Inside this issue: Midpen assists with the rescue of a trio of mountain lion cubs, new community organizations partner with Midpen to expand event offerings for the public, and plenty of ways to explore your open space in February.
Nature in February: Mountain Lion Cub Rescue
Mountain lion cub triplets suspected to be orphaned were rescued last week by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) with support from Midpen staff and taken to the Oakland Zoo. Their story is a reminder of the challenges mountain lions face. Follow these feisty cubs and Midpen’s work to protect wildlife here.
Afield in February
With 27 docent-led activities, there are almost as many ways to engage with the open space as there are days of the month. Explore new trails at Bear Creek Redwoods Preserve, mountain bike amid redwoods, and learn about everything from hippie history to some of the stranger mating behaviors of our fellow animals on a Valentine-themed trek. See the full list here.
Maintaining Critical Fire Breaks
During winter, Midpen crews, sometimes working with our partners at the San Jose Conservation Corps, perform the critical work of maintaining shaded fuel breaks for wildland fire safety. Every vegetation management project Midpen completes to prepare for, prevent and reduce the severity of potential wildland fire requires ongoing maintenance as vegetation grows back. Learn more.
New Community Partnerships!
Midpen is growing its community partnerships for more outdoor public programming. Vista Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired and Student Conservation Association are the newest organizations to partner with Midpen on fun, inclusive event series for the public. Let’s meet the new partners!
Helping the Santa Cruz
Kangaroo Rat Thrive
The critically imperiled Santa Cruz kangaroo rat, vital to local ecosystems, faces threats from habitat loss, but its rediscovery in 2019 sparked hope and action from Midpen, including the development of a Habitat and Population Management Plan to guide restoration efforts. Learn more.
Fiscal Year 2024 Measure AA Bond Report Now Available
Midpen is pleased to announce the publication of our ninth Measure AA Bond Annual Accountability Report. The annual report reflects MAA expenditures for the previous fiscal year and highlights expenditures, progress and major accomplishments within each of the 25 priority actions and project portfolios. See the report 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.
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.
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 refer to our website openspace.org/careers for more information about working at Midpen.
Other photo credits: Header: Garrett Nakamura; Mountain Lion Cubs: Oakland Zoo; February Guided Activities: John Green; Maintaining Fire Breaks: Frances Freyberg; New Community Partnerships: Hima Tammineni; Kangaroo Rat: Ken Hickman; MAA Bond Report: Jack Owicki; Events & Activities: Rich Jarvis
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