⏰ Submission Deadline: April 2026 | Winners Announced: May 2026

Competition Themes

Choose one of these themes for your video submission. Each theme connects to Coyote Valley's importance and Santa Clara County's natural heritage.

Coyote Valley

Spotlight on Coyote Valley

Explore the importance of preserving this vital open space and wildlife corridor. Highlight its role in connecting ecosystems.

Nature in Cities

Nature in Cities

Show how parks, trees, and urban nature benefit communities and biodiversity in Santa Clara County.

Farming

Farming & Food Systems

Celebrate local farmers and sustainable agriculture in Santa Clara Valley. Explore connections between farming and ecosystems.

Climate Solutions

Nature-Based Solutions

Show how restoring nature can help address flooding, drought, and climate challenges in our region.

Rules & Requirements

Please review all competition rules and requirements before submitting your video.

Eligibility & Submission

  • Open to middle and high school students in Santa Clara County
  • Individual or group entries welcome (max 4 per group)
  • Videos must be 1–3 minutes long
  • Submit in .mp4 format only
  • One video submission per person/group
  • Parental consent form required for participants under 18
  • No AI-generated content - showcase your creativity!

Content Guidelines

  • Must be original content created for this competition
  • Feature Coyote Valley or related themes
  • No swearing, violence, or inappropriate content
  • Use open-source footage with proper credit if needed
  • Include accurate information about Coyote Valley
  • Showcase personal perspective and creativity
  • Technical quality matters but creativity is key

Awards & Prizes

$8,500 in total prizes! Awards divided by video length and quality.

Short Videos (1-2 minutes)

Tier 1 - $500 × 5 winners

Outstanding creativity, storytelling, and technical execution

Tier 2 - $250 × 5 winners

Excellent quality with strong thematic relevance

Tier 3 - $100 × 5 winners

Creative approach with clear message

Long Videos (2-3 minutes)

Tier 1 - $500 × 5 winners

Comprehensive storytelling with excellent production

Tier 2 - $250 × 5 winners

Strong narrative with good technical quality

Tier 3 - $100 × 5 winners

Clear message with creative execution

Total: 30 Winners

All winners will be featured on OSA platforms and recognized at our awards ceremony

Judging Criteria

Videos will be evaluated based on the following criteria by our panel of judges.

Category Points Description
Creativity 25 Original storytelling, unique approach, and innovative presentation
Message 25 Clarity, connection to OSA themes, and educational value
Visual Quality 25 Camera work, editing, audio quality, and technical execution
Impact 25 Emotional resonance, inspiration, and potential to raise awareness

Competition Timeline

Important dates and milestones for the video competition.

Early December – Mid January

Planning Phase - Competition planning and organization

Mid January – Mid February

Promotion Phase - Contest announcement and registration opens

Mid February – End of March

Submission Period - Video creation and submission window

April 2026

Judging Period - Panel review and evaluation of submissions

May 2026

Winner Announcement - Finalists notified and winners announced

Mid May Onward

Awards Ceremony - Celebration event and showcase of winning videos

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about the competition.

Can I submit with friends?

Yes! Group entries are welcome with up to 4 members. Include all names in your submission form.

Do I need professional equipment?

No — smartphone videos are perfectly acceptable. Focus on your message, creativity, and storytelling.

Is AI-generated content allowed?

No, AI is not allowed. We want to see YOUR creativity and personal perspective on the topics.

Can I use footage I didn't take?

Yes, but only open-source or properly licensed footage with clear credit given in your video.

When will winners be announced?

Finalists will be notified by email in May 2026, with public announcements following.

Who should I contact with questions?

Email our competition team at competition@openspaceauthority.org or use the contact form below.

Educational Resources

Helpful links and information for your video research and creation.

Coyote Valley Resources

Coyote Valley Resources

Maps, plans, and information about Coyote Valley's ecosystem and conservation efforts.

Sustainable Farming

Sustainable Farming

Information about local agriculture, food systems, and sustainable practices.

Climate Solutions

Climate Solutions

Nature-based approaches to address flooding, drought, and climate challenges.

Video Tips

Video Tips

Storytelling techniques, shooting tips, and editing resources for better videos.

Button for resources

Ready to Submit?

Submit your video through our form.