Upcoming Programs & Events

Join Park Interpreters and Rangers via Zoom to learn about the nature and history of our parks and become a Virtual Junior Ranger.
in a fun online adventure.
Through a series of 8 virtual after-school sessions, we will explore a variety of topics and discover how to keep our parks healthy and what we can do to protect them.
Those who attend at least 3 sessions will earn a Junior Ranger certificate and badge and will be invited to an optional in-parks Junior Ranger Family event.
Registration required. Best for ages 7-12.

Questions? Email [email protected]

There are many ways to keep your park beautiful! If you are looking to get outside and connect with new people right in your backyard, this is the opportunity for you! California native plants play an important role in the health of our parks. To help them thrive, we have to work together to remove non-native and invasive plants.

Locations include Hellyer Park's Velodrome, Dog Park, and east side of Cottonwood Lake. The Maintenance Crew has greatly appreciated the work that volunteers have done all around the main park over the past year, so keep it up!

Please bring a water bottle, hat, sunscreen, and work gloves if you have them.

All ages welcome!

SIGN UP HERE

Explore the flora, fauna, and local history of a new trail each month with a Park Interpreter.
Designed for adults 55+, these 2-hour excursions are a great way to meet fellow park enthusiasts and enjoy park trails in the comfort of a group. Bring water, sun protection, and comfortable walking shoes.
This stroll will meet at the Mendoza Entrance to Coyote Lake Harvey Bear Ranch County Park and follow the 1.5 easy to moderate Rancho La Polka Trail.

Questions? Email [email protected]

Explore the flora, fauna, and local history of a new trail each month with a Park Interpreter.
Designed for adults 55+, these 2-hour excursions are a great way to meet fellow park enthusiasts and enjoy park trails in the comfort of a group. Bring water, sun protection, and comfortable walking shoes.
This stroll will meet at the Harvey Bear entrance to Coyote Lake Harvey Bear Ranch County Park and follow the 2-mile easy paved Martin Murphy Trail.

Questions? Email [email protected]

Bernal Ranch is a historic site located in Santa Clara County Parks. The Muwekma Ohlone were the first inhabitants of the land and recognized the value of the natural fresh water spring of Santa Teresa Spring. The spring was also used during the Juan Bautista De Anza expedition in 1776. Jose Joaquin Bernal was thirteen years old when he first visited Santa Teresa Spring during the expedition. He eventually settled at Santa Teresa and 120 of his descendants lived on the same ranch land. Currently, the Santa Teresa community is home to a diverse population of families each with a unique history to the land.

Join us to volunteer and be part of the Santa Teresa community. Volunteer opportunities available include gardening, weed abatement, barn maintanence, and historical house upkeep.

Please be prepared to work with tools in varying weather conditions. Best attire includes layered clothing, study closed-toe shoes, long pants and sleeves, hat and gloves. Some additional gloves and tools will be available for volunteer use.

For families with children under 14, please be prepared to sign a release form for your child on the day of the event. Minimum age: 8

Hope to see you at the next First Friday community volunteer day!

Please contact the volunteer office with questions: [email protected]

SIGN UP HERE

Come to Chitactac Adams Heritage County Park on the first Saturday of July, August or September to discover evidence connected to the cultural and resource management traditions of the native people who resided along Uvas Creek for thousands of years.
Along the guided hike we’ll discuss and acknowledge how the past influences modern perspectives. Registration required.

Questions? Email [email protected]

Come tour the Joseph D Grant Ranch House and learn about the history of this pioneer family. Joseph D. Grant played an important role in shaping California in politics, industry and land preservation.

Meet at the Grant Ranch House. Questions? Call (408) 274-6121

Join a Park Interpreter for a guided stroll on the Martin Murphy paved trail at Coyote Lake-Harvey Bear County Park.
The program and the trail are ADA-friendly, and visual and tactile aids will be provided. Together we’ll explore the local habitat, including why the two mountain ranges within Santa Clara County have so many differences between their ecosystems.
Registration required.

Questions? Email [email protected]

There are many ways to keep your park beautiful! If you are looking to get outside and connect with new people right in your backyard, this is the opportunity for you! California native plants play an important role in the health of our parks. To help them thrive, we have to work together to remove non-native and invasive plants.

Locations include Hellyer Park's Velodrome, Dog Park, and east side of Cottonwood Lake. The Maintenance Crew has greatly appreciated the work that volunteers have done all around the main park over the past year, so keep it up!

Please bring a water bottle, hat, sunscreen, and work gloves if you have them.

All ages welcome!

SIGN UP HERE

Discover a new County Park on the last Saturday of each month as we explore, learn about, and respect nature in this 1-hour family program.
After completion of 3 park explorations, Junior Rangers can submit their completed logbook and receive the Santa Clara County Junior Ranger badge.
Best for ages 7-12. Registration required.

Questions? Email [email protected]