It’s exciting, particularly in these difficult economic times, to learn about a new trail opening. Come for the opening celebration in Sierra Vista Open Space Preserve (OSP) on Saturday, October 22, 2011 and stay for a hike. The almost six miles of trail opening next weekend is the longest section of the Bay Area Ridge trail to open in the past few years. The ceremony will begin in the preserve at 11:00 AM and the public is invited. All guests will receive new trail maps of Sierra Vista OSP as they arrive.
Sierra Vista Open Space Preserve is in the eastern foothills of Santa Clara County adjacent to Alum Rock Park. The new trail will connect to the already popular Boccardo Trail. From atop the preserve’s hills, visitors can enjoy views of downtown San Jose, San Francisco Bay, and the peninsula. The canyons and grasslands are home to many animals including the red-legged frog, grey fox, bobcat, and mountain lion.
Such occurrences are usually years in the planning, and the newest section of the Bay Area Ridge Trail in the Sierra Vista Open Space Preserve is no exception. Funding has been provided by the State Coastal Conservancy, the Bay Area Ridge Trail Council, and the Santa Clara County Open Space Authority.
Please register by contacting Dana Litwin, Volunteer & Outreach Coordinator, at (408) 224-7476 or dlitwin@openspaceauthority.org
The program, courtesy of the Open Space Authority, is as follows:
- 11:00am Educational games, activities, and prizes for kids of all ages.
- 12:00pm Featured Guest Speakers: Andrea Mackenzie - General Manager, Open Space Authority; Janet McBride – Executive Director, Bay Area Ridge trail Council; Carl Guardino – Green Business Leader; Matt Gerhart – California State Coastal Conservancy; Jim Beall – California Assemblymember; Roberta Gonzales - Emmy-winning meteorologist, KPIX-CBS; Chuck Reed – Mayor of San Jose
- 12:30pm Ribbon Cutting and Official Opening of Sierra Vista Trails
- 12:30pm - 2:00pm Hiking and biking sections of the new trail with Open Space Authority Docents, geocaching demonstration and expedition, individual hikes and bike rides. (There will be a few available for loan, but it is suggested you bring your own if you have one.)
Further info:
- VIP and early-bird parking at the Sierra Vista event site begins at 10:30am. Overflow parking will be at Piedmont Hills High School from 10:30am – 3:00pm, with free shuttles to and from the event site.
- Dress in layers and wear closed toed shoes.
- Wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and hat.
- There will be water and temporary restrooms available. Bring a water bottle
Happy trails!
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