Inside this issue: It's a new year, and Midpen is already hard at work on several key projects - supporting critical escape routes with wildland fire resiliency work, balancing newt protection and regional trail connectivity in Sierra Azul and celebrating collaboration on the San Mateo County Coastside.
Nature in January
Whooo Loves Winter?
As winter settles in, several species of owl begin breeding as early as January including great-horned, Western screech and barn owls. Listen for them calling at dawn and dusk in Midpen preserves, or reserve your spot on an upcoming docent naturalist-led hike to learn about and listen for local owls. Learn more here.
Several Midpen preserves border mountainous Page Mill Road, which is also a designated emergency escape route. Midpen has just completed a Wildland Fire Resiliency Program project to ensure these routes remain clear and passable—helping residents and first responders move quickly and safely during critical situations. Learn more about it here.
A New Path Forward for
Access in Sierra Azul
Midpen, along with our partners, have been working to find responsible approaches to increasing public access at Sierra Azul preserve while protecting migrating newts. Late last year, our project team came up with a solution, balancing habitat connectivity with new trail opportunities between the Beatty Property and Sierra Azul. Read more.
January Guided Activities
Making new friends. Connecting with more-than-human nature. Learning about this place you call home. If you made any New Year’s resolutions and they sound anything like these, you’re in luck. January offers 26 different docent-led Guided Activities in various open space preserves throughout the peninsula. See the list here.
Coastside Community Celebration
On December 5, the Half Moon Bay Library buzzed with energy as regional open space and park agencies joined local nonprofits for the 2025 Coastside Community Celebration to honor a year of collaboration, community connection and shared commitment to stewarding the Coastside’s natural and cultural resources. Read more here.
One Year, 25 Preserves
Ever wonder what makes each Midpen preserve unique? Last year, Los Altos resident Judy Cooks ventured to find out as her exploratory spirit and sense of curiosity resulted in visits to each of Midpen’s 25 open preserves. Follow in Bay Area local, Judy Cooks’, footsteps (literally) and spend your year exploring each one. Read more here.
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, Jan 14: Board of Directors
Tue, Jan 20: Bond Oversight Committee
Wed, Jan 21: Special Board of Directors
Wed, Jan 28: 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.
Maintenance, Construction & Resource Supervisor
Water Resources & Conservation Biology Intern
Conservation Grazing Program Manager
Other photo credits: Header: Duncan Lissett; Owl: Ingrid Hederberg; Beatty Property: Midpen; Guided Activities: Jarvis Mindego; Coastside Community Celebration: Golden Gate National Recreation Area; Events & Activities: Ellen Gartside
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