Plug Into Nature: “Midpen in August 2026”

Closeup of a California fucshia with the text “Plug into Nature: The latest news from Midpen, August 2026

Inside this issue: A fire quickly contained, rare wildlife discovered and a peek inside their lives, free guided activities galore in the preserves throughout August and more.

Nature in August: A Spiky Surprise

While surveying a recently restored area of Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve, researchers discovered a rare Blainville’s horned lizard in restored Santa Cruz kangaroo rat habitat. This sighting highlights the hidden connection between these two species and shows how habitat restoration designed for one species can benefit the entire ecosystem. Learn more here.

Photo of smoke rising from a vegetated hillside in Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve

Fire Quickly Contained

On the afternoon of Saturday, August 1, a fire was sparked in the Mt. Umunhum area of Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve. A Midpen Ranger on patrol was the first to notice and report the blaze, which burned approximately one-third of an acre before being quickly put out by a multi-agency effort. Learn more here.

Screenshot taken from the OpenRoad TV episode with a badger peeking its head out from its burrow with grassland and rolling hills in the background

Secret Lives of Rare Wildlife

A new episode of OpenRoad with Doug McConnell explores how Midpen uses science—and a little art—to understand how to best care for seldom-seen and recently discovered animals that call the open space preserves home. Catch it this Saturday at 6:30 p.m. on NBC, or watch it anytime here.

Photo of a person's hand holding a bunch of cheatgrass up against a blue sky..

Early Detection, Rapid Response

Routine monitoring helped Midpen staff detect a small patch of invasive cheatgrass before it became a much larger problem. Learn how careful management is working, and the role preserve visitors play here.

Closeup photo of a young girl looking through a magnifying glass.

Grants that Grow Conservation

Midpen has awarded nearly $314,000 in grants to seven local organizations as part of our Grantmaking Program. The funding supports research, education, stewardship and nature connection projects that align with Midpen's mission. Learn about the grantees and their projects here.

Photo of two hikers and a dog silhoutted and backlit by morning sun.

Dog Days of Summer

Did you know August is National Dog Month? Midpen offers 11 dog-friendly preserves. Before heading out with your dog, please review our dog access guidelines to ensure visitor safety, resource protection and an enjoyable experience for everyone using the trails. Learn more here.

A group of people on a docent-led hike in a Midpen preserve at sunset.

Events & Activities

During this last full month of summer, head out on free guided activities with Midpen Docent Naturalists to experience the open space preserves in a new way. An earthquake-themed bike ride, two evenings celebrating bats, and a hike without your digital devices are just a few of August’s diverse options.

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, Aug 12: Board of Directors meeting
Tues, Aug 18: Planning & Natural Resources Committee meeting
Tues, Aug 25: Legislative, Funding & Public Affairs Committee meeting
Wed, Aug 26: Board of Directors meeting

Other photo credits: Header: Karl Gohl; Lizard: Ken Hickman; Fire: Brad Pennington/Midpen; Dog: Xun Li; Grants: John Green; Grass: Lewis Reed/Midpen; Group hike: Sabra Abraham.