Inside this issue: Hunters hidden among the flowers, new neighborhood access to Ravenswood Open Space Preserve and an opportunity to help Midpen support our local oak populations.
Nature in May: Ambush Among the Petals
How Flower Crab Spiders Hunt in Plain Sight
If you’ve ever spent a spring afternoon wandering through vibrant wildflower patches, you’ve likely stopped to admire the striking gold hue of a California poppy, or the intricate patterns of tidy tips. But look a little closer, and you might find eight tiny eyes staring back at you. These seasonal wildflower displays are more than just an attractive sight; they double as the hunting grounds for a small but skilled predator: the flower crab spider. Learn more about these unique spiders here.
Expanding Access to Ravenswood Preserve
On April 4, neighbors from East Palo Alto’s University Village, along with staff from the City of East Palo Alto, Midpen and regional partners, celebrated the opening of a new access point to Ravenswood Preserve, improving connectivity to nature for East Palo Alto residents. Learn more about the new access here.
Participate in Midpen's
Sudden Oak Death Blitz
Sudden Oak Death (SOD) is a disease that threatens several oak species in California. The annual SOD Blitz is an opportunity for volunteers to help map where the disease is found so Midpen and other agencies can support our local oaks. Join us to learn how to identify SOD symptoms, sample symptomatic leaves and submit for testing. Learn more and register here.
Mowing to Mimic Nature
Each year when spring arrives and the non-native grasses and thistles begin to grow tall, our annual practice of timed mowing occurs in select areas of Midpen preserves to support healthy grasslands. The mowing mimics natural disturbances, such as wildlife grazing and fire, to benefit grassland health and resilience by reducing invasive, non-native plants. Learn more here.
New Access Coming to
Bear Creek Redwoods
This month, crews will start building a new parking area and easy-access loop trail at Bear Creek Redwoods. Set to open at the end of the year, it will feature 44 spaces, EV charging stations, equestrian spots and direct access to four miles of Phase II Trails for all visitors. To ensure the safety of visitors some trail closures during construction will be necessary. Read more here.
Join Midpen at our Skyline Field Office Project Open House
Midpen is building a new Skyline Field Office (SFO) to meet current and future operational needs and provide SFO staff with much-needed office and equipment space. Join us at a project open house on Saturday, June 6, from 10am to 2pm at the Skyline Ridge Parking Lot (22000 Skyline Blvd) to learn about our proposal for the project. Site plans, building elevations and visual simulations will be on display, and staff will be available for questions that you might have. Learn more about the project here.
Events & Activities
Secrets, butterflies, earthquakes, a blue moon, sunsets and more! May is bursting with intriguing ways to experience open space on Midpen’s free docent-led guided activities. Come on out and explore a new preserve, learn about the natural environment and meet fellow nature enthusiasts. See the full list for the season here.
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.
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.
Tue, May 12: Action Plan & Budget Committee
Wed, May 13: Board of Directors
Wed, May 27: Action Plan & Budget Committee
Wed, May 27: 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.
Seasonal Facilities Open Space Technician (closes soon)
Senior Accounting Technician
Other photo credits: Header: Garrett Nakamura; Crab Spiders: Ally Perez Jauregui; Ravenswood Access: Midpen; Sudden Oak Death: Jack Gescheidt; Timed Mowing: Midpen; Bear Creek Redwoods: Alisha Laborico; Events & Activities: Midpen
