Inside this issue: Midpen searches for an endangered pollinator in the preserves, a Midpen grant program recipient helps better understand grassland environments, and a final opportunity to enter this year's photo contest.
Nature in July:
Pollinators and the Search for the Endangered Crotch’s Bumblebee
Pollinators are an integral part of our environment, and the protection of them is of the utmost importance in maintaining and restoring healthy ecosystems. Currently, Midpen is on the search for the endangered Crotch’s bumblebee following a recent sighting in Portola Valley and multiple sightings in the south bay. Learn more about pollinators and the Crotch's bumblebee here.
July Guided Activities
Ever wonder what’s happening out in the open space on these long summer days? Let Midpen’s trained Docent Naturalists show you! July’s offerings include everything from evening dog walks to twilight bat-spotting, geology-themed mountain biking to weed identification, and much more. See the full list of guided activities here.
A Grant for Grassland Research
Creekside Science, a Los Gatos-based restoration organization and one of Midpen's grant recipients, conducted plant biodiversity surveys across several preserves including Russian Ridge, Skyline Ridge and La Honda Creek to better understand the mixture of species that make up grasslands across Midpen lands. Learn more about Creekside Science here.
Celebrating Fourth of July Safely
Help us keep the preserves and public safe this Fourth of July by respecting preserve hours and guidelines. For public and fire safety, Midpen rangers will strictly enforce preserve and parking lot closure times on July 4, 2025. There will be no access after sunset. Stay up-to-date on preserve closures and conditions here.
Last Chance to Enter Midpen's Photo Contest!
Midpen’s 2025 Photo Contest closes at the end of the month. 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.
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.
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 and keep an eye out for our new Volunteer Trails Program launching next month – new projects are posted the first Wednesday of each month.
Filter for upcoming easy-access events through Midpen's event calendar and learn more about accessibility at Midpen preserves 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.
Tue, July 8: Action Plan & Budget Committee
Wed, July 9: Board of Directors
Tue, July 15: Legislative, Funding & Public Affairs Committee
Wed, July 23: 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! Here are our current job openings:
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