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January 2024 Option 2

January 2024

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!

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Life of Lichen

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. 

LEARN MORE THE DIFFERENT SPECIES OF LICHENS
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CC_DB_Dean-Birinyi_waterfall-moss-trees-cropped_unk_04

Seven Midpen Hikes to Explore After a Downpour

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. 

CHECK OUT THE LIST
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Midpen staff Winter storm preperation work

No Culvert Left Unclogged

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. 

READ HOW MIDPEN GETS RAIN READY
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PROJECT UPDATES

Saved By Nature hiking group

Midpen Awards Five Community Grants

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: 

  • Applied science - advancing scientific understanding of natural processes and/or promoting environmental stewardship
  • Partnership and network support - cultivating, sustaining, and growing conservation networks
  • Access, interpretation and education - educating and promoting open space protection

Midpen is excited to partner with following the 2023 grantees: Canopy, Grassroots Ecology, Saved By Nature, Tamien Nation and TOGETHER Bay Area.

READ ABOUT EACH ORGANIZATION'S PROJECTS
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Midpen Preserves 97 Acres of Redwoods 
at the Headwaters of La Honda Creek

Happy new year! 2024 marks 10 years since local voters confirmed their ongoing support for Midpen by passing Measure AA, a $300 million bond measure specific to Midpen that enabled work to begin on priority preservation, restoration, public access and agricultural projects in our community-supported Vision Plan. 

    Sun shining through tree canopy and redwood tree in foreground.

    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.

    LEARN MORE ABOUT WHAT MAKES THIS MEASURE AA-FUNDED PURCHASE SPECIAL
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    Alpine road trail before and after retaining wall installation (Z. Alexander)

    Retaining Walls Installed Along Alpine Road Trail

    Another project identified in our 2012 Vision Plan was improvements and repairs to the Alpine Road Trail. Thanks to funding from Measure AA 10 years ago, significant progress has been made in creating a more resilient and sustainable trail. 

     

    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. 

    READ MORE AND CHECK OUT PROGRESS PHOTOS

    PUBLIC MEETING UPDATES

    BCR North Parking Area Vicinity Map

    Bear Creek Redwoods North Parking Area Meeting

    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.

    EXPANDING ACCESS AT BEAR CREEK REDWOODS
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    Upcoming Public Meetings

    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.

    • Wed, Jan 10: Board of Directors
    • Thu, Jan 11: Special Board Meeting
    • Tue, Jan 16: Bond Oversight Committee
    • Wed, Jan 24: Board of Directors

    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.

    • Mon, Jan 8 Qi Gong in the Winter at Windy Hill Preserve

    • Wed, Jan 10 Scenic Aerobic Hike at Rancho San Antonio Preserve 

    • Sat, Jan 13 Fungal Fun at Purisima Creek Redwoods Preserve

    • Sun, Jan 14 Winter Birding at Sausal Pond at Windy Hill Preserve

    • Sun, Jan 14 In Search of Lemonade Springs at Long Ridge Preserve

    • Wed, Jan 17 Signs of Winter at Pulgas Ridge Preserve

    • Wed, Jan 17 Explorer Hike: Winter Waterfowl at Stevens Creek Shoreline Nature Area

    • Sat, Jan 20 What’s in a Name: Redwoods at Thornewood Preserve

    • Sat, Jan 20 Geocaching Hike at Skyline Ridge Preserve*

    • Wed, Jan 24 Morning Meander: Winter Habitats at Windy Hill Preserve

    • Wed, Jan 24 Mindego Hill Summit at Russian Ridge Preserve

    • Thurs, Jan 25 Trail Trek Thursday at Russian Ridge Preserve

    • Sat, Jan 27 A Cold War Sentinel on Mt. Umunhum at Sierra Azul Preserve

    • Mon, Jan 29 Ramble at Rancho at Rancho San Antonio Preserve

    Visit openspace.org/calendar

    for a complete schedule of events!

    CAREERS AT MIDPEN

    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: 

    • Water Resources Technician
    • Seasonal Ranger Aide
    • Public Affairs Intern

    You can also refer to our website openspace.org/careers for more information about working at Midpen.

    Other photo credits: Header: Oksana Baumert; Lichen: Karl Gohl; Storm checks: Skyline field staff/Midpen; Grants: Natalie Jolly/Midpen; Redwoods: Allen Ishibashi/Midpen; Alpine Road Trail: Zachary Alexander/Midpen

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    openspace.org

     

    Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District

    5050 El Camino Real

    Los Altos, CA 94022

    650-691-1200

    info@openspace.org

     

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