November 2024

Inside this issue: New trails open, Midpen reintroduces prescribed fire for ecosystem health and wildland fire resiliency, and get into fall spirit with guided activities, trails featuring colorful foliage and more!

Nature in November: Birds and Berries

Fall bird migration is underway across the Bay Area and, as if on cue, the native plants that support traveling flocks are setting fruit. As the season changes and food sources become scarce, insect-eating birds, as well as our local gray fox, coyote, deer and chipmunks, supplement their diet with a variety of berries.

New Trails Open at Bear Creek Redwoods Preserve

As the novelty-sized scissors cut through the branded ribbon, Midpen board members, elected officials and partner agency representatives officially opened the four new miles of trails at Bear Creek Redwoods Preserve. Visit the new trails!

Using Good Fire to Benefit People and Nature

After months of planning, site preparations and weather conditions aligning just right, Midpen returned prescribed fire to a closed area of Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve on October 25, as part of our multifaceted Wildland Fire Resiliency Program. Read more about the prescribed burn.

To Coexist with Coyotes,

Keep Them Wild

Midpen works to balance protecting wildlife who make their homes in the preserves, and the people who recreate in these same preserved open spaces. It all comes down to coexistence, and with coyotes, the key is doing our part to keep them wild. Read more.

Fun in Fall

With a total of 20 free guided activities led by docent-naturalist, November is a cornucopia of outdoor opportunities for those who love the magic of autumn. What would the month be without a search for turkeys? Come out and fall frolic before the winter rains!

We Want to Hear From You!

Midpen’s Basic Policy is like our Constitution, providing high-level guidance on implementing our mission. Midpen is currently going through a public process to update the Basic Policy in order to incorporate Midpen’s unique commitments to the San Mateo County coast, including policies around agriculture.

Daniels Nature Center

Closing for the Season

Located in Skyline Ridge Preserve, the Daniels Nature Center is open on weekends from April through November 17, offering insights into the local natural and cultural history. Though the center is closing soon, you can still visit Alpine Pond in-person or virtually via the live webcam.

Honoring Midpen's Volunteers

Volunteers contribute to Midpen in so many ways, removing invasive plants, patrolling trails to support visitors and look out for maintenance needs, leading activities that connect our community members to nature, and much more. Last month, we held our annual Volunteer Recognition Event to celebrate the passion and dedication of our committed volunteers. Read more.

Four Fall Trails

at Midpen Preserves

Looking for some colorful foliage to get you into the fall spirit? Check out these four spots in Midpen preserves for some festive fun. See the trails.

EVENTS & ACTIVITIES

Docent Naturalist-Guided 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.

• Fri, Nov 1: Now Be Thankful at Rancho San Antonio Preserve  
• Fri, Nov 1: My Gall Friday at Pulgas Ridge Preserve  
• Wed, Nov 6: Explorer Hike: Ranchland Rambles at La Honda Creek Preserve  
• Fri, Nov 8: Signs of Fall at Pulgas Ridge Preserve  
• Fri, Nov 8: Trolling the Toll Road at Long Ridge Preserve  
• Sat, Nov 9: Ferns and Other Ancient Plants at Monte Bello Preserve  
• Sat, Nov 9: Cloverdale Ranch: Midpen’s Newest Preserve at Cloverdale Ranch*  
• Mon, Nov 11: Veteran’s Day Hiking and Mindfulness at Monte Bello Preserve  
• Mon, Nov 11: A Cold War Sentinel on Mt, Umunhum at Sierra Azul Preserve  
• Wed, Nov 13: Scenic Aerobic Hike at Skyline Ridge Preserve  
• Thurs, Nov 14: Exploring the Hawthorns Area at Windy Hill Preserve*  
• Fri, Nov 15: Fall Frolic in the Redwoods at El Corte de Madera Creek Preserve  
• Sat, Nov 16: Seeds, Berries and Bling at Long Ridge Preserve  
• Mon, Nov 18: Wildcard Route at Rancho at Rancho San Antonio Preserve  
• Wed, Nov 20: Explorer Hike: Annual Turkey Trot at Rancho San Antonio Preserve  
• Fri, Nov 22: Green Friday at El Corte de Madera Creek Preserve  
• Sat, Nov 23: Amazing Giants at Purisima Creek Redwoods Preserve*  
• Mon, Nov 25: Ferns and Friends at Bear Creek Redwoods Preserve  
• Wed, Nov 27: Morning Meander: Meadow to Farm at Rancho San Antonio Preserve  
• Fri, Nov 29: OptOutside with a Trail Trek at Monte Bello Preserve  
• Fri, Nov 29: Throw Off that Turkey Torpor at Picchetti Ranch Preserve

*Reservations Required 

Visit openspace.org/calendar

for a complete schedule of events!

PUBLIC MEETING UPDATES

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.

• Wed, Nov 13: Board of Directors
• Wed, Nov 20: Special 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: 

• Lead Open Space Technician (closes soon)

You can also refer to our website openspace.org/careers for more information about working at Midpen.

Other photo credits: Header: Peter Vahlberg; Birds and berries: Edward North; Bear Creek Redwoods: Jack Owicki - Pro Bono Photos; Prescribed burn: Michael Gorman/Midpen; Fun in Fall: Nancy Weintraub; Newt crossing: Jason Saleh; Coyote: Leigh Ann Gessner/Midpen; Daniels Nature Center: Doug McConnell; Volunteer Recognition Event: Ellen Gartside; Fall hikes: Randy Weber