A bobcat maneuvers past Highway 101 in search of a meal or a mate. A tri-colored blackbird lifts off from a seasonal wetland. A rancher walks a field at sunrise. A family enjoys an epic view at a scenic overlook.
All of this happens in Coyote Valley — one of the last places in the South Bay where nature still moves at scale.
Bookended by highly developed areas like South San Jose and Morgan Hill, this valley still connects mountains, farms, and wildlife. It helps store water, supports local agriculture, and gives animals space to move.
Importantly, it offers all of us a place to breathe, explore, and reconnect with nature.
A CONSERVATION COMEBACK STORY
Not long ago, this land was slated for development. Today, it’s a conservation comeback story powered by partnerships, science, and community advocacy.
For us at POST, protecting this critical landscape linkage is the realization of a long-held vision. It strengthens habitat connectivity for wildlife while safeguarding the natural systems that sustain our region. We’re excited to collaborate with the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority to support ongoing public access and preserve the valley’s agricultural legacy for generations to come.
HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED THIS SPRING
Looking for a fun way to get involved? Our partners at the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority are hosting Coyote Valley Discovery Days this Spring! This series of family-friendly events invites you to experience the valley up close. From guided nature walks to hands-on activities, Discovery Days are a chance to connect with the land. Plus, you can meet experts and learn how it supports wildlife and water resources, and see conservation in action.
If you want to learn more about the Monterey Road and U.S. 101 wildlife crossing work, mark your calendar for the 3/21, 4/11, and 4/25 Discovery Days. We’ll be in attendance, ready to chat and share more.
PROJECT GOALS: AN UPDATE
How We’re Keeping Species Moving with Wildlife Crossings
Safe wildlife crossings give wildlife a fighting chance to survive.
Wildlife in Coyote Valley face a dangerous journey. While traversing one of our region’s most vital wildlife corridors, man-made barriers abound. To move between the Santa Cruz Mountains and the Diablo Range, animals must cross Highway 101, Monterey Road, the Union Pacific Rail corridor, and other local roads. US 101 and Monterey Road are the two deadliest roads in Coyote Valley for wildlife, which presents a safety issue for traveling humans as well.
To improve the health and safety of all, POST is partnering with the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA), Caltrans, and the City of San Jose Department of Transportation with support from state and private funding partners. Together, we’re advancing a multi-year effort to design, build, and enhance road, highway, and rail crossings for wildlife. We’re also constructing fencing to exclude wildlife from roadways. In doing so, humans will face fewer risks on the road and enjoy better ecological resilience in our region.
But wait … there’s more! Over the past decade, POST has completed scientific research and early conceptual design work that will shape our unfolding plans. The three potential wildlife crossing locations identified along Monterey Road are all important for reconnecting habitat. They also support key species, including mountain lion, bobcat, American badger, California ground squirrel, and black-tailed deer. We are moving forward with planning, design, and eventual construction of our highest priority wildlife crossing along Monterey Road. Meanwhile, we’re identifying other crossing needs along US 101. Sign up for updates here.
How We’re Protecting Land for Wildlife and Wellness
Creating a connected landscape one parcel at a time.
Recently, POST purchased and permanently protected 80 acres known as Midway Fields. This is our thirteenth conservation acquisition on the Coyote Valley floor. This brings the total protected acreage in the valley to more than 1,600 acres. That’s more than 1.5 times the acreage of Golden Gate Park.
By conserving this property, we’ve created a 1.5-mile stretch of continuous protected land along the Fisher Creek floodplain, connecting 1,000 acres south of Bailey Avenue. With Midway Fields now protected, we—and our partners—can think bigger about what’s possible: reconnecting habitat for wildlife and helping this special landscape gradually return to the healthy, vibrant ecosystem it once was.
How We’re Ensuring Climate Resilience
Letting water return to its floodplain protects the species downstream.
More than a century ago, settlers established Fisher Creek as a way to drain water for agriculture. Today, with Midway Fields protected, we can begin reconnecting the creek to its natural floodplain. Downstream, we’re working to restore the historic Laguna Seca wetland so that it will once again spread and absorb floodwaters, reducing downstream flood risk for communities like San José while replenishing groundwater supplies.
Expanding these wetlands will also filter and store water while creating thriving habitat for wildlife, from tri-colored blackbirds and migratory birds to California red-legged frogs, Northwestern pond turtles, and California tiger salamanders.
How We’re Designing Public Access as a Form of Stewardship
Trails aren’t just paths through land. They’re invitations to understand it.
One of the first questions we get when we protect new properties: will there be public access? You’ll be pleased to know that our partners at the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority are in the planning phases to evaluate opportunities to expand the trails and overlooks that allow folks to connect with this resplendent landscape.
Here are two options we’re exploring, with many other possibilities still under review:
We recognize that how and where people experience the land can directly affect sensitive habitats and wildlife movement. That means thoughtful planning is essential. We aim to minimize disturbance while creating meaningful opportunities for people to observe, learn, and grow curious about conservation — all while getting some fresh air, sunshine, and a good hike in.
We also are designing access to highlight two awe-inspiring truths about Coyote Valley. Firstly, it operates across deep timescales—from daily farm work to ancient geologic forces. Secondly, it’s a landscape defined by ongoing change: wetlands shift, creeks move, and habitats regenerate. By witnessing that change, visitors can better understand and appreciate this living landscape.
How We’re Safeguarding Local Agriculture
Farms don’t compete with nature here; instead, they help sustain it.
Farming has shaped this landscape for generations. With its rich soils and shallow groundwater, Coyote Valley remains one of the most productive agricultural areas in the South Bay. Farming here is more than just a business—it’s a form of stewardship that keeps the land open, healthy and resilient.
That’s why we are in full support of the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority’s ongoing work to ensure farming remains here for the long haul, as well as the people who grow our food and care for the land. That means encouraging climate-smart practices that build healthy soil, use water wisely, and strengthen resilience in a changing climate. And we’re doing it in a way that supports wildlife crossings and habitat restoration, so farms and nature can thrive side by side.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Together, we can ensure Coyote Valley remains a vibrant, connected landscape for generations.
Stay informed – Follow POST and the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority for updates on this project.
Explore Coyote Valley – Visit the region’s trails and learn about its natural history.
Support conservation efforts – Whether through donations, advocacy, or volunteering, every effort makes a difference.
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About Post
Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST) protects open space on the Peninsula and in the South Bay for the benefit of all. Since its founding in 1977, POST has been responsible for saving more than 97,000 acres as permanently protected land in San Mateo, Santa Clara and Santa Cruz counties. Learn more
