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Your Garden … with Sharon McCray: Know the difference between dangerous and toxic plants, food for pets
An ounce of prevention could certainly help keep your pets safe. By Sharon McCray Sharon McCray It's that time of the year. Family and friends, too much food and desserts along with too [...]
Your Garden … with Sharon McCray: Fall and winter is an excellent time for planting your flower bulbs
Fall is also the perfect time to scatter wildflower seeds such as California Poppy. California Golden Poppies in a garden. By Sharon McCray Sharon McCray With fall here and winter fast [...]
Your Garden … with Sharon McCray: Now is the time to get your garden ready for those fall and winter crops
Broccoli, cabbages, garlic, most root crops like carrots and beets, should be planted now. By Sharon McCray Sharon McCray With autumn here, it's time to put some thought into what crops you'll want [...]
Environment: County Parks celebrates 100 years with new programs and initiatives
“Hike the Hundred” is a new scavenger hunt challenge
Calero Reservoir. Photo courtesy Santa Clara County Parks Department
By Staff Report
From a modest 400-acre acquisition near Cupertino in 1924 to a sprawling 52,000-acre haven of natural wonders in 2024, the Santa Clara County Parks system has been a testament to the foresight and dedication of its founders.
As the county marks its 100th anniversary of preserving parklands, the Parks and Recreation Department is unveiling a series of new programs and initiatives that pay homage to the past while embracing the future.
Uvas Canyon County Park waterfalls. Photo courtesy Santa Clara County Parks
Supervisor Susan Ellenberg, president of the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors, expressed her appreciation for the parks’ longevity. “I take great comfort knowing parks like Stevens Creek will be here for generations,” she said in a press release.
As part of the centennial celebration, the department introduced the “Hike the Hundred” challenge, a self-guided scavenger hunt-style exploration adventure featuring 13 unique hikes across different county parks.
Supervisor Joe Simitian emphasized the importance of the challenge, saying, “Our Hike the Hundred challenge encourages folks to get out into our great open spaces and connect with the land we value so much.”
In honor of the county’s centennial and Earth Day, the department is expanding the Tree Steward Volunteer Program by committing to plant more than 100 trees across various county parks.
Don Rocha, director of Santa Clara County Parks, highlighted the significance of this initiative. “As we commemorate 100 years, planting these trees symbolizes our ongoing effort to preserve and protect our natural habitats, ensuring they thrive for future generations to enjoy,” he said.
This summer will also see the introduction of the Boating Safety Festival at Stevens Creek County Park. The event, called “There’s Something in the Water,” aims to raise awareness about invasive mussel prevention and promote safe and responsible boating practices. Rocha emphasized the importance of the event, saying, “Educating our community about invasive species is key to protecting our waterways for years to come.”
The Board of Supervisors established the Department of Parks and Recreation in 1956, tasking it with developing a first-class system of parks and comprehensive recreational opportunities. Today, it is one of California’s largest and most diverse. Its 28 parks span more than 52,000 acres.
Santa Clara County’s first parkland, a 400-acre parcel near Cupertino that eventually became Stevens Creek County Park, was purchased in 1924. Mount Madonna County Park was acquired in 1927.
A major expansion with numerous additional parks became possible in the 1970s with the availability of state funds and voter-approved tax set asides. In 1972, a Master Plan was adopted, calling for major regional parks throughout the area and recreational corridors along creeks. In 1995, the county adopted a Master Plan for trails, emphasizing connections between park trails and trails of other agencies.
Among the notable parks, Almaden Quicksilver County Park is a former site of the New Almaden mercury mine, purchased in 1976. The historic Casa Grande was converted into the New Almaden Quicksilver Mining Museum in 1978.
Among South Valley county parks, visitors enjoy Anderson Lake, Calero, Chesbro Reservoir, Chitactac-Adams, Coyote Creek Parkway, and Coyote Lake Harvey Bear Ranch, and Uvas Canyon.