Inside this issue: A brand new animated short gives us a window into the life and of the Western snowy plover, the launch of Midpen's new volunteer trail program, innovative technology being used in wildland fire resilience work and more!
Sharing the Bay with Snowy Plovers
At first glance, the salt flats and stormwater retention basins ringing the San Francisco Bay may seem stark compared to nearby tidal marshes. But a closer look reveals movement: a sand-colored blur scurrying along the salt-crusted ground, making a distinctive “tu-wheet” call. This unassuming bird is the Western snowy plover (Anarhynchus nivosus nivosus), a federally threatened shorebird whose survival is tied to these rare habitats.
To help educate the public, Midpen has partnered with artist and naturalist Obi Kaufmann, author and illustrator of the California Field Atlas series, to spread the word about how these threatened birds survive in the Bay Area, and what people can do to help them. Read more about the plover and watch the video here.
New Volunteer Program Launches
Get your hands dirty and join the newest volunteer program at Midpen! Help assist with trail maintenance and repair efforts where you’ll play a crucial role in ensuring trails remain safe and enjoyable for all. Learn more about the program and find upcoming trail program days here.
New Chapter for
Watershed Health
Building on the successful treatment of more than 1,000 acres in the Los Gatos-Saratoga area, the Midpen and other members of the Los Gatos Creek Watershed Collaborative have just launched the next 840-acre phase of their forest health and wildland fire resilience work. Learn more about the work and new technology being used to complete the treatment here.
Midpen Grant Expands
Right Relations
A Midpen grant helped fund TOGETHER Bay Area’s Right Relations Program.
“This program is about shifting mindsets to think differently about relationships with people, the land and its original stewards,” explained TOGETHER Bay Area Executive Director Annie Burke. Learn more about the program here.
Unique Project Underway in Bear Creek Redwoods Preserve
Midpen is restoring an area of Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve that was once the manicured garden of a wealthy estate owner with native plants. The project is uniquely designed to highlight local cultural history while improving native plant habitat. Learn more about the project here.
Branching Out Springs into Action
Branching Out Adventures is a non-profit with a mission to celebrate queerness through community, education and connection to the outdoors. Their recent spring hike at Skyline Ridge Preserve was the first of five hikes as a part of Midpen’s partnership program. Learn more about the program and Branching Out 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, June 10: Board Appointee Evaluation Committee
Wed, June 11: Board of Directors
Tue, June 17: Legislative, Funding & Public Affairs Committee
Wed, June 25: 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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