Inside this issue: More exciting news for the Highway 17 Wildlife and Trail Crossings Project, exploring the winter wonders of open space through new events and guided activities, and how Midpen is making local forests healthier.
Protecting a Pivotal Piece of the Puzzle
A Step Forward for the Highway 17 Wildlife and Trail Crossings
Is there any more satisfying feeling than putting the last piece of a difficult puzzle into place? In December, Midpen is doing just that by finalizing the purchase of a 35-acre property near the Lexington Reservoir that will become part of the existing El Sereno Open Space Preserve, and is critical to advancing the larger Highway 17 Wildlife and Trail Crossings project. Read more about the purchase and project.
Improving Access to
Midpen Preserves
Over the past several months, Midpen has been working on a series of improvements to parking areas and trails to enhance easy-access opportunities and allow more people to enjoy open space lands. Read more about the projects.
Winter Wonders
This month, climb beneath the redwood canopy on your mountain bike, stoke your inner fire with a yoga session among the oaks, or hike in the holiday spirit, whether with canine companions or to appreciate the free gifts of nature on Christmas morning. See this month's activities.
Forests for the Future
In the fall, Midpen began removing approximately 150 eucalyptus trees on a 2.5-acre site in Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve near Lexington Reservoir, beginning work to transform a landscape that was significantly altered by people back to a native forest. How will this project improve forest health?
Next Generation Ranching
New tenants are joining Midpen’s Conservation Grazing Program to help maintain and enhance coastal grasslands and the diverse plants and wildlife they support. Learn more about cattle in conservation and Midpen's unique coastal mission that includes agriculture here.
Driving Climate Action
Midpen’s board recently approved a plan to transition a fleet of more than 100 vehicles to electric and plug-in hybrid electric models by 2039. The transition is one of four main strategies Midpen is using to accomplish its Climate Action Plan, which aims to reduce the agency’s greenhouse gas emissions. Learn more about the plan.
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. Or get more hands-on by joining us for a volunteer workday.
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.
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:
You can also refer to our website openspace.org/careers for more information about working at Midpen.
Other photo credits: Header: Andrew Forster; Highway 17: Christopher Nguyen; ADA Improvements: Hima Tammineni; Winter Wonders: Emma Finter; Forest Health: Frances Freyberg; Next Generation Ranching: Lewis Reed; A New Way to Connect: Ellen Gartside; Driving Climate Action: Jack Gescheidt; Events and Activities: Rich Jarvis
