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Chris Horii at Trail Day with the FOSTP sign

Friends of Santa Teresa Park

The Friends of Santa Teresa Park is a volunteer organization based in San Jose whose purpose is to support Santa Teresa County Park. The president is Mike Boulland. Meetings are normally held the first Thursday of each month at 7:00 pm in the upper clubhouse at the Santa Teresa Golf Course. Check for schedule changes below. The public is invited. Typical meeting topics include park news, history, trail conditions, community issues, volunteer opportunities, and future plans. 

You are invited to our next general meeting at the Santa Teresa Golf Club upper clubhouse/banquet room at 260 Bernal Road, San Jose, on Thursday February 4, 2009 at 7:00 pm. (The banquet room is on top of the little hill overlooking the golf course.) Everyone is invited. Contact your neighbors and friends for new members. We are always looking for help in making Santa Teresa Park a better and safer place for our community.  Note that our regular August meeting may be pre-empted by a special meeting to discuss the Santa Teresa Historic Site Plan. Stay tuned for more details.

Minutes from past meetings are available below. See the meeting minutes for park news and upcoming events.

 See you Thursday night,
 Mike Boulland

For more information on the Friends of Santa Teresa Park, contact Mike Boulland.
See and join our Yahoo Group.



Mike Boulland greeting ranger on Stile Ranch Trail

Greetings from Mike Boulland:

The Friends of Santa Teresa Park welcome you and your family to our web page. We welcome you to participate in our service activities to make Santa Teresa Park a gem in the Santa Clara County Park system. Please use this web page to find out about our various activities. 

We invite you to explore and walk in the evening after work along the foothill trails to visit some of the most scenic sites in the entire Santa Clara Valley. Hopefully, you will visit our majestic waterfall trail and eat a snack at its base. Included, in our invitation is a walk to the upper meadows. We encourage you to sit in the shade of the Pueblo area and enjoy watching the various wildlife animals graze on the wild vegetation. Those of you who like views may take an enjoyable hike up Coyote Peak to get a vista view of the whole county. The trail’s scenic views can stretch the boundaries of your eye from San Mateo to Morgan Hill. 

We encourage you to use our web site to help you and your family gain information about our activities and events. We are a growing organization, whose members are dedicated to improving Santa Teresa County Park’s resources for the public to enjoy. 

Join us on our trail building day events, historical adventures, docent activities and other park service projects. We welcome all the volunteers we can muster. In the future we will need lots of volunteers to help us establish a docent program for the Joice-Bernal Museum site. 

Our organization is recognized with the County of Santa Clara Volunteer program and we can offer you and your family an opportunity to volunteer for fun service and be rewarded with a free County Parks parking pass. 

We meet monthly on the first Thursday night at 7:00 in the upper Santa Teresa Golf Course Clubhouse. 

Mike Boulland 
President of Friends of Santa Teresa Park 


News
  • The Santa Teresa Community Fest was held on Saturday September 19 from 11 am to 5 pm, George Page Park, Santa Teresa Blvd. at Miyuki Drive. . The Friends of Santa Teresa Park had a booth there.
  • The dedication ceremony for the Albertson Parkway was held on Saturday August 29 from 10:00-10:30 am at Jaggers and Conejo.
  • The Santa Teresa County Park Site Historic Plan final plan documents are available on the website. The plan was presented to the Historic Heritage Commission on 2/19/09, which was the last forum for public input before the CEQA and environmental review process begins. A public meeting was held on August 11, 2009 to discuss the Draft Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration for the plan.
  • We had a farewell celebration at the Mounted Ranger Unit, Monday evening, June 29, 2009.
  • Our organization was featured in the June San Jose City Council District 2 newsletter. We had our picture taken at our May meeting.
  • We have been awarded a CAP Grant for 2009-2010 of $500, which is what we asked for.
Newsletters
 New Pictures!
Yahoo Group Pictures
Recent pictures for FOSTP Yahoo Group members only (anyone can apply to join, but you need a Yahoo ID, which is free):

Park Events for 2009
  • County Parks' Calendar of Outdoor Activities
  • County Parks' Volunteer Opportunities.
  • Winter/Spring 2009 Volunteers Newsletter
  • Saturday, December 19, Santa at the Ranch, Santa Teresa County Park’s Historic Bernal Ranch, 1:00pm  – 3:30pm.
    Meet Santa without standing in crowded malls! Santa will listen to children’s holiday wishes and hand out candy in the ranch house’s decorated Victorian parlor. Bring a camera for the perfect holiday family photo. The ranch is located at the corner of Camino Verde and Manila Drive in San Jose. (408) 226-5453.
  • Saturday, October 24, Bugged-Out Movie Night – Tarantula, Santa Teresa County Park’s Historic Bernal Ranch, 7:30pm -10:30pm. Explore the fascinating life of the tarantula in our world. Hang on to your seats while watching the 1950s thriller “Tarantula”, followed by some safe close encounters with the real-life creatures! Meet at the ranch barn, located at 372 Manila Drive in San Jose. Reservations required. (408) 226-5453.
  • Annual End of Season Volunteer BBQ on Saturday, October 24, 2009, at Vasona Lake County Park at Creekside and Meadowbrook, from 12:00pm to 3:00pm. RSVP by Friday, October 9, 2009, to volunteer@prk.sccgov.org or (408) 355-2254.
  • Saturday, October 17, Introduction to Geocaching, Calero County Park, 8:45 am – 12:00pm. Join Docent Sam Drake from Geocachers of the Bay Area on a caching adventure in beautiful Calero County Park. Hike the Figueroa, Vallecito, Pena and Los Cerritos trails – finding 7 hidden caches along the way. All equipment and instruction provided for free! Meet at the Calero day use area with comfortable hiking shoes, water and sun protection. Reservations required. (408) 355-2240.
  • Thursday, October 15, Healthy Trails Toddler Trek, Santa Teresa County Park, 4:30pm -6:00pm. Join a Docent from Strollerhikers.com on this moderate 2.5-mile hike geared for families with young children. Bring your infant packs/carriers, sun protection, sturdy hiking shoes, water and snacks. Meet at the Fortini Trail parking lot. (408) 355-2240.
  • Saturday, September 26, Free Outdoor Photography Class, Santa Teresa County Park’s Historic Bernal Ranch, 9:30am – 12:30pm. Join Docent Ron Horii for a free outdoor photography workshop. Learn how to choose and use a camera, discover how to take better outdoor photos and more! The class includes an indoor slideshow followed by demonstrations and an easy walk around the Historic Ranch to take pictures. Bring your own camera – any kind will do. Open to ages 14 and up – limit 30 participants. Meet in the barn, 372 Manila Drive at Camino Verde in San Jose. Bring comfortable walking shoes, water and sun protection. Reservations required. (408) 355-2240.
  • Saturday, September 12, Lost in Space Movie and Star Night, Santa Teresa County Park’s Historic Bernal Ranch,
    7:30pm -10:30pm. View the heavens through powerful telescopes and explore our solar system. Laugh while watching the 1960s sci-fi television series “Lost in Space”. Meet in the ranch barn at 372 Manila Drive in San Jose. Reservations required. (408) 226-5453.
  • Saturday, September 12, Hunters in the Sky, Santa Teresa County Park, 10:00am-12:00pm. Join a Park Ranger for a “lift” to the top of Coyote Peak to view and learn about our local birds of prey. Meet at the Pueblo Group Area. Bring sun protection, binoculars, water and a snack. Reservations required for a van-ride to the top, or you can take the strenuous 1-mile hike up and meet us. (408) 225-0225.
  • Saturday, August 8. Bugged-Out Movie Night, Santa Teresa County Park’s Historic Bernal Ranch, 7:30-10:30pm. Explore the fascinating life of grasshoppers in our world. Hang on to your seats while watching the 1950s thriller “The Beginning of the End”, followed by some safe close encounters with the real-life creatures! Meet at the ranch barn, located at 372 Manila Drive in San Jose. Reservations required. (408) 226-5453.
  • Saturday, August 8. Scrub-A-Dub & Old Time Games, Santa Teresa County Park’s Historic Bernal Ranch, 1:00 - 3:30pm. See below for details.
  • Saturday, August 1. Family Fandango, Santa Teresa County Park’s Historic Bernal Ranch, 5:00-8:00pm. Come celebrate the contributions and accomplishments of the Muwekma Ohlone Tribe of the San Francisco Bay Area who originally settled here over 10,000 years ago, early Spanish-speaking colonists of 200 years ago, and English-speaking ranch families who arrived more recently. The evening’s focus is family fun through demonstrations and activities that highlight 1770-1870 California. The Ranch is located at 372 Manila Dr., San Jose. (408) 846-5632.
  • July 30-Aug. 2, 2009, 10 am - 8 pm, Santa Clara County Fair, the Fairgrounds at 544 Tully Rd., San Jose, free entry, free parking, music, food, parades, animals, food, rides.
  • Saturday, July 25. Lost in Space Night, Santa Teresa County Park’s Historic Bernal Ranch, 7:30pm-10:30pm. View the heavens through powerful telescopes and learn about or solar system. Laugh while watching the 1960s sci-fi television series “Lost in Space”. Meet at the ranch barn, located at 372 Manila Drive in San Jose. Reservations required. (408) 226-5453.
  • Saturday, July 11, 2009. Introduction to Geocaching, Mt. Madonna County Park. Meeting location at the Miller Nature Trail parking lot 8:45am - 12pm. Join Docent Sam Drake from Geocahers of the Bay Area to learn about Geocaching and to go caching in beautiful Mt. Madonna County Park.  We’ll hike down the Miller Nature Trail going past the Henry Miller “Cattle King” house historic site finding 6-7 caches along the way. Pre Registration Required! GPS Units Provided - or bring your own! Please wear comfortable shoes, bring a hat and sunscreen, bottled water and snack if desired.CONTACT INFO: Carrie Grisenti, PHONE: 408-355-2240, EMAIL: carrie.grisenti@prk.sccgov.org.
  • Saturday, July 11. Scrub-A-Dub & Old Time Games, Santa Teresa County Park’s Historic Bernal Ranch, 1:00 - 3:30pm. See below for details.
  • Saturday and Sunday, June 27-28, Open Barn at the Mounted Ranger Unit, Brockenhurst Drive off Heaton Moor, 11 am to 3 pm. Monday, June 29, 6:00 pm, community gathering honoring the Mounted Ranger Unit.
  • Saturday, June 27. Hunters in the Sky, Santa Teresa County Park, 10am - 12pm. Join a Park Ranger for a “lift” to the top of Coyote Peak to view and learn about our local birds of prey. Meet at the Pueblo Group Area. Bring sun protection, binoculars, water and a snack. Reservations required for a van-ride to the top, or you can take the strenuous 1-mile hike up and meet us. (408) 225-0225.
  • Saturday, June 20, 2009. Festival in the Park- Where Wellness Meets FUN! Hellyer County Park, 11am - 4pm. A multitude of agencies and organizations will provide information and offer opportunities for interactive play, where the goal is to help families take charge of their health, learn how to eat nutritiously, make healthful life choices and get physically fit. FREE admission, information, health and recreation opportunities, food, entertainment and FUN!! (408) 355-2255.
  • Saturday, June 13, 2009. Bugged-Out Movie Night- Ants, Santa Teresa County Park's Historic Bernal Ranch, 7:30pm - 10:30pm. Explore the fascinating life of ants in our world. Hang on to your seats while watching the 1950s thriller “Them”, followed by some safe close encounters with the real-life creatures! Meet at the ranch, located at 372 Manila Drive in San Jose. Reservations required. (408) 226-5453.
  • Saturday, June 13, 2009. Scrub-A-Dub & Old Time Games, Santa Teresa County Park's Historic Bernal Ranch, 1pm - 3:30pm. Come on out for a fun-filled afternoon at the ranch. Experience what granny called her “weekly affliction” & play games from 100 years ago. The ranch is located at the corner of Camino Verde & Manila Dr. in San Jose. (408) 226-5453.
  • Sat., May 30, 2009 – Invasive Plant Removal at Santa Teresa Park.
  • Saturday, May 9, 2009, Healthy Trails Hike, Santa Teresa County Park, 9:00am - 11am. Join Docent Cait Hutnik to enjoy a hike along the Fortini Trail.  For more information about other “Healthy Trails” programs and partners, call (408) 355-2240.
  • Sunday, May 3, Healthy Trails Pre-Mother's Day Hike, Santa Teresa County Park. 12pm – 3pm. Bring your moms and the whole family out to enjoy a spring wildflower hike led by Park Docent Mike Boulland and the Friends of Santa Teresa County Park. Play games and explore the park’s geology and history along the way. Meet at the park’s Fortini Rd.Trailhead. 355-2240.
  • Saturday, May 2, King Richard Annual Trail Run, 8:00 am, Santa Teresa Park, by Troy's California Trail Runs. For more information, contact Troy Lamb, (530) 409-2989, Troy@TCTRuns.com, www.TCTRuns.com. Update: this event has been cancelled and will be re-scheduled to the fall.
  • Saturday, April 11, 2009, Introduction to Geocaching, Santa Teresa County Park, Meeting location at the Fortini road entrance
    8:45am - 12pm. Join Docent Sam Drake from Geocahers of the Bay Area to learn about Geocaching and to go caching in beautiful Santa Teresa County Park.  We’ll hike down the Fortini trail to the historic Fortini Resort finding 6-7 caches along the way. Pre Registration Required! To register call (408) 355-2240 or email carrie.grisenti@prk.sccgov.org. GPS Units Provided - or bring your own! Please wear comfortable shoes, bring a hat and sunscreen, bottled water and snack if desired.
  • Saturday, April 4, 2009, Free Outdoor Photography Class, Santa Teresa County Park, Historic Bernal Ranch "Barn" 9:30am - 12pm.Spring is wildflower time and a great time to grab your camera and go outside and take pictures! Docent Ron Horii will teach you about how to take inspiring outdoor pictures. The class will include 90 minutes of indoor instruction, an easy-going 30 minute walk around the Bernal Ranch, and a moderate 1 hour hike into the hills to view and photograph the magnificent wildflowers.  Wear comfortable shoes; bring a hat, bottled water, and a camera (optional). To register call (408) 355-2240 or email carrie.grisenti@prk.sccgov.org.  Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
  • Friday, April 3, 2009, Volunteers Recognition Dinner, Campbell Community Center, 6 pm.
  • Friday, March 13, 2009, Healthy Trails Challenge Stroller Hike, Santa Teresa County Park, Meeting location at the Fortini Rd. parking lot 10am – 12pm, Join Docent and Leader for Strollerhikes.com, Amy Lim to enjoy a hike along the Fortini Trail..  For more information about Stroller Hikes, go to strollerhikes.com.  For more information about other "Healthy Trails" programs and partners, call (408) 355-2240.
  • Monday, January 19, 2009, MLK Jr Day of Service, Ohlone Trail, meet at the archery range at Bayliss.
  • Saturday, January 17, 2009, Introduction to Geocaching, Almaden Quicksilver County Park, 9:00am-12:00pm. Join Docent Sam Drake to learn about geocaching and to go caching in beautiful and historic Almaden Quicksilver County Park. Hike down the Wood Road Trail to the historic rotary furnace, finding 8-9 geocaches along the way. Meet at the Wood Road Parking Lot. Limit 20 participants. Reservations required, call (408) 355-2240.

See our News and Pictures Archive pages for information from 2001 to 2006 and 2007 to 2008.

Friends of Santa Teresa Park Meetings and Minutes:

 

Links 

Links on the Friends of Santa Teresa Park:


Volunteers working on Stile Ranch Trail

Links on Santa Teresa Park:

Hidden Springs Trail to Coyote PeakSeasonal waterfall in laurel Canyon below the Hidden Springs TrailOld barn at the Joice-Bernal Rancho

Parks and Trail Links: Community Links: Government Links: Historical Links

For more information on the Friends of Santa Teresa Park, contact Mike Boulland.

We welcome community contributions to our Website. If you have pictures, stories, announcements, questions, concerns, news, etc., please send them to Ronald Horii.

Legal disclaimer: as an organization, the Friends of Santa Teresa Park does not take an official group position on political candidates or ballot measures. Members or officers are free to take a position, but as private individuals only. If they list membership in the group, it should be construed as being for credential purposes only, not as an implication of group endorsement.

Created 6/2000, updated 1/28/2010 by Ronald Horii, secretary of the Friends of Santa Teresa Park