Midpen in February 2026

Inside this issue: Love is in the air, and it's a little stinky; a mountain lion's long journey highlights the need to reconnect landscapes; and registration for Midpen's first Careers in Conservation Job Fair is now open!

A spotted skunk in the dark with its tail raised

Nature in February: Love Stinks...

When You're a Skunk!

While humans plan Valentine’s Day, skunks are also searching for love. In the Bay Area, striped and spotted skunks roam widely in search of mates. Despite their odor, skunks are vital omnivores that help control pests and support healthy ecosystems locally. Learn more about skunks here.

Midpen Natural Resources department manager presents at the Science Symposium

First-Ever Science

Symposium a Success

Over 250 leaders working on scientific research and hands-on land stewardship in the Santa Cruz Mountains gathered for the Science and Stewardship Symposium last week. The event, which Midpen was the primary sponsor of, was designed to spark new connections, provide a platform for knowledge-sharing and strengthen partnerships. Read more here.

A highway winds through heavily forested hills

Local Mountain Lion's Journey Underscores Importance of Linking Landscapes

In late January, a young mountain lion likely born in Rancho San Antonio Preserve traversed nearly 50 miles up the peninsula to wind up in the dense urban environment of San Francisco. While the mountain lion was successfully returned to natural habitat in the Santa Cruz Mountains, his arduous journey underscores a growing regional challenge. Read more.

Midpen staff member at a booth provides information to member of the public

Register for Midpen's Conservation Career Fair!

Midpen is hosting our first-ever career fair dedicated to conservation for the Bay Area region. Join us and Bay Area conservation partners and employers on Friday, March 6, at the Los Altos Community Center to learn more about local green career resources. Learn more and register here.

Doug McConnell at the Mt. Umunhum Opening event in 2017

Remembering Doug McConnell

We are fondly remembering our friend and partner in storytelling about the natural world, Doug McConnell, after learning of his passing last month. Read more about McConnell’s life and local impact in his own words, which he shared with us while working together during Midpen’s 50th anniversary in 2022 here.

Two girls look closely at a tree to identify it

February Guided Activities

February is an ideal time to get out on a guided activity in the outdoors! While winter phenomena like fungi, ferns and full creeks are still active, signs of spring are already emerging, from the long melody of a house finch to sunshine-yellow buttercups. With 30 docent-led activities offered this month, there’s no shortage of ways to connect with the natural world! See the list here.

Two people walk along a trail in Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve

Events & Activities

Hands-on volunteer projects are a great way to get involved and expand your knowledge about the importance of land stewardship. Take part in ongoing resource management efforts or join a volunteer trails program – new projects are posted the first Wednesday of each month.

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.

Filter for upcoming easy-access events through Midpen's event calendar and learn more about accessibility at Midpen preserves here.

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. See the upcoming meeting schedule here.

Wed, Feb 11: Board of Directors
Tue, Feb 24: Bond Oversight Committee
Wed, Feb 25: Board of Directors

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! See our current job openings here.

Property Management Specialist I/II (closes soon)
Planner III
Facilities Maintenance Specialist
Supervising Ranger
Area Manager
Engineering & Construction Intern

Other photo credits: Header: Parham Pourahmad; Skunks: Ken Hickman; Doug McConnell: Erin Ashford; Mountain Lion: Midpen; Career Fair: Jack Owicki; Science Symposium: Chris Cassell; Guided Activities: Jack Gescheidt; Events & Activities: Karl Gohl