Inside this issue: Pallid bats make a Midpen preserve their home, the Highway 17 Crossings Project clears a key milestone, how Midpen is staying ahead of wildland fire and much more!
Nature in October:
California's State Bat Roosts at Midpen Preserve
Pallid bat at Coal Creek Open Space Preserve. (Matt Sharp Chaney/Midpen)
At Midpen, bats aren’t just a hallmark of the fall season; they’re wildlife we’re interested in protecting and supporting all year-round. The iconic red barn in Midpen’s La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve is the only known pallid bat (Antrozous pallidus) maternity roost on the Peninsula, meaning pregnant females gather here to give birth and tend their young from April through August.
Recently, Midpen biologists ventured out to the red barn at sunset to conduct a bat survey, counting each bat they saw fly out of the building, noting which opening they used and which direction they flew.
As we conclude fiscal year 2024, Midpen's Accomplishments Report outlines significant achievements in our priority program areas. Some of the highlights:
Preserved 845 more acres of open space
Implemented fire resiliency projects at eight preserves
Opened new trails at Pulgas Ridge, Russian Ridge and Coal Creek Preserves
Released Trail Explorer, an award-winning online tool to find the best trail for you.
Check out our Accomplishments Video for more achievements.
Caring for Grasslands
Mowing Project Begins in Coastal Preserves
Before (left) and after (right) mowing at Midpen's Johnston Ranch property to care for coastal grassland.
(Matthew Shapero/Midpen)
Midpen has begun a carefully timed project, in partnership with contractors and some Midpen conservation grazing tenants, to mow approximately 375 acres in coastal preserves where brush is encroaching into grasslands. Mechanical mowing is one of several land-management tools Midpen uses to enhance and care for coastal grasslands, one of the most biodiverse and rare ecosystems in North America.
Midpen has successfully completed the environmental review for its Highway 17 Wildlife and Trail Crossings project. This is a major milestone for the project that aims to to connect over 30,000 acres of protected public lands and provide safe passageways for wildlife.
This project will create a safer and more enjoyable experience for both animals and humans traveling across Highway 17 just south of Los Gatos. Learn more here.
Schematic of proposed Highway 17 wildlife undercrossing. (Midpen)
Using AI for Early Fire Detection
Visitors to Midpen’s Monte Bello Open Space Preserve may notice several new smoke-detecting devices that have recently been installed along the Bella Vista and Indian Creek trails.
The sensors are intended to detect the earliest stages of a wildland fire by monitoring weather and air quality conditions in order to provide real-time alerts to first responders. Learn more here.
New sensor installed at Monte Bello Preserve (Chris Barresi/Midpen)
Keep an Eye Out for Prop 4
On November 5, California voters will decide whether the state should continue investing in climate resilience, natural resource and wildlife conservation, and more through Proposition 4.
Funds from this $10 billion climate-focused bond may also help Midpen accomplish the preservation, restoration and public access projects identified in Midpen’s Vision Plan. Learn more here.
Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve’s parking area and trailhead located at Higgins Canyon and Purisima Creek Roads has REOPENED. Thank you for your patience while it was closed to allow the County of San Mateo finished storm damage repair work to the adjacent county road.
Multiple efforts are underway to improve sustainable public access to Purisima Creek Redwoods. Parking is extremely limited at this reopened location. Two additional parking areas provide access to Purisima Creek Redwoods Preserve from Skyline Boulevard/Highway 35. Find the details here.
Internal trail systems and connections with the surrounding Town of Portola Valley pathways
Opportunities for regional trail connections
Proposed trail uses within the Hawthorns Area
Parking area and driveway locations
The recommendations will be presented to the Portola Valley Ad Hoc Hawthorns Committee, Portola Valley Town Council and Portola Valley Planning Commission for feedback over the next several months. Midpen staff will bring the feedback and final recommendations to the board of directors in early to mid-2025.
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.
Public comments are welcome at all Midpen board meetings. You can speak for up to three minutes in-person, via Zoom or provide written comments for the board to read. Either way, get started by submitting a public comment form.
EVENTS & ACTIVITIES
Branching Out Adventures Hike at Monte Bello
Join Midpen’s newest partner, Branching Out Adventures, for a queer hike at Monte Bello Open Space Preserve on October 12 from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Participants can expect a 3-mile hike with spectacular views of the Santa Cruz Mountains, information on local ecology and the wonderful surrounding community. Find details and register here.
Upcoming 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. Catch Midpen staff and volunteers out atcommunity events to snag some goodies like stickers, pins and more! Or get more hands-on by joining us for a volunteer workday.
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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