Discover Coyote Valley kicked off it’s first public event on May 10, 2014. Activities included a tour of the Grass Farm, two docent led hikes up Tulare Hill, a Wildflower Walk in the Open Space Preserve, and a volunteering partnership with the Bicycling Spring Classic tour in Morgan Hill and Coyote Valley.
The Grass Farm Tour
Cheryl, Discover Coyote Valley project manager, and her family had a chance to visit The Grass Farm in Morgan Hill. They enjoyed a wonderful tour given by Mr. Erin Gil, owner and operator of The Grass Farm in Morgan Hill and Gilroy, for over 40 years.
Mr. Gil discussed rainwater catchment systems, low irrigation techniques using Australian case studies, and benefits of alternative landscaping ideas. He taught us how to read California Irrigation Management Information System (CIMIS) data for the Gilroy area in comparison to nearby areas. He shared the Patented KISSS technology from Australia that showed very positive results with underground, deep subsurface drip system to reduce water evaporation and also deliver waters more efficiently with a moisture absorbing hosing right at the root system. Moreover, we saw the expensive equipment used to harvest the grass sod once it was ready to sell. What an educational and fun experience for the whole family!
Tulare Hill Hikes
Craig Edgerton, Executive Director of Silicon Valley Land Conservancy led two hikes up to the top of Tulare Hill. From the top, beautiful views of the Santa Clara Valley can be seen towards the South, with the urban vista of San Jose to the north. Cheryl’s family also attended one of the Tulare Hill Hikes.
We also had the opportunity to hike the Tulare Hill Preserve, 116 acres dedicated to the protection of the Bay checkerspot butterfly, the California Red-legged frog, and other threatened and endangered species. Silicon Valley Land Conservancy Executive Director, Craige Edgerton led the two-hour hike. Honestly, I was a bit afraid to go on the hike as I am not a natural hiker or a runner, but Craige kept us interested and laughing for the entire time. Not only did we get great exercise, but we also learned valuable information about endemic species to the Coyote Valley. The level of detail that Craige shared was just right to keep my entire family interested along with the rest of the hikers. It was a great experience, one that we would happily do again!
Open Space Preserve Wildflower Walk
That weekend was Mother’s Day, and what better way to honor it than to talk a stroll amongst wildflowers of the Coyote Valley! Santa Clara County Open Space Authority led this hike through the Coyote Valley Open Space Preserve, which will be open to the public in the near future.
Bicycling Magazine and Specialized Bikes Spring Classic Tour
The Coyote Valley offers up plenty of beautiful routes for cycling and touring the Santa Clara valley. Bicycling Magazine hosted a Spring Classic 
tour around Morgan Hill, south towards Gilroy, and north up into the Coyote Valley. Cyclists followed 90 mile, 60 mile, and 25 mile routes. Cyclists of all ages took the chance to ride t
hrough the rolling hills of the valley, biking next to agricultural fields and the open space in the area. Discover Coyote Valley volunteered at the first rest
stop- watching the 90 mile riders, speed on through, then the 60 mile riders stop to refuel, then the 25 mile riders break along their only rest stop.
Click here to check out the routes of the tour – ride them yourself!
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