Inside this issue: A recent land acquisition connects two iconic Santa Cruz Mountain peaks, pile burns improve wildland fire resiliency and biodiversity and two aquatic projects aim to better understand and protect local fish, reptiles and amphibians.
Peak to Peak
New Acquisition Helps Grow the Greenbelt
Recently, Midpen approved the acquisition of a property that supports the critical connection between two of the highest peaks in the Santa Cruz Mountains: Mount Umunhum and Loma Prieta. This purchase not only preserves open space, it forges a connection for wildlife and future trails high above Silicon Valley.
The property is located within Midpen’s largest preserve, Sierra Azul, and is surrounded by the preserve on three sides. Learn more here.
Good Fire in Sierra Azul
While we may be heading into winter, wildfire resilience work doesn’t stop. Midpen, in partnership with Santa Clara County Fire, is conducting pile-burn operations in a closed area of Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve. Pile burning offers several ecological advantages, including returning essential nutrients to the soil and stimulating the germination of native plant species that depend on fire to germinate. Learn more here.
Feeling Frond-ly?
While fall offers a change of leaves and remarkable shadows, winter gives a green gateway into connecting with nature through ferns. Though delicate in form, paying close, intentional attention to these feathery plants opens a portal into the profound. Several species grow in nearly all Midpen preserves, providing fern-gazing opportunities galore. Learn more here.
Pond Detectives
In several Midpen preserves, a small team of biologists and consultants have been scanning for the subtle signs of creatures that many visitors never notice. This is Midpen’s first District-wide effort to document which reptiles and amphibians live in and around the aquatic environments on Midpen lands, and to find out what that means for future restoration and planning. Learn more here.
December Guided Activities
Just because winter’s on its way doesn’t mean we have to hole up indoors! With 25 different docent-led guided activities offered this month, there’s no shortage of late fall phenomena to explore, from grasses and earliest winter blooms to watersheds, oaks and more. And what would December be without several holiday-themed hikes? See the full list here.
Creek Complexity
In and along San Gregorio Creek, ten newly installed pieces of large wood settle in to perform their intended function — increasing habitat complexity in the creek and creating a healthier environment for native fish species. These installations mark the completion of a habitat enhancement effort done in partnership with the San Mateo Resource Conservation District. Learn more here.
Events & Activities
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.
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.
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.
Tue, Dec 9: Board Appointee Evaluation Committee
Wed, Dec 10: 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! See our current job openings here.
Public Affairs Intern
Seasonal Open Space Technician
Other photo credits: Header: Bryan Lovegren; Peak to Peak: Lupe Hernandez; Good Fire: Santa Clara County Fire; Ferns: Benjamin Orcutt; Pond Detectives: Midpen; Guided Activities: Nancy Weintraub; Creek Complexity: Jackie Van Der Hout; Events & Activities: Ellen Gartside
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