Inside this issue: Mapping grassland birds, six miles of new trail open in La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve and Midpen's continued work to prevent and prepare for wildland fire.
Nature in November:
Bird Migrations are in Full Swing
Many birds undertake incredible migrations, and fall is a great time to observe migratory birds arriving to and passing through our region, a global biodiversity hotspot, as part of their annual journeys of survival.
This beautiful map created by a Midpen GIS intern, uses community science to highlight local grasslands and the birds that depend on them and help Midpen quickly see where these important grassland bird species are most frequently found. Grassland-dependent bird species are a good indicator of ecosystem health in these habitats, as they respond quickly to changes in habitat quality and are easy to monitor — even by citizen scientists.
New Trails Open Nov. 8
in La Honda Creek Preserve
The new Coho Vista, Western Meadowlark, Lone Madrone and Lonely Forest trails total 6 miles and link this vast preserve’s existing trails into one connected network while providing new access to the preserve’s central area, and to bicycles on designated trails, for the first time. Learn more here.
Nature Center Closing Soon!
The David C. Daniels Nature Center is open on a few more weekends, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., with its final day on Sunday, November 16, before it closes for the season. Each year, docents engage with thousands of visitors in this facility, which serves as a peaceful place for visitors of all ages to learn about and connect with the natural history of Alpine Pond and the surrounding Skyline Area. Learn more.
Fuel Break Enhances
Wildland Fire Protection
Crews have been working on a shaded fuel break along the Chamise Trail in Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve, a proactive measure aimed at reducing wildfire risk for the nearby community of Los Altos Hills. The project involves clearing vegetation on both sides of the trail to create a defensible buffer between residential areas and surrounding wildlands. Learn more here.
A Year of Accomplishments
As we look back on fiscal year 2025, we are grateful to staff, volunteers, members of the public and everyone we work with for all the incredible work we were able to accomplish. Midpen's Accomplishments Report outlines significant achievements in our priority program areas. Check out our Accomplishments Video for the highlights here.
Events & Activities
With 31 different docent-led guided activities this month, we can be thankful for the abundance of ways to engage in open space. Enjoy Thanksgiving and gratitude-themed hikes, join a mountain bike adventure, be scenically aerobic or search for seeds. Find details about these activities and a cornucopia of more 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.
Wed, Nov. 12: 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! We don't currently have any job openings, but check our website for future opportunities here.
Other photo credits: Header: Randy Weber; Western meadowlark: Matt Sharp Chaney; La Honda Creek Trails: Frances Freyberg; Daniels Nature Center: Ellen Tjosvold; Fuel break: Chelsea Young; Events & Activities: Karl Gohl
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