Overview
Preserve Highlights & Features
Coastal Grasslands
Rich in native plants and wildlife, California's coastal grasslands evolved with herds of grazing wildlife that are no longer on the landscape, natural fires and Native American burning practices. This habitat can benefit from periodic disturbance to prevent encroachment by introduced species, shrubs and forest.
Midpen's work to protect and enhance coastal grasslands supports the management and recovery of endangered, threatened and special-status species that need grassland habitat, like the San Francisco garter snake, American badger, California red-legged frog and burrowing owl.
Historic Red Barn
Agricultural roots run deep on the Coastside. When Midpen’s boundaries expanded in 2004 to include the San Mateo County Coast, we committed to protecting that heritage.
This historic barn, originally built around 1900 by the Weeks family, has greeted travelers on Highway 84 for more than a century. Today, it is a visual gateway to the rural Coastside. It requires care to keep it standing strong against the elements. The barn hosts the only known pallid bat maternity roost on the Peninsula, and Townsend’s big-eared bats – both species of special concern.
We are currently exploring opportunities to provide public access into this central area of the preserve.
Tips for Hiking among Grazing Cattle
La Honda Creek is one of only two Midpen preserves where visitors recreate among grazing cattle. Use common sense and remember the following safety tips:
- Keep your distance and walk around groups of cows.
- Keep pedestrian gates closed and leave larger vehicle gates as you find them – open or closed.
Dog Access at La Honda Creek Preserve
Because much of La Honda Creek Preserve is actively grazed by cattle as part of our Conservation Grazing Program, dogs are allowed only in two specific areas of the preserve.
- Grasshopper Loop Trail, except from August 1 through December 15, to protect the health and safety of visitors and livestock during calving season. Learn more about seasonal dog access on the Grasshopper Loop Trail.
- All trails in upper La Honda Creek. A no-fee permit is required for access in this area. Get a permit.
Stories from the Preserves
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Know Before You Go
Preserve regulations help provide a safe, enjoyable visit while protecting sensitive areas and wildlife.
Share the Trail
Use designated trails to avoid damage to natural resources and prevent injury.
Avoid blocking the trail. Step aside to allow others to pass .
Whether you’re walking or biking, always yield to equestrians.
Leave no trace. Pack out what you pack in. Most preserves do not have trash cans. Littering is prohibited.
Abuses of trail etiquette should be brought to the attention of a ranger or call the Midpen main office at 650-691-1200.
History
Read about a slice of La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve's history before it became a Midpen preserve here, with the story of the Redwood Cabin:
La Honda Creek Open Space Preserve was established in 1984 with the purchase of a 255-acre property. Following many additional land acquisitions, the preserve now encompasses over 6,100 acres. Over 4,500 acres of these lands, including the former Driscoll Ranch, were purchased by the Peninsula Open Space Trust and transferred to Midpen to add to the preserve.
In order to manage the preserve’s rich ecological and cultural resources, and to provide opportunities for public enjoyment and education, Midpen completed a comprehensive 30-year master plan in 2012. Through this public planning process, a preserve vision was created: to harmoniously blend recreation and ranching uses for the benefit of the land, wildlife and surrounding commuting, both present and future. As part of implementation of the master plan, Midpen has completed many land stewardship projects. Five ponds were deepened and reinforced to allow threatened California red-legged frogs to breed, and encourage the endangered San Francisco garter snake to return to the preserve. Miles of ranch roads were repaired to reduce sediment flowing to Harrington, La Honda and San Gregorio creeks, which provide habitat for endangered coho salmon and threatened steelhead trout. Fences and springs were upgraded to support cattle grazing. Existing trails and staging areas were improved in Upper La Honda Creek, and a parking area was constructed on the lower preserve. More trails and a staging area near the historic Red Barn are planned, which will link the upper and lower preserve areas and provide additional recreation opportunities, including mountain bicycle use, in the near future.
Brochures and Resources
Some additional resources to help you enjoy the preserves!
