Join POST and Santa Clara County Parks for an educational experience like no other: Raptor Fest! This incredible event will highlight very important species of raptors who play an integral role in the health of our ecosystems!
This free educational event will feature presentations and a chance to visit local wildlife and conservation nonprofits or groups who work to protect vital species in the Bay Area.
This is a unique opportunity to see and learn about birds of prey and the importance of conservation in our communities. Presentations will include Master Falconer Kenny Elvin of Full Circle Falconry. Kenny Elvin will be providing a 45-minute falconry presentation several times during the event. Kenny will share about the history of falconry as well as the biology and habits of raptors.
Seating for the presentations will be on the ground. Please come prepared with a picnic blanket, a jacket, and sun protection to help you be comfortable sitting in the open field. Low-profile chairs will be allowed, but we will ask that you set up behind guests seated on blankets.
Please note that a shuttle service is required and provided for this event, as there is limited parking at the event site. Shuttle riders are strongly recommended to wear a mask for the entirety of the shuttle trip. Contact us if you have any special accommodation needs. We hope to see you there and that you enjoy Raptor Fest!
This event is part of POST’s community event series. These events are open to the general public as well as POST donors, and we hope you will join us! We also curate a separate series of private events for our donor community. Learn more about how you can support POST here: openspacetrust.org/support
**Please note this event is subject to cancellation due to inclement weather. Keep an eye on your inbox closer to the date of the event for updates and news**
COVID-19 Guidelines: We ask that you do not attend this event if you are experiencing any COVID-19-related symptoms, including fever or chills; cough; shortness of breath or difficulty breathing; fatigue; muscle or body aches; headache; new loss of taste or smell; sore throat; congestion or runny nose; nausea or vomiting; diarrhea.
Directions to Rancho San Vicente
Please note, this event is taking place at the Rancho San Vicente addition to Calero County Park, north of the main entrance to Calero.
See below for more directions.
Parking and Shuttle Service to the event area will be located at the Challenger School of Almaden Parking Lot. Shuttle service will transport guests from the Challenger School parking lot to the Rancho San Vicente trailhead. We strongly recommend folks wear a mask during shuttle trips. ADA access is available upon request.
In 2009, POST purchased the 966-acre Rancho San Vicente from private developers, who had originally intended to build a luxury housing development. This property is an important piece in completing a 15-mile greenbelt from Los Gatos to near Highway 101 in Morgan Hill.
POST has since transferred the property to the Santa Clara County Parks and Recreation Department to establish public use trails. It’s now open for you to explore and enjoy.
About the Hosts
Peninsula Open Space Trust protects open space on the Peninsula and in the South Bay for the benefit of all. Since 1977, POST has protected over 76,000 acres in San Mateo, Santa Clara, and Santa Cruz Counties.
Santa Clara County Parks has a six-decade legacy of providing outstanding recreational opportunities in beautiful natural locations has resulted in one of the largest regional park systems in California. Since the first County parkland was acquired in 1924, the Santa Clara County park system has grown to include 28 regional parks encompassing over 52,000 acres of land.
About our Partners
Wildlife Center of Silicon Valley is dedicated to providing sick, injured, and orphaned wildlife with exceptional free care, rehabilitation, and the opportunity for release. We also aim to educate the public about coexisting peacefully with local wildlife.
The Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society promotes the enjoyment, understanding, and protection of birds and other wildlife by engaging people of all ages in birding, education, and conservation.
Predatory Bird Research Group mission is to use the example of the Peregrine Falcon recovery as an inspiration for tackling today’s environmental challenges, and to involve students and citizen scientists in monitoring the current status of predatory birds in California.
