The Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District staff and Board are busy with many key projects that benefit the public and provide opportunities to enjoy open space.

Remembering Vince Garrod
(posted 1/24/13)

With fondness, we remember Vince Garrod-- family man, farmer, conservationist, and civic leader.

Russian Ridge Preserve: Trail Changes
(posted 1/17/13)

The following trail changes at Russian Ridge Preserve are effective immediately. Please see the Special Notice for more information.

• The trail formerly known as the Mindego Ridge Trail between Skyline Blvd. and the Mindego Hill Trail is now called the Charquin Trail.
• The lower portion of the former Mindego Ridge Trail is renamed as the
  Mindego Hill Trail.
• To protect the federally listed endangered species (the San Francisco garter snake), the final mile of the Mindego Hill Trail (formerly the Mindego Ridge Trail) is now closed to bicycle use.

El Corte de Madera Creek Preserve: Staging Area Construction Update
(posted 1/4/13)

The new staging area, originally scheduled to open in early 2013, will remain CLOSED while staff continue to work within the driveway and parking lot areas to monitor, assess, and address unforeseen drainage issues. Please visit the Preserve page for more information.

Room to Breathe is Now Available
(posted 12/6/2012)

To commemorate the fortieth anniversary of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, the District and Heyday Books have collaborated on Room to Breathe, a book of photos, paintings, and poetry depicting the natural beauty and diversity of these landscapes.

Room to Breathe: The Wild Heart of the San Francisco Peninsula is a community celebration of over 100 color photographs and paintings coupled with prose and poetry. It serves as a keepsake for those who know this land well; and for those who don’t, it will be a splendid introduction.

Room to Breathe makes a great gift for yourself and for fellow outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.The coffee table book is available for sale online, at the District Administrative Office, and at several area bookstores.

For more information, including sample page previews, please visit the Room to Breathe website: http://roomtobreathebook.com/

Closures in Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve Announced
(posted 7/22/2011; updated 1/22/13)

Since the hazardous material abatement of the former Almaden Air Force station atop Mt. Umunhum in Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve, the District has seen an increased number of trespassers.

Effective immediately, in order to protect public safety and guarantee security, we are closing some portions of Sierra Azul's Mt. Umunhum area until the site is fully remediated and secure public access can be established.

Please note that the Mt. Umunhum and Mt. Thayer areas, where remediation work is ongoing, have been designated Hazardous Closed Areas. That means anyone who trespasses into the area will be cited for a misdemeanor.

Areas that are adjacent to Mt. Umunhum and Mt. Thayer have been declared Temporary Closed Areas. Trespassers will be cited for an infraction. Please refer to the attached map for details.

Other closed areas within Sierra Azul Preserve are shown on the Preserve map.

Activities

Any time of year is a great time to enjoy nature. Find out about the variety of free Outdoor Activity adventures offered. All programs are led by volunteer docents.

Protect Valuables

Please be advised to lock your vehicle and take valuables with you on the trail. To report any incident of theft or suspicious activity, please call the 24-hour Ranger Dispatch at (650) 903-6395.