Inside this issue: Drumroll please... for the unveiling of the winners of Midpen's 13th Annual Photo Contest. Plus, read about how caring for open space contributes to a more resilient climate future, how to participate in the next critical step of our Highway 17 Wildlife and Trail Crossing project, and a new Coastside partnership for Midpen. Also, check out a new round of Fall guided activities or volunteer projects now open for sign-up.
There are three ways to enjoy our quarterly newsletter: scroll down for highlights, read online or download a pdf.
Midpen’s Highway 17 Wildlife and Trail Crossing Project Moves Forward
Highway 17 bisects the southern range of the Santa Cruz Mountains, creating a barrier to for mountain lions, deer and other local wildlife and poses a safety risk for drivers. Midpen has been working to bridge this divide and is entering a critical stage in its Highway 17 Wildlife and Trail Crossing Project.
By overcoming the impediments imposed by highways, we have an opportunity to foster a thriving ecosystem, ensure the health of native species and expand opportunities for greater regional outdoor exploration. This fall, neighbors, community members and the public can actively participate by providing input on environmental documents.
This year, Midpen received over 300 stunning submissions. These were narrowed down to four finalists in each category, and the winners were chosen by the public through Midpen’s social media accounts. Thank you to all those who participated.
From Midpen lands absorbing rainfall, recharging creeks and streams, to the millions of trees in our preserves converting atmospheric carbon dioxide into oxygen, preserving the ecosystem benefits of our lands helps balance the needs of people with the other species with whom we share our open space.
New Partnership Connects Coastside Youth to Nature
South Coast-Based Puente and Midpen Collaborate
Over the summer, Midpen Docent Naturalists led a group of two dozen Coastside high school students on a guided hike, exploring oak woodland, grassland and riparian habitats.
The hike marked a new collaboration between Midpen and Puente, a nonprofit that promotes equitable access to education, health and economic security for all members of the San Mateo County South Coast community.
Work Continues Toward Reopening Purisima Creek Redwoods Preserve
While we’re already preparing for the next rainy season, there is still much work to be done repairing the unprecedented damage to open space and trails caused by last winter’s deluge. An $8 million grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency is helping to offset the costs of this additional and unexpected work.
Although access to the preserve from the lower Purisima Creek trailhead remains closed while the county repairs the roadway, the majority of Purisima Creek Redwoods Preserve’s 23-mile trail system remains open.
Community Scientists in Preserves Help Midpen Protect Oak Trees
Sprawling branches, spiny leaves and plentiful acorns fill the oak woodlands that lay across the Santa Cruz Mountains and support one of the richest and most biologically diverse habitats in the state. However, spread of sudden oak death (SOD) is threatening the health of these ecosystems.
Though infections are typically only fatal in certain oaks, SOD can infect many plant species, including California bay laurels. (Ellen Tjosvold/Midpen)
Midpen is partnering with researchers from UC Berkeley and volunteer community scientists, to monitor Midpen preserves for the presence of SOD. After the recent wet winter, this year’s surveying efforts will be particularly important in tracking the spread of the disease.
Multiple Projects Underway at Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve
In August, Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preservereopened to visitors after having been closed for nearly six months due to storm damage. In addition to completing work to reopen the preserve, crews are also working to expand public access into the northern portion of the preserve and restoring the health of its waterways.
Construction continues to open two miles of trail, including the repair and stabilization of the trail banks, installation of two concrete bridges over creeks and restoration of a creek bed that will reduce erosion and regulate the creek’s flow.
Before and after the forest health work in Bear Creek Redwoods (Dave Manson/SCC FireSafe Council)
Forest Health Project Reaches Milestone
Midpen along with our partners have treated more than 200 acres of open space to improve health, reduce fire risk and increase safety in Bear Creek Redwoods. The work was completed through the Los Gatos Creek Watershed Collaborative, a consortium of public and private partners enhancing forest and ecosystem health throughout the watershed.
Meetings may be viewed online. There is also a dial in number to listen by phone. Links are included in the meeting agendas posted online 72 hours before the meeting.
Free guided activities lead by volunteer docent naturalists offer a great way to explore a new preserve, learn about the natural environment or join others for environmentally sensitive outdoor recreation.
Join us at an upcoming volunteer project to help care for your open space lands and enjoy a day outside in nature. No previous experience is necessary.
Join our talented and dynamic team as we work collaboratively toward our vision and put your passion for open space to work! Here are our current job openings:
You can also visit our websiteopenspace.org/careers for more information about working at Midpen.
Other photo credits: Header: Erica Namba; Highway 17: Midpen; Photo Contest; Alex Song, Erica Namba, Jordan Gans, Leor Pantilat, Mark Gerow and Owen Zimbauer; Building Resilience: Charles Tu; Coastside Partnership: Hima Tammineni/Midpen; Purisima Creek Redwoods: Erik Viik/Midpen; Expanding Access: Zachary Alexander/Midpen.
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