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Field Trip: Santa Clara Valley Water District (updated location)

  • 37.248545, -121.874083 (map)

Before signing up for this trip, please take a moment to read our trip policies and view our liability waiver.

American Kestrel by Steve Zamek

The location of this trip has been updated. We will now meet at Santa Clara Valley Water District Headquarters at 8:15 am.

Santa Clara Valley Water District Headquarters

Located in the Almaden Valley area of San Jose, Santa Clara Valley Water District Headquarters (Valley Water) is a compact location with drought tolerant gardens, a couple of percolation ponds and the Guadalupe River.  We’ll look for Egrets, Herons, Yellow Warblers, Scaly-breasted Munia and more.

Meet: 5700 Almaden Expy; park in headquarters visitor parking

Directions: From CA-85, take Almaden Expy south. At Via Monte Dr (first light after crossing Blossom Hill), make a u-turn then make the next right and turn into the headquarters parking lot. Park in visitor parking in front of the building or in any other unmarked spot. Latitude/Longitude: 37.248545, -121.874083

Santa Teresa Bernal Gulnac Joice Ranch Historic Area

This south San Jose location is the start to a flat, short trail that runs along the edge of Santa Teresa Park. We’ll look for newly arrived wintering sparrows, American Kestrels, White-tailed Kites and other raptors.

Optional: pack your own lunch/snack and we'll picnic together afterwards.

Trip Difficulty: 2 miles, gravel trails, little or no elevation gain, little to no shade

Leaders: Eve Meier (408) 569-9391, Sheila Raymond (408) 887-4854 and Andy Melnick (650) 823-4117

Beginner Friendly, Family Friendly Ages 10 and up

Meet: parking lot off of Manila Dr

Directions: From CA-85, exit Cottle Road. Travel south on Cottle Road for about 1 mile. Turn left onto Curie Dr, turn right onto Camino Verde Dr, turn left onto Manila Dr. The park entrance will be on your right, park on Manila Dr (the parking lot is very small). Lat/Long: 37.226191, -121.798726

Facilities: ADA accessible bathroom, drinking water, cell phone service

Parking Type and Fees: paved parking lot, street parking

Banner Photo: American Kestrel Steve Zamek

Questions? Email general questions to fieldtrips@scvas.org or contact the trip leader for questions regarding the event.