Ring in 2024 by plugging into nature! This year marks the 10-year anniversary of the passage of Measure AA, a 30-year, $300 million bond, approved by over two-thirds of voters who live within the District's boundaries. All year, we will provide updates and progress reports on projects that Measure AA has allowed Midpen to accomplish. Projects funded by Measure AA help make our region a heathier place for plants, animals and people to thrive.
In this issue, read about the complex symbiotic relationships that lead to lichen growth on boulders and trees and which Midpen trails you should visit post-rain shower. Find out how Midpen gets trails rain ready and how Measure AA led to the preservation of nearly 100-acres of coastal redwoods. Plus, Midpen awards grant funding to five local community organizations!
Nature in January: A Look Inside the Life of Lichen
The first rains of the season have arrived and lichen species across Midpen preserves are showing off their vibrant diversity. As a symbiosis between two or more species, lichen invite us to slow down and hone in on the complexity of community.
Visiting a Midpen preserve after rainfall is an excellent time to experience wilderness and treat yourself to a symphony for your senses. Feel the damp earth beneath your boots as you smell the sweet and clean aroma of fresh rainfall. Hear the chorus of birdsong mixed with cascading creeks. Feel water droplets falling from glistening branches and leaves while spotting banana slugs or other wet-weather loving critters.
Before grabbing your rain jacket and boots, remember to check the trail conditions for closures or detours. Be advised that streams and ponds are habitat for many of our diverse reptiles and amphibians. To help protect them, and for your own safety, swimming, wading and other water activities are not allowed in Midpen preserves.
Storms and wet weather helped ring in 2023. While it is hard to predict the level of rainfall we'll receive in 2024, Midpen crews have taken preemptive measures to dampen the effects of the rainy season. Starting in the fall, Midpen's trail crews typically transition from large-scale trail repair, maintenance and construction projects to annual “trail checks” to prepare for upcoming storms.
In December, Midpen awarded nearly $250,000 in grant funding to five local community organizations as part of our 2023 grantmaking program. The program supports projects that further Midpen's mission, build capacity of academic and nonprofit institutions to sustain and grow in the conservation field and build and strengthen partnerships.
Funding was available for proposals in three categories:
Long ago, this forested property was once used as an unofficial motorcycle park. With the help of Measure AA funding, it is now preserved as part of Midpen’s La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve. (Allen Ishibashi/Midpen)
Throughout 2024, we’ll be sharing the progress and projects that Measure AA has allowed Midpen to accomplish on your behalf during the last decade. Together, these projects help make our region a healthier, more climate change-resilient place for plants, animals and people.
We’re kicking off this effort with a story about the purchase, made possible by Measure AA, of nearly 100 acres of redwood forest. Preserving this property as public open space has big benefits for coastal creeks and future trail connections, and narrows the gap to help physically join Midpen’s La Honda Creek and El Corte de Madera Creek open space preserves.
Alpine Road Trail, which passes through Coal Creek Open Space Preserve, serves as an important regional connection for cyclists, equestrians and hikers. The popular trail requires repairs to minimize erosion and sedimentation settling into Corte Madera Creek and to ensure the safety of visitors.
On Wednesday, January 24, the Midpen board of directors will review conceptual designs for a new parking area at Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve. Identified in the 2017 preserve plan, the proposed parking area is envisioned to accommodate approximately 50 vehicles, as well as 8 spaces for horse trailers.
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.
Public comments are welcome at all Midpen board meetings. You can speak for up to three minutes in-person, via Zoom or provide written comments for the board to read. Either way, get started by submitting a public comment form.
EVENTS & ACTIVITIES
Docent Naturalist-Guided Activities
Free guided activities led by volunteer docent naturalists offer a great way to explore a new preserve, learn about the natural environment or join others for ecologically sensitive outdoor exploration.
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:
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