Joice Ranch, 372 Manila Drive. Middle school student community service days this summer! Projects include gardening, yard maintenance, and barn upkeep. Closed toed shoes and outdoor clothing are required. Snacks and all work tools are provided. Parent or guardian permission required to participate. For more info, contact Park Interpreter Kelsi Ju. Call (408) 226-5453 or email kelsi.ju@prk.sccgov.org.
  • Saturday June 29, Sunday July 21, Sunday August 4, Sunday August 18, 2019, What's "Shaking" in Parks? 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM, Santa Teresa's Pueblo Day Use Area.Trek to the highest peak in the park to view fantastic vistas and explore local geology formations. Meet in 2nd parking lot (on left by yellow call box) with hiking shoes, layered clothing and water. Questions? (408) 225-0225.
  • Friday July 12, 2019, Movie Night Campout, 7:00 PM - 08:00 AM, Santa Teresa's Pueblo Day Use Area. Join us for a family-friendly movie and overnight campout in the park. The evening begins with a feature-length movie under the stars, followed by a campfire and 2nd movie. Bring your own tents, chairs, bedding and food. $15 fee for each tent or RV and $6 per vehicle. Fee collected upon arrival. No dogs please. Reservations (408) 535-4060.
  • Friday, July 12, 2019, In The Park After Dark Movie Night, 8:45 PM - 10:30 PM, Santa Teresa's Pueblo Group Area. Enjoy a FREE feature-length movie ("Ralph Breaks the Internet") under the stars with family and friends. Come early to learn about the park and talk to a Ranger. Meet in the Pueblo Group Area parking lot with a chair or blanket, flashlight and snacks. No dogs please. Questions? (408) 225-0225.
  • Saturday, July 27, 2019, A Taste of Archery, 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM, 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM, Santa Teresa Park 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. Reservations online or (408) 355-2240​.​​​
  • Saturdays July 27, August 24, September 21, 2019, The Impact of Fire, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM, Santa Teresa's Bernal Ranch.Take a 2-mile walk with park staff through the site of 2018’s Curie Fire while exploring our community’s relationship with wildfire in the 21st-century. Young adults encouraged to attend. Minimum age 12. Bring water and sun protection. Meet at the Bernal Ranch on Manila Drive. Questions? (408) 918-7779.
  • Saturday, August 3, 2019, Light Life Night Hike, 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM, Santa Teresa Park, Bernal Road. This moderate 2-mile night hike will investigate the role of light in the life cycles of animals and humans. Bring a flashlight. Meet at the top of Bernal Rd, parking lot on left before IBM gate (GPS coordinates: 37.214513, -121.796560). Reservations (408) 226-5453.
  • Tuesday, August 6, 2019, National Night Out, 5:00 PM - 7:30 PM, Santa Teresa's Bernal Ranch. The second Tuesday in August is National Night Out (NNO) Day. Neighbors and neighborhood organizations all over the country hold meet-and-greet events where members of the community can meet each other and with public service agencies. The purpose is to promote public safety and reduce crime. The Friends of Santa Teresa Park will be organizing this event at the Bernal-Gulnac-Joice Ranch. It will be similar to last year's event. See here for pictures.
  • Saturday, August 10, 2019, Movie Night Campout, 7:00 PM - 08:00 AM, Santa Teresa's Pueblo Day Use Area. Join us for a family-friendly movie and overnight campout in the park. The evening begins with a feature-length movie under the stars, followed by a campfire and 2nd movie. Bring your own tents, chairs, bedding and food. $15 fee for each tent or RV, and $6 per vehicle. Fee collected onsite. No dogs please. Reservations (408) 225-0225.
  • Saturday, August 10, 2019, In The Park After Dark Movie Night, 8:30 PM - 10:30 PM, Santa Teresa's Pueblo Group Area. Enjoy a FREE feature-length movie ("How to Train Your Dragon") under the stars with family and friends. Come early to learn about the park and talk to a Ranger. Meet in the Pueblo Group Area parking lot with a chair or blanket, flashlight and snacks. No dogs please. Questions? (408) 225-0225.
  • Satuday, August 31, 2019, A Taste of Archery, 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM and 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM, Santa Teresa Archery Range at Avenida Espana and Bayliss Drive. 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. Reservations online or (408) 355-2240.
  • Saturday, September 7, Saturday, October 12, Saturday, November 2, 2019, Raptor 101 • Santa Teresa • 9:00am-11:00am. Learn how to identify birds of prey just in time for raptor migration season! Meet at the Bernal Ranch. Reservations (408) 226-5453
  • Saturday, September 14, 2019, Full Moon Hike, 7:00 PM - 09:00 PM, Santa Teresa's Pueblo Day Use Area. Join a Park Ranger on a moderate hike to see the moon rise. Learn about local park wildlife and how to use your senses in the dark. Meet in the Pueblo Day Use parking lot with layered clothing and sturdy hiking shoes. Questions? (408) 225-0225.
  • Saturday, October 19, 2019, La Fuente, 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM, Santa Teresa's Bernal Ranch. La fuente means "the source" or "the origin" in Spanish. Celebrate la fuente of the rich community histories from the past, present, and future at the Bernal-Gulnac-Joice Ranch. This afternoon event will feature cultural presentations, local community organizations, family activities, and children's games. Free and fun for all ages. Question? Call (408) 226-5453 or email interp@prk.sccgov.org.
  • Sunday, November 10, 2019 from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. Join Docent Ron Horii for a free outdoor photography workshop for all experience levels. You will learn about the types of cameras and how to choose and use them, how to take outdoor pictures, photo composition, lighting, photo editing, advanced techniques, and Internet publishing! Meet at the ranch house for a demonstration and slideshow. Afterwards will be a short photo shoot tour of the historic ranch. Bring your own camera - any kind will do, including phones! For ages 14+. Registrations required. To register or for more information, call: (408) 355-2240 or visit www.parkhere.org for online reservations.
  • Friday, January 10, 2020, Lunar New Year Night Hike • Santa Teresa • 6:00pm-7:30pm. Celebrate the opening of the Lunar New Year with good wishes and a short 1/4-mile moon light night hike to reflect on the closing of the year. Recommended for ages 16 and up. Meet at the Bernal Ranch. Reservations (408) 226-5453.
  • Saturday, January 11, 2020, Family Lunar New Year Night Hike • Santa Teresa • 5:00pm-6:00pm. Children and their families are invited to celebrate the Lunar New Year with paper lantern making and a short 1/4-mile moon light night hike. Recommended for ages 5 and up. Meet at Bernal Ranch. Reservations (408) 226-5453.
2019-2020 Events in Other Nearby Parks:
  • Most in-person events have been canceled due to COVID-19. Look for links to virtual events.
  • For events at Almaden Quicksilver, see www.newalmaden.org.
  • County Parks Summer Virtual Programs
  • See here for Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority activities.
  • Thursday, January 3, 2019, Mysteries of the Cosmos • Calero • 5:30pm-7pm. Explore the mysteries of the cosmos from a County Park at night! Discover night phenomena with your family and friends in group activities designed to ignite your curiosity. Ages 9-14+. Reservations required, rain cancels. Reservations (408) 918-7779.
  • Saturday, April 13, 2019, Spring Celebration, 10:00 AM - 03:00 PM, Martial Cottle Park. Celebrate the spring planting season and our shared connection to Santa Clara Valley's agricultural past, present anMalech Fire, Coyote Ridge, 6/9/19Malech Fire, Coyote Ridge, 6/9/19Malech Fire, Coyote Ridge, 6/9/19d future. Enjoy kids' farm activities, shop for plants, take a gardening workshop or go on a farm tour. Event volunteers needed! Questions? (408) 535-4060.
  • Saturdays, May 11 @ 1:00 PM - 02:00 PM, July 13 @ 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM,  August 10 @ 1:00 PM - 02:00 PM, Oak Trees! What are they good for? Martial Cottle Park. Enjoy a leisurely stroll to see and celebrate the park's majestic heritage oak trees. Meet at the Visitor Center. Questions? (408) 535-4062
  • Saturdays May 11, August 10, 2019, Life on the Farm, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM, Martial Cottle Park. Come have some fun on the farm. Discover what ranch children experienced in their daily lives performing chores while learning life lessons along the way. Meet at the Visitor Center. Questions? (408) 535-4052.
  • Saturday, May 11, 2019, When Nature Bites Back, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM, Hellyer County Park. The wild world of parks has numerous wonders to explore, but in the event of an accident are you prepared? Come discover nature and recreation while being trained in hands-only CPR and basic first aid by Park Rangers. All practice equipment is provided. Meet at the Visitor Center. Reservations online? or (408) 355-2240.
    When Nature Bites Back (9/14/2019 @ 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM)
  • Saturday, May 18, July 20, August 17, Park Partners Open House, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM, Martial Cottle Park. Explore the gardens, attend a workshop or tour the Master Gardeners Parcel. Learn from youth 4-H members about their livestock animals. Purchase and learn to plant native drought-tolerant trees at the Our City Forest Parcel. Questions? (408) 535-4060.
  • Saturday, June 18, Hellyer Amazing Race,  10:00 AM - 01:00 PM. Hellyer County Park. ​Anyone can participate in this fun outdoor challenge! Register with your team to compete for great prizes by completing challenges and games. Learn some cool skills along the way! Space is limited and pre-registration is required. More info and registration online​ or (408) 355-2255​.
  • Friday, June 21, 2019, In The Park After Dark Movie Night, 8:45 PM - 10:30 PM, Martial Cottle Park. Enjoy a FREE feature-length movie under the stars with family and friends. Come early to learn about the park and talk to a Ranger. Meet on the lawn with a chair or blanket, flashlight and snacks. No dogs please. Questions? (408) 535-4060.
  • Saturday, June 22, 2019, Intro to Fishing for Kids, 8:30 AM - 10:30 AM, Hellyer County Park Visitor Center. Learn to fish from a Park Ranger! Explore the Coyote Creek waterway and discover how you can be a steward for our watersheds. Meet at the Visitor Center. Fishing equipment provided or bring your own. Reservations (408) 225-0225.
  • Saturday, June 29, 2019, Chitactac Family Day,11:00 AM - 02:00 PM, Chitactac-Adams County Park. Celebrate the culture and heritage of the Amah Mutsun people who once lived at this ancient village site. Participate in hands-on activities, play traditional games and make unique crafts. This event is free and appropriate for families and all ages. Questions? (408) 918-7770.
  • Friday, June 7, 2019, Boating Safety 101, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM, Calero Reservoir. Learn about required equipment and how to stay safe while boating on Santa Clara County waterways. A Park Ranger will be on hand to answer any questions and to help you have a fun and safe day on the water. This is a drop-in event. Questions? (408) 268-388.
  • Saturday, June 15, 2019, Owl Hike, 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM, Martial Cottle Park. Come enjoy an easy hike around the park at night. Learn about flying nocturnal predators within the city limits. See where owls live and how the park encourages these interesting birds of the night. Meet at the Visitor Center with sturdy shoes, snacks and water. Flashlights not needed. Questions? (408) 535-4060.
  • Friday July 19  @ 8:45 PM - 10:30 PM, Friday August 30 @ 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM, Saturday September 7, 2019 @ 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM, In The Park After Dark Movie Night, Hellyer County Park. Enjoy a FREE feature-length movie under the stars with family and friends. Come early to learn about the park and talk to a Ranger. Meet on the lawn by Cottonwood Lake with a chair or blanket, flashlight and snacks. No dogs please. Questions? (408) 225-0225.
  • Saturday, July 27, 2019, The Revolving Door, 8:00 PM - 09:00 PM, Martial Cottle Park. Enjoy an evening sunset walk as we explore how vital wildlife corridors are to the health and survival of wildlife. Meet at the Visitor Center. Questions? (408) 535-4052.
  • Wednesday, August 7, 2019, A Taste of Water Skiing, 12:00 PM - 04:00 PM, Coyote Creek Parkway. Learn how to water ski with the Santa Clara County Water Ski Club. 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. Reservations online or (408) 355-2240?. Coyote Creek Parkway entrance, enter the parkway at Metcalf Rd.
  • Saturdays, August 17, August 24, 2019, Tule Elk, The Story of Their Comeback, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM, Anderson Lake Visitor Center. Learn about tule elk and their epic journey back from the brink of extinction. Look and listen for a local herd in its native habitat on a guided tour with a Ranger. Meet at Anderson Lake Visitor Center.  Bring binoculars and wear hiking shoes. Reservations (408) 918-7981.
  • Saturday, August 31, 2019, Night Hike on the Farm, 7:30 PM - 09:30 PM, Martial Cottle Park. Join a Ranger to explore the farm after dark! Discover the history of farming from the past to the present in this urban agricultural park. Bring snacks, water and sturdy shoes. No flashlights needed. Meet at the Visitor Center. Questions?  (408) 535-4060.
  • Saturday, September 7, 2019, Saturday, October 5, 2019, Friday, February 7, 2020, Friday, March 6, 2020, Cattle in Calero • Calero • 2:00pm-3:00pm. Learn about cattle and how they are benefiting our County Park system. Discuss tips on how to share the trails and stay safe on your trail adventures. Meet at the Rancho San Vicente parking lot. Questions? (408) 535-4070.
  • Sunday, September 8, 2019, A Dog’s Life on the Farm • Martial Cottle • 6:30pm-8:00pm. Bring your fur baby to the farm for a leisurely walk around the Cottle Ranch. We will tell tales of dogs from the past and learn about their jobs on the farm. Meet at the Visitor Center. Questions? (408) 535-4060.
  • Friday, September 13, 2019, Moonlight Paddle at Calero • Calero • 6:45pm-9:15pm. Discover the natural and cultural history of the area on a paddle tour of the reservoir. Experienced paddlers only. No instruction or equipment is provided. Meet at the boat launch parking lot. Reservations online or (408) 355-2240.
  • Saturday, September 14, 2019, When Nature Bites Back • Hellyer • 10:00am-12:00pm. The wild world of parks has numerous wonders to explore, but in the event of an accident are you prepared? Come discover nature and recreation while being trained in hands-only CPR and basic first aid by Park Rangers. All practice equipment is provided. Meet at the Visitor Center. Reservations online or (408) 355-2240.
  • Saturday, September 14, 2019, Saturday, March 7, 2020, The Revolving Door • Martial Cottle • 6:00pm-7:00pm. Enjoy an evening sunset walk at Martial Cottle Park as we explore how vital wildlife corridors are to the health and survival of wildlife. Meet at the Visitor Center. Questions? (408) 535-4062.
  • Saturdays, September 21, 2019, October 19, 2019, Sunday, November 16, 2019, Saturdays, December 21, 2019, January 18, 2020, February 15, 2020, March 21, 2020, Park Partners Open House • Martial Cottle • 10:00am-12:00pm. Explore the gardens, attend a workshop or tour the Master Gardeners Parcel. Learn from youth 4-H members about their livestock animals. Purchase and learn to plant native drought-tolerant trees at the Our City Forest Parcel. Questions? (408) 535-4060.
  • Sunday, September 22, 2019, Bats - Superheroes of the Night • Calero • 6:00pm-7:30pm. Join a park interpreter for this family friendly program that investigates the mysteries and myths of bats. Activities will include a short walk in search of these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. Reservations (408) 918-7738.
  • Wednesday, September 25, 2019, Take a Ride With a Ranger • Calero • 9:00am-11:00am. Learn bike handling skills, bike safety, and trail etiquette, all while you learn about the wildlife at Calero Park. Meet at the Rancho San Vicente parking lot with your mountain bike and helmet. Questions? (408) 268-3883.
  • Sunday, September 29, 2019, Take a Ride With a Ranger • Calero • 9:00am-11:00am. Learn bike handling skills, bike safety, and trail etiquette, all while you learn about the wildlife at Calero Park. Meet at the Rancho San Vicente parking lot with your mountain bike and helmet. Questions? (408) 268-3883.
  • Saturday, October 5, 2019, Martial Cottle Fall Festival • Martial Cottle • 10:00am-3:00pm. Come celebrate the legacy and significance of your valley’s rich agricultural heritage at this fun day on the farm! Family friendly activities, food and organic produce for sale, music and much more. Volunteers needed, check parkhere.org for details. Questions? (408) 535-4060.
  • Monday, October 7, 2019, Ron Horii will be leading a hike for the Morgan Hill Senior Center's El Toro Social Club on 10/7/19 at Rancho Canada del Oro Open Space Preserve. Meet at the Centennial Recreation Center at 171 W. Edmundson Avenue in Morgan Hill at 9:00 am to carpool to the preserve. Call 408-782-1284 to sign up or register in person at the CRC. Here are details: https://docs.wixstatic.com/ugd/75d2fe_9826c2543cd842ed87f5594332a1be29.pdf
  • Sunday, October 13, 2019, Day on the Bay • Alviso Marina • 10:00am-3:00pm. Supervisor Dave Cortese and the Santa Clara County Parks and Recreation Department are teaming up once again for the 10th annual Day on the Bay Multicultural Festival. This fun-filled festival along the South Bay shores of Alviso features a health resource fair and festive celebration of our diverse cultures. FREE activities include pumpkins for kids, music, entertainment, kayak rides, food, and the Cortese Zucchini Car Derby. Also, for the 3rd year in a row, we will host ‘Bike to the Bay,’ an 8.5-mile community bike ride along the Guadalupe River Trail from downtown to Day on the Bay! For information on the 2019 Day on the Bay festival or for vendor, sponsor, entertainment, volunteer opportunities, or to sign up for the bike ride, please call (408) 299-5030 or go to sccgov.org/dayonthebay.
  • Sunday, October 13, 2019, Bats - Superheroes of the Night • Calero • 6:00pm-7:30pm. Join a park interpreter for this family-friendly program that investigates the mysteries and myths of bats. Activities will include a short walk in search of these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. Reservations (408) 918-7738.
  • Saturday, October 26, 2019,Saturday, March 14, 2020, Wildlife Detective • Calero • 10:00am-11:00am. Have you ever wanted to be a Wildlife Detective? Come join a Park Ranger at Calero County Park and learn about clues that animals leave behind. Meet at the Calero Park Office parking lot. Questions? (408) 535-4070.
  • Saturday, November 2, 2019, Paint in the Park – A Watercolor Plein Air Experience, Martial Cottle • 12:30pm-2:30pm. Have you ever wanted to learn how to paint outdoor scenes in watercolor? Please join us in this pastoral setting at Martial Cottle. We will provide all the painting supplies-bring a chair! Registration is limited. Meet at the Visitor Center. Reservations online or (408) 355-2240.
  • Saturday, November 9, 2020, Raptor Fest • Calero • 12:00pm-4:00pm. Join Santa Clara County Parks and Peninsula Open Space Trust for a family-friendly celebration of raptors and the unique habitat for birds of prey at Rancho San Vicente. The event will feature live raptors, guided bird walks, arts and crafts, and educational activities for all ages. Space is limited, and reservations are required. Learn more at ParkHere.org or openspacetrust.org.
  • Saturday, January 18, 2020, Mysteries of the Cosmos • Calero • 6:00pm-7:30pm. Explore the mysteries of the cosmos from a County Park at night! Discover night phenomena with your family and friends in group activities designed to ignite your curiosity. Ages 9-14 and up. Rain cancels. Reservations required (408) 918-7779.