Inside this issue: How you can help keep blossoming wildflowers healthy when visiting Midpen preserves, an update on a previous prescribed burn site, and an opportunity to showcase your photography chops by entering Midpen's 2025 Photo Contest.
Nature in April: Blooming Wildflowers
Spring is here! The longer, lighter days mean seasonal wildflowers are beginning to bloom in Midpen preserves and other public lands throughout the region.
“In many locations, wildflowers are a testament to the habitat restoration efforts of Midpen staff, volunteers and partners,” said Midpen vegetation ecologist Coty Sifuentes-Winter. “The wildflowers we love to look at and take photos of are also critical food sources for wildlife such as butterflies, hummingbirds and bees.”
Learn more about wildflower species you may spot in the preserves and how to keep the blooms safe and healthy while viewing here.
Good Fences Make Good Grazers
Good fencing is critical infrastructure for Midpen’s Conservation Grazing Program, a land management tool for supporting biodiversity and wildland fire safety in coastal grasslands. Recently, Midpen completed a new wildlife-friendly fencing project in coastal areas of several preserves where conservation grazing occurs. Learn more.
April Guided Activities
Immerse yourself in spring on any of the 25 docent guided activities offered in April. Interested in nature journaling? Yoga? An Earth-day themed hike? Find these activity details and more on Midpen’s Guided Activities page. You can also join us for opening weekend at the Daniels Nature Center at Skyline Ridge Preserve.
Flowers Bloom at Previous Prescribed Fire Site
Following last year’s prescribed burn in our Sierra Azul Preserve, a preliminary biological assessment revealed the growth of California golden violet among invasive thistles and Harding grass.
Midpen is proactively preserving the violets for their potential ecological role: serving as a vital host for the endangered callippe silverspot butterfly.
A full assessment is planned this spring to monitor regrowth and assess the burn’s efficacy. Learn more about last year's prescribed burn here.
Midpen Photo Contest Now Open!
Calling all photographers! Midpen’s 2025 Photo Contest has begun and runs through July 31. Submit photos taken in any of Midpen's publicly accessible preserves for the chance to win a $100 REI gift card and some Midpen gear. There are six different categories to enter and explore, so learn more and enter the contest here.
Provide Your Feedback on
Midpen's 'Constitution'
Midpen’s Basic Policy is like our Constitution, providing high-level guidance on implementing our mission. Midpen is going through a public process to update the Basic Policy to incorporate Midpen’s unique mission on the San Mateo County coast, including policies around agriculture. Learn more about upcoming in-person and virtual workshops on April 24 and May 1 and provide public comment here.
EVENTS & ACTIVITIES
Midpen offers a number of free guided activities led by volunteer docent naturalists each month so you can explore a new preserve, learn about the natural environment or join others for ecologically sensitive outdoor exploration. Or get more hands-on by joining us for a volunteer workday.
Nature Quest: Explore, Engage and Discover Your Coastside Parks!
Join Midpen and many of our open space partners on Saturday, April 12 at the Half Moon Bay Library for a free, family-friendly event to learn about your coastal parks, open spaces and libraries! Bring your curiosity and interact with our fun activities. Registration is required. Learn more and register here.
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. See the upcoming meeting schedule.
Wed, Apr 9: Board of Directors
Tue, Apr 15: Planning and Natural Resources Committee
Tue, Apr 22: Legislative, Funding & Public Affairs Committee
Wed, Apr 23: Board of Directors
Tue, Apr 29: Planning and Natural Resources Committee
Wed, April 30: Board of Directors Special Meeting
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:
